AHS Field Services Monthly Update
BURLINGTON DISTRICT
October 2011
AHS Leadership Meeting
September 19, 2011
Notes
Present: Peggy Heath, Anne McBee, Leslie Stapleton, ESD; Annie Wohland, YIT Leadership Team; Tom Rotella, OCS; Laura Parker, PCAV; Denise Lamoureux, AHS Refugee Coordinator, Heather Danis, VDH; Catherine Simonson, HowardCenter; Maura Crandall, FAHC; Lisa Falcone, UWCC; Angela Smith-Dieng, Faye Conte Hunger FreeVT; Hannah Rose, TPC; Charlie Baker, Chitt. Co. Regional Planning Comm.; Brooke Hadwyn, BPD; Janet Green, BHA; Barry Lampke, UW/Champlain Initiative; Elizabeth Dreibulbis, JUMP; Carmel Quinn, VT211; Ann Dillenbeck, Children’s Integrated Services; Jane Helmstetter, AHS Field Services.
I Welcome/Introductions/Agenda
II Statewide Recovery/Relocation Efforts
Updates were shared regarding information from FEMA, VDH and other resources addressing the recovery
efforts across the state. Although there have been some loss of property in Chittenden County due to the recent
storm, it has been minimal compared to the rest of the state. The greater impact has been on the increased traffic
in local state offices because of the decimation of the Waterbury complex which housed most of the AHS
central office Staff. Relocation of these staff members is ongoing; it appears many will wind up in Chittenden
County. As soon as the site list is confirmed, Field Services will send it out to partners. This office will also
continue to send out storm related information including the latest long term recovery efforts. Given the length
of these files, they will be send in a separate attachment with the regular AHS monthly update and again every 2
weeks. The AHS website is available for some updates as well http://humanservices.vermont.gov/
III DCF/Economic Services/OCS/Benefits Update
One of the biggest impacts of the storm and consequent destruction of the Waterbury Complex, was a change in
the flow of service provision through Economic Services and an extensive increase in the traffic in local offices.
This was most pronounced in the Burlington District. Anne, Peggy and Leslie shared both data and strategies
for accessing services and a request for support from our partners. Until the Call Center and Documentation
Center are back on line, ESD has gone back to using a geographic distribution of the workload – from a
statewide process – which translates into a significant change for the Burlington Office. Approximately 23%of
the statewide workload is located in Chittenden County. During this peak change, there are 1600 – 2200 calls
being fielded in Burlington daily. Some of the electronic system is back up and document scanning is once
again in place, but there is a significant backlog and the center is slowly catching up. The Call Center has been
re-established at 108 Hurricane Lane in Williston. Phone calls to Burlington ESD will be integrated there on
Wed., Sept. 28th if the network remains stable. The Documentation Center is currently in temporary quarters in
Middlesex and will be moving to Williston soon. The Central Office for the Department for Children and
Families – including ESD – is temporarily housed in Williston with plans to move to the IBM Complex in
Essex Jct. shortly. Patience is most appreciated as ESD strives to get caught up – clients are asked to stop in to
the local offices or to call the call center (1-800-479-6151) for information regarding their applications and
benefits. If documents were sent to the office on August 24 – 26, it should be assumed they were destroyed in
the flooding and should be resubmitted. All requests for Emergency Housing continue to be processed through
the Community Action Office on North Street.
Tom Rotella reported on the impact of the flood on the Office of Child Support operations. The Call Center in
Waterbury did shut down and has also been relocated to Williston. Clients are encouraged to call their local
OCS Office for information. Because most of the staff were able to retrieve their computers and Gov.Net
allowed them to continue to access accounts, only one day of processing was missed and field offices have been
picking up the overflow of caseloads. OCS will ultimately be relocated to the IBM Plant in Essex Jct. as well.
Work at the Courts was also able to continue using laptops and processing of cases is back on schedule with
minor delays.
IV Flood Related Updates from Partners
· Carmel reported for VT211 stating they have received over 2000 flood reports and they are still taking calls. She encouraged folks to make sure their clients are calling 211 if they have questions about registering for FEMA support. At the peak of the event, 211 was receiving 5000 calss daily. They are working with the volunteer efforts of VOAD and fielding calls about cash assistance, benefits and emergency housing.
