Kern County Network for Children

General Collaborative Meeting Minutes

June 21, 2012

The June 21, 2012 meeting of the Kern County General Collaborative was called to order at approximately 8:30 AM at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Building, 1300 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA.

I.  Welcome

Kim Silva called the meeting to order welcoming those in attendance.

II.  Kern Cares Theme: Water Safety – Sean Collins, Kern County Fire Department Public Information Officer

Sean Collins gave an overview on Water Safety. There have been 3 drownings so far in 2012. In 2011 there were 77 near drownings and 15 deaths. A drowning can happen in seconds and typically occurs when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse in supervision. A child can drown in just a few inches of water—within seconds—often without any splashing or screaming. For more information on Water Safety visit the Kern Cares website at kerncares.org.

III.  Community Wellness Program - Josefina Robles, Mercy & Memorial Hospital - Dignity Health

Josefina Robles provided a power point presentation on three programs Community Wellness Program, Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes and Empowerment. The Community Wellness Program provides free health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body composition) in community clinics held monthly throughout the county. Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes is a 45 minute six week program that meets once a week. The program helps children choose healthy food options. Empowerment is a six week diabetes self-management program that provides knowledge and tools to live a healthy and productive life with diabetes. For more information on these programs call (661) 323-3032 or visit choosemercymemorial.org.

IV.  The State of Control in Kern County - Nesele M. Nsuangani, Kern County Public Health Department

Nesele Nsuangani provided a power point presentation on the State of Control in Kern County. The purpose of the State of Control in Kern County is to stop tobacco sales to youth and restrict youth easy access to tobacco products. For more information contact Nesele Nsuangani at (661) 862-8751 or by e-mail .

V.  What Happen When Good People Get Involved - Lisa Elzy Watson, LightWave Education

Lisa Elzy Watson provided a power point presentation and a video on LightWave Education Freedom School. Children attend a summer literacy and leadership program that guides them to discover their personal gifts and talents and inspires them to fully express as caring and contributing community members. For more information call (661) 381-7644 or visit lightwaveeducation.org.

VI.  Community Announcements

Community announcements were given by some collaborative members. Announcements that were submitted are attached below.

VII. Adjourn

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!

Next Collaborative Meeting:

Thursday, July 19, 2012

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Larry E. Reider Education Center – 2000 K Street, Bakersfield, CA

Room US-101

General Collaborative Announcements

June 21, 2012

Ø  Aloha Jammin Island Hula & Property Management Services Inc.: Will be hosting their 2nd annual SUMMER LUAU to benefit foster children, Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Bakersfield Eagles, 1718 17th Street. A traditional luau dinner will be served 5-7pm with entertainment followed by a dance from 7 pm - 10 pm. The donation is $25 for the dinner/dance or $10 for the dance only. Awards and presentations will be given during dinner with a 50/50, raffle, vendors, and loads of fun! NOTE: Early-Bird Dinner/Dance tickets available for $20. For tickets please contact Opal Morland (661) 345-2626.

Ø  Stepping Stones Youth Development Program: We meet every Thursday from 6 - 7 pm at the Madison Place. The program is geared to all young men and women 14 to 18, highlighting topics that will develop personal growth, job search / vocational assistance, education/tutoring, as well as etiquette and social skills, counseling, communication skills and more!!! I will forward a flyer, but for now, please have interested students contact: Andrea Caldwell, (661)900-2957, (661)631-6351, or Gloria Morales (661) 398-9161.

Ø  Independent Living of Kern County: invites veterans to hear Dr. Rene Quispe’s empowering discussion for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress. The local doctor and world renowned speaker will provide helpful tools for living in optimum wellness – with the challenges of PTSD. The event will be held Monday, June 25th, at 6 pm at ILC’s offices: 5251 Office Park Drive Suite 200. Veterans Services, the Veterans Foundation, and the Bakersfield Vet Center will also be our special guests to provide resource information. The event is free and space is limited so please RSVP to 661-325-1063 or . Sponsored by Pacific Health and Education Center. For more information contact Christine Lollar at 661-325-1063 or .

Ø  Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County: Has been named a finalist in Toyota’s 2012 100 Cars for Good from more than 4,000 applications nationwide. Each day five non-profits are up for vote at www.100carsforgood.com the organization with the most votes at the end of each day will win one of six Toyota models. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County will be posted on www.100carsforgood.com on July 4th - please log on and give them your vote!