Peak to Peak Human Services Task Force

Peak to Peak Human Services Task Force

Minutes of August 27, 2014, meeting

The meeting was called to order at 9:07 by Janette Taylor.

Present: Amy E. Hardy, Foothills United Way; Alex Antonucci, Peak to Peak Counseling; Chris Current, Nederland Food Pantry; Ressa Lively-Smith, Nederland Food Pantry; Joyce Fankhouser, BCHHS; Keith Carr, BCAAA; Serene Karplus, Nederland Area Seniors; Denny M. Dalpez; Nederland Area Seniors, BOCO Aging Advisory Council; Atashnaa Medicine Shield, Peak to Peak Housing; Janaki LeFils, Senior Reach, Marnie Copeland, Teens, Inc.; Hansen Wendlandt, Nederland Community Presbyterian Church; Bob D’Alessandro, Via Mobility Services; Regis Lindsey, Boulder County Care Connect; Dawn Baumhover, Town of Nederland; Janette Taylor, facilitator; Susan Gerhart, recorder.

Introductions

Janette introduced Janaki LeFils of Senior Reach and Susan Gerhart who will be taking notes of the meeting.

Announcements

Denny: The Nederland Area Seniors are hosting the Boulder County Agency on Aging at the Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 5, 9AM – noon.

Janette: The EFAA is distributing Thanksgiving boxes on Saturday, November 15, at the Community Center. The community Thanksgiving dinner is on Sunday, November 16. Janette has asked for an EFAA representative in Nederland and was told that someone must volunteer to staff the position.

Atashnaa: The community housing survey results will be finalized in two weeks at which time, it will be presented to the community and the Nederland Board of Trustees.

Serene: The Seniors are hosting a pancake breakfast at the community center on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21. Hours are 8AM – 11AM.

Alex: Interns are being organized to form area groups on various topics of psychological interest to the community.

Reports

Janaki explained the Senior Reach is a volunteer-staffed, grant-funded free outreach service offering psychological counseling services for Boulder County seniors. Services are limited to twelve sessions where seniors’ needs are assessed and relevant services obtained. They serve the five-county area of the Front Range.

Amy announced that she is the interim chair of the Intermountain Alliance. The Colorado State Recovery Office will address the issue of radio repeaters for mountain communities to be used in emergencies.

Bob reported on the previous Thursday operation of the Climb, few riders and no free coupon use. It costs $75/hour to run the shuttle. They are looking for funding and for drivers. Marnie suggested better marketing. Janette pointed out that there must have been coupon use, as she handed coupons to several riders and watched them use them. Bob will check on that.

Alex said that there will be some changes to intern staff at Peak to Peak Counseling with the start of school, and that the interns are going to start several counseling/education groups in town over the next several months.

Hansen reported that the area homeless people are suffering more than in the past with the number of serious issues on the rise. The Socks and Sandwiches program was a success with few problems. He suggested a Laundromat day next year to help. Atashnaa suggested showers. Amy said that a long-term solution for the homeless should be a priority with outreach to those living outdoors.

Old Business

Janette said that 500 copies of the Peak to Peak 2014, Where to Get Help Guide, will be distributed in the Nederland area, Ward, and Gilpin County. The second edition will include Senior Reach. Dawn volunteered to make the Guide easier to find on the Town’s website.

Amy reported that the Health Committee has not yet met. They are still trying to put together all the resources for health care in the area.

New Business

Janette asked that the committee reassess its goals for the next six months. Janette also asked if monthly meetings are useful to the members and their organizations.

Amy said that the meetings are useful as a gathering of human services providers in the area. Boulder County can get information from this group.

Janette asked if all groups are represented,, and members noted especially that there are no representatives from preschools and elementary schools.

Hansen said that the new Town Marshall wants information on resources for people in trouble.

Serene noted that absence of Calvary Chapel from the committee.

Amy and Jocelyn spoke of the necessity of emergency preparedness for mountain communities.

Janette asked if someone else would like to be the committee facilitator.

The next meeting will be September 24, 9AM, at the community center.

The meeting adjourned at 11:05.