· Heather provided an update from the Health Dept. which included a strong message about safety and some of the hazardous materials surrounding the clean-up. Over 100 water testing kits have been distributed statewide – those with private wells are encouraged to check this as many tests have come back showing significant contamination. Personal Protective Equipment kits are also available statewide through local VDH Offices (masks, gloves, etc.) to assist with safe recovery efforts. VDH sent out a strong message to keep anyone under the age of 18 away from the frontline of the clean-up effort and to find other outlets for their volunteerism. Also – for anyone needing WIC benefits as a direct result of the flooding are entitled to an expedited enrollment process. Information on this and other Flood/Health related issues can be found at the VDH website. HealthVermont.gov
V. ECOS – Environment/Community/Opportunity/Sustainability
Charlie Baker, Ex. Director for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, provided a brief presentation on the ECOS Project and then fielded questions from the group for clarification and access to participation. ECOS is a 3 year federally funded initiative that will bring together all 11 municipalities in Chittenden County to look broadly at regional planning efforts. The Project is one of 40 throughout the country, funded with a $1 million grant from HUD, co-sponsored by EPA and DOT. It is an attempt to break down funding silos by bringing together partners from many disciplines and communities to develop a long range goals, data analysis, indicators and priorities for the region that will address both development and wellness. It is a huge undertaking involving 60+ partners and lots of opportunity for all community members to participate.
To that end, Charlie shared the latest newsletter which can be accessed via the website www.ecosproject.com and invited folks to several upcoming events:
· Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6 – 8 PM Community Forum at Champlain Senior Center, 214 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington
· Thursday, Sept. 29, 6 – 8 PM Community Forum at Williston Town Hall 1700 Williston Rd., Williston
· Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 – 8 PM ECOS Speaker Series (in concert with Burlington Legacy Project) Hilary Heisman speaking on the Connection Between Planning and Public Health.
VI Community Partner Updates
· Janet Green reminded the group that there are still Family Unification Housing Vouchers available to families who qualify for this resource and that referrals can come from a number of service providers including Family Services, Reach Up, WHBW, COTS, Lund Center and Spectrum. She can be contacted for more information at
· Denise Lamoureux shared that the next RISPNet meeting will be on Oct. 6 at 9:30 am at Fletcher Free Library and that all are welcomed. There has been some concern raised lately regarding refugees who resettle in other parts of the country and then in-migrate to the Burlington area. This happens as well, with other groups who leave Burlington for other parts of the country after their initial resettlement here. Currently we do not have an effective process for tracking these changes and much data is anecdotal. Better data could result in more resources for the services needed. One of the biggest challenges with in-migration is often the disconnect with the local resettlement program and refugee services.
Next AHS Leadership Meeting
TBA
I will send out a separate notice for this meeting.
Some Notes of Interest….
Deadline Approaching for Public Assistance Disaster Fund Applications
WATERBURY, VT – It has been nearly one month since President Barack Obama signed an emergency disaster declaration for all counties but one in Vermont. Grand Isle was later added to the declaration making all cities and towns in Vermont eligible to receive 75% reimbursement for eligible response repair, and cleanup costs.
By law, those who are eligible for funds MUST submit a request for public assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency within 30 days of the declaration: That deadline is October 1, 2011. This deadline applies to ALL Vermont counties EXCEPT Grand Isle, which will face a deadline later in October.
Communities, certain non-profits, and publicly owned utilities in the declared counties can put in claims for things like overtime paid for storm cleanup, public infrastructure damage, contractors, equipment rentals, fuel for those rentals and other publicly owned equipment used for cleanup or repairs, and any other costs above and beyond normal operating expenses.
Your regional planning commission, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and PA specialists from FEMA can help with the application process, but it must be completed by the deadline of October 1st.
For more information, please call Alec Portalupi at the Vermont Agency of Transportation at 802-828-3889; or Gary Schelley of VTrans at (802) 828-0425.
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Building Bright Futures of Chittenden County (BBFCC) Regional Director Contracted Position
Building Bright Futures of Chittenden County seeks a dynamic leader with strong verbal and written communication skills to direct the work of its Regional Council. A background in early childhood development, education, and services is desired.
