February Minutes

Collaborative Meeting Minutes

February 24, 2011  –  1:00 – 2:30 pm

Lakewood Family Y.M.C.A.

Our Mission:

“The Lakewood Family Collaborative is a group of agencies, organizations and concerned individuals working together to make sure a network of services and supports are available and accessible to children, youth and families.”

2011 Focus – “Building and strengthening relationships in order to increase participation

for the betterment of Lakewood families and the community.”

 

All were welcomed by Bruce Chamberlin and asked to tell something awesome that they bring to the community.  A few of the responses included working with families; hunger relief and neighbor support; this group making a difference; sense of dedication to help people connect and get help; past experience; willingness to help; passion for working with families in the community; resources; working on getting the information out; help and support to one kid at a time; enthusiasm and passion to create solutions; bringing Collab to the City and advocacy work; addressing hardships; being optimistic with kids; amplify good deeds of people in community; knowledge of resources; personal history of what has been done to help people; taking a pro active approach in community.

 

Collaborative Spotlight & Discussion

Bryan Kessler, Program Director, Opportunity House in Garfield Heights which is a permanent supportive housing program that targets 18 to 24 year old homeless males who have aged out of foster care and have a diagnosed disability.   These males must pass a drug test, go to work or school 20 hours a week, have mandatory case management, pay rent of 30% of their income (they get financial assistance – minimum of $50 a month). They are accepting referrals from all areas.

Table discussion followed wherein members were asked to imagine themselves as 18 and homeless…what would you want?  Responses included job and training skills; a place to sleep; informal support (friends, faith based, like-minded); food; need to know where to go; independence; cell phone; bus pass; someone to end the chaos; a sense of family; encouragement and expectations; opportunity to interact with peers; respect; point of direction; stability in mentoring.

Lakewood Collab By-Laws – Copies of the by-laws were distributed for members to peruse.  These will also be sent out in the newsletter and voted on in March.  A slate of officers will be available by April.  The new Leadership Team will be voted on in May.

 

County Corner – Update

• Deb Forkas’ last day is March 14^th A search committee is being set up and interviews will take place in the next two weeks.  No interim director has been assigned.
• RFPs are being written for F2F grants and will be out by June.  This process will be highly competitive this time around.

 

Positive Education Program presentation by Ann Ganin introducing a new project at DCFS involving early childhood (0 – 5) with mental health concerns for which they need referrals.  They must have a DCFS worker, mental health issues (aggression, anger, parent/peer relationships, in-home counseling for kids 0-5).  Service is immediate.

Committee Reports –

Adoption/Foster Care – The first quarterly meeting of this committee will be in March.  Plans are to refine the same events as in 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

Job Seekers – The job searching skills and personal career/job search coaching has been a success was it was when first offered.  People can also call Tri-C to avail themselves of these services.

 

Education/School Supplies – Committee is meeting next week.  Focus this year is specific to needs of middle and high school students.

 

Membership – Attendees who have not filled out the membership form were requested to do so.

 

ASIA/Drug Free Communities – Moving forward with grant to be submitted in March.  There is a Westshore Young Leaders program through WEB centered around creating a leadership group from each school and promoting events.

 

Announcements/Updates – Lakewood Community Relations Committee’s Diversity Potluck was very successful.

 

• Next meeting is March 24^th at the Lakewood Family Y.M.C.A. 2^nd Floor meeting room from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

THANK YOU for building and growing with us!

The Lakewood Family Collaborative

Usually meets the fourth Thursday of each month, 1:00 – 2:30 pm,

at the Lakewood Family YMCA, 16915 Detroit Avenue.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend, so please spread the word!

·          “LIKE” us on Facebook – “Lakewood Family Collaborative”

·          Check us out on the Observation Deck of the Lakewood Observer

• Follow our monthly eNewsletter – subscribe @ lakewoodfamilycollab@gmail.com

January Lakewood Collab Minutes

Lakewood Family Collaborative

Collaborative Meeting Minutes

January 27, 2011

Lakewood Public Library

1:00 – 2:30 pm

Our Mission:

“The Lakewood Family Collaborative is a group of agencies, organizations and concerned individuals working together to make sure a network of services and supports are available and accessible to children, youth and families.”

2011 Focus – “Building and strengthening relationships in order to increase participation

for the betterment of Lakewood families and the community.”

 

All were welcomed by Bruce Chamberlin in Mary’s absence.

Collaborative Spotlight & Discussion

• Dr. Henry Ng, Clinical Director of MetroHealth Medical Center’s Pride Clinic located at The Thomas E. McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Ave., Cleveland.  The Pride Clinic opened in April of 2007, serving the health needs of the LGBT community, however, anyone can receive care, however appointments are needed.  The question of where to refer clients was raised and they may be referred to the LGBT Center (651-LGBT).  The Pride Clinic is planning to open an office in Lakewood with the deadline of April of 2011.  A brief discussion followed on how to broach this subject with someone and then discreetly refer them.
• Lakewood Observer Publisher, Jim O’Bryan, and Mel Page presented the history and an overview of both the paper and online newspapers.  Maneuvering the site, listing on the Community Calendar, registering to submit stories or add to the online discussion on the Observation Deck, and classified ads were among the areas covered.

Committee Reports – Due to the Spotlight presentations going longer than expected and technical problems that caused a delay in starting the meeting, Committee Reports and Updates were tabled.

 

JOB SEEKERS
Cuyahoga Community College will be facilitating job searching skills workshops once again in Lakewood.  The dates are Tuesdays; February 1, 8. 15. 22 from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Lakewood Library Main Branch (Multi-Purpose Room).  Also tying into this, personal career/job search coaching will be offered on Fridays.  An appointment is needed to see one of the Tri-C professionals on Fridays (Feb 4, 11, 18 and 25) between 1pm-4pm.

