HomeMy Public PortalAboutHuman Serv 2017-02-06 Town of Orleans
Human Services Committee 11Ri ERfic TaIN f_ERK
Minutes February 6,2017
10:OOam Tonset Room FEB Town Ie l
own Hall `Ff
Present: Tessa English, Ph.D.; Ellen Faherty, Ph.D., Mary Lyttle, Chair; Nancy Shactman, M.A.; Robert
P.Singer, Ph.D.,Secretary
Absent: Myra Suchenicz,Administrator
Guest: David M.Dunford, Liaison to Board of Selectmen
Mary opened the meeting at 10:05.The minutes of January 30, 2017 with corrections were approved.
Tessa called South Coast Legal Services they get referrals from other agencies whose clients need
legal services. They meet for one hour per month at the Senior Center. She spoke to Attorney
Raymond Yox. The project has about 36 clients from Orleans and generally charge about$70.00 per
hour with an adjustable scale.
The Director of"BigBros/BigSis", J.R. Mell,joined us about 10:40. He has been in the position a little
over a year but had been a BigBro for about 12 years.The program is set up to develop a one-on-one
relationship and is especially helpful in single parent households where they serve as role models.
They currently are serving 350 children on Cape Cod and 7 in Orleans. They see the children 2-3
times per month. The program is school-based and referrals may come from guidance departments,
grandparents, etc. The biggest challenge is to recruit mentors. The Barnstable police department is
very helpful in befriending children. They are also doing a search on-line and in print media. They
do CORI background checks- both state and nationwide, home visits, check on safety and abuse
issues, safety for the mentor, 1 1/2 hour interviews with the mentor, and three references are
needed. The local chapter is part of a national organization and has been on the Cape since 1974.
Their main offices are on Main Street in Hyannis.The interview lasted approximately 45 minutes.
At this time Selectman David Dunford left the meeting but wished to be informed of future meetings.
After a 10 minute hiatus Serena Kilawee of the "Orleans After School" program joined us. She has
been head of the program for 17 years.There are 95 students enrolled in the program that goes from
2:00 to 5:30.Activities include doing homework, arts and crafts, socialization and conflict resolution
training, outside activities, gardening, etc and generally meet in the cafeteria or gymnasium of the
elementary school. They have to follow state guidelines especially to ensure safety. 85% of the class
must have working parents. The nature of the application process is very specific and parents are
turned away if they don't meet certain guidelines. Tuition is $18.00 per day and can go up to $20.00
per day. There are also scholarships if parents are ill or have disabilities. Parents can also get
vouchers from the state that pays$16.40 per day.Siblings get a priority.
There are 7 staff, 52 children active. Staff is "medication trained" since there are no nurses.The staff
must meet state standards (e.g. mandating reporter) and go for training each year in continuing
education and CPR.Safety of the children is the highest priority of the program. (Serena made it clear
that "The children come first!") During vacations the program runs from 8:00 to 5:30. They have
movies,swimming at Willy's,and a "Pajama Day"that the children love.
The Masons have a program called "The Angel Fund" that provides food, clothing, etc. for the poorer
children.
Next meeting February 24, 2017. Cynthia Stead of Sight Loss Services is on calendar for 11:00am.
Meeting closed at 12:50am.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert P. Singer,Secretary