Description: Building Bright Futures is Vermont’s overall approach to supporting our youngest children, age birth through six, to assure that they are safe, healthy and successful. It is implemented through a State Council and 12 Regional Councils. The BBFCC Regional Director supports and coordinates the work of the BBFCC Council, and is its representative. The Regional Director informs Chittenden County stakeholders about early childhood system building efforts and mobilizes their participation in those efforts. Finally, the Regional Director serves as a liaison between the BBF State Council and the Regional BBFCC Council.
Contract Period: 46 weeks between October 2011 and June 2012
Hours: 8 – 10 hours/week
Location: Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, Colchester VT
Supervision: Building Bright Futures Council of Chittenden County Steering Committee
Contractor: Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS)
To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and three references to by September 20, 2011.
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INVITATION -- OCTOBER 28, 2011 -- 10am - Noon, Conference Room 3B, 108 Cherry, Burlington, VT
The Vermont Department of Health, Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Programs invites you to attend a presentation and discussion about the use of Vivitrol for Substance Abuse Treatment.
Topics to be covered include:
* research/background about Vivitrol & its uses,
* current applications for substance abuse treatment, focus on opiate dependent patients
* projects going on in various states, focus on corrections population and others
* discussion with research experts about implementation issues
Feel free to invite a colleague or suggest others who might be interested in attending. Please RSVP to: Ann-Marie Silva at
Questions -- 802-951-1258
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FREE CLASS
Terrific Toddlers
A free educational offering
About the Class
Toddlers are terrific! This workshop will focus on caring for your children through the toddler years. Class content will address nutritional needs, behavioral strategies for those “challenging” moments, and advice on handling the occasional temper tantrum.
WHEN Saturday, October 1, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
WHERE O’Brien Community Center, Winooski
This educational offering is led by Lewis First, MD and Mary Lee Ritter, PNP of Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care.
HOW TO REGISTER
Pre-registration is required. Please visit www.FletcherAllen.org/Healthsource or call 847-2278.
Please check out the other class offerings online. FREE onsite parking available for all classes!
www.FletcherAllen.org
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Holiday assistance
sign ups!
Joseph's House 113 Elmwood Ave Burlington, VT
802-951-4290
Thanksgiving sign ups:
Monday, October10
1-3 & 5-7pm
Christmas sign ups:
Monday, October 17th
1-3 & 5-7pm
** Make sure to bring:
- Picture ID
- Social Security numbers for
Every person in your household
*** (If you are a parishioner of Saint Joseph's and are in need of holiday
assistance please call Chelsea Beauregard @ 951.4290)
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Veterans Career Fair
Thursday, November 10, 2011
9:00am - 1:00pm
Holiday Inn, 1068 Williston Rd., So Burlington
Hosted by Your Veteran Employment Representatives, Department of Labor, and State of Vermont.
Who can attend the Job fair? Open to Any Veteran and the General Public.
Bring your resume and meet with area employers. Unlike other fairs that are
profit-driven, our main concern is connecting skilled and qualified job seekers
with employment opportunities that local companies have to offer. Event is in
honor of and to support our home town heroes - Our own Vermont Veterans for
Veterans Day.
What is the dress code? It is recommended that you that you dress
professionally. First impressions do matter:
Men: suit, blazer, suit jacket or collar shirt and tie and slacks
Women: pants suit, blazer and skirt, or suit
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The Transitional Jobs Program at Vermont Works for Women is recruiting for its 15th class! This class will start on October 24th and runs for 8 weeks.
We plan to conduct orientations and interviews in the next several weeks.
**Please note: anyone who was referred before we postponed the start of TJ15 will be called and scheduled for either an orientation or an interview. **
We are looking for women who are in transition – returning to the community from incarceration and/or who are on state assistance (Reach Up, Food Stamps, etc.) and need to transition to work. They might have a poor/short job history or gaps in their job history; however, they do have their childcare, housing and transportation plans in place or close to being so. Lastly, they should be willing to commit to 8 weeks of class time, which includes: being on time, communicating with program coordinators, following through with tasks and complying with the requirements of the program.