Updates – Lakewood Community Relations Committee’s Diversity Potluck will be tonight at the Women’s Pavilion from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m.

 

• Next meeting is February 24^th at the Lakewood Family Y.M.C.A. 2^nd Floor meeting room from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

THANK YOU for building and growing with us!

The Lakewood Family Collaborative

Usually meets the fourth Thursday of each month, 1:00 – 2:30 pm,

at the Lakewood Family YMCA, 16915 Detroit Avenue.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend, so please spread the word!

·          “LIKE” us on Facebook – “Lakewood Family Collaborative”

·          Check us out on the Observation Deck of the Lakewood Observer

• Follow our monthly eNewsletter – subscribe @ lakewoodfamilycollab@gmail.com

Interfaith Hospitality Network

Interfaith Hospitality Network is a homeless shelter program for families. We bring the faith and civic
communities together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. IHN quickly
stabilizes guest families in our family-friendly shelter network, works to rapidly re-house the family, and
provides intensive case management and supportive services during and after the guest family’s stay to
address the causes of their homelessness and empower the family for long-term success.

IHN also offers an opportunity for volunteers to reduce homelessness and transform lives. IHN’s evening and
overnight shelter network is 80+ congregations strong! Churches, synagogues, and community organizations
open their doors to up to four families at a time, for a week at a time. Most host IHN families 2-4 weeks
each year. Classrooms or fellowship halls are transformed into private sleeping quarters and families have
meals, evening activities, and receive companionship and support from trained volunteers. IHN provides all
transportation to and from the host sites.

The network enables IHN to provide family-friendly shelter in a caring, dignified environment where homeless
families are welcomed as guests. The IHN shelter model is economical, as well, and relies on the in-kind time
and donations of volunteers. It also provides Cleveland’s caring community with a way to help homeless
families in a direct and meaningful way.

IHN currently has weeks available in our 2011 hosting calendar for a few new congregations to join
our Network. If you know of a congregation who might be interested in becoming a host or support
congregation call Sarah Cruise, Executive Director at 216-325-1385 and see our website for more information:
http://www.ihncleveland.org. Look under “Get Involved”.

Lakewood Family Collaborative By-Laws

Bylaws of The Lakewood Family Collaborative

Article I: Name and Purpose.

Section 1: The name of the organization shall be The Lakewood Family Collaborative also referred to as the Collaborative.

Section 2: The Collaborative is a network of organizations, businesses, agencies, and dedicated individuals working together to enable children, youth, and families to thrive and be successful members of the Lakewood community.

 

 

Article II. Membership

Section 1: In order to become a member of the Collaborative potential members will submit a completed membership form to the Leadership Team who will provide final approval on all submissions.

 

Section 2: Members of the Collaborative have the following rights and responsibilities:

• All organization/business members will have a primary contact person who will be responsible for submitting information to the Collaborative and dispersing Collaborative information to their organization/business associates.
• Members will update contact information annually and as needed.
• Members will be included in the Collaborative membership directory.
• Members will receive and may contribute content to the Collaborative monthly e-newsletter.
• Members may attend and share information at the regular Collaborative meetings.
• Members may participate in committees.

Article III. Collaborative Meetings

The Collaborative will hold at least ten (10) regular general meetings per year.

Article IV. Collaborative Leadership

Section 1:  The governing body of the Collaborative is the Leadership Team.  The Leadership Team shall have up to eleven and not fewer than seven members. The purpose of the Leadership Team is to: provide vision, direction and coordination for short term and long term planning/strategies; provide the structure and governance for the Collaborative; develop and implement an effective strategy of internal and external communication.

 

Section 2: The Leadership Team Composition.

• Chair – proposes agendas and facilitates Collaborative and Leadership team meetings, guides Leadership Team in establishing goals, policies and protocols.  Chair will live and/or work in Lakewood.
• First Vice Chair – Supports and acts as liaison to committee chairs, recommends/plans programs for monthly Collaborative meeting, fulfills the duties of the chair in his/her absence; timekeeper for all meetings.
• Second Vice Chair-Membership:  Maintains and updates membership roster and contact information, including membership application, processes communication with membership, conducts outreach and engagement of members; responsible for planning annual membership meeting.
• Secretary – Records minutes of Leadership Team and Collaborative meetings; provides copies of minutes to membership and Leadership Team, processes other related communication for the Collaborative as required.
• At-Large Members – Attend all Leadership Team meetings and participate in activities.
• Ex-Officio Department of Human Services/Division of Youth Representative – Liaison between the City and the Collaborative.
• Committee Chairs – Chairs can but do not have to be members of Leadership Team. They communicate committee goals via the Leadership Team; recruit committee members from Collaborative membership and/or the Lakewood Community; set time lines; report to Leadership Team and Collaborative members; contribute information to the Collaborative newsletter.

 

Section 3: Leadership Team Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Leadership Team shall be held with the date and time to be fixed by the Leadership Team at its first meeting of the year.

The Leadership Team shall hold at least ten (10) meetings with one meeting held as a retreat planning session.

 

Article V. Nominations, Elections and Terms

 

Section 1:  Leadership Team members will be chosen in the following manner:

• A nominating committee composed of five current Collaborative members, three appointed by the Leadership Team and two appointed by the general membership will be formed in February of each year.
• The nominating committee will prepare a slate of candidates from the general membership by the April Leadership Team Meeting for approval.  The slate of candidates must be approved by a quorum of the Leadership Team.
• The approved slate will be issued to the general membership at the regular April meeting and announced in the May e-newsletter.
• The officers will be elected at the May Collaborative meeting by a simple majority of the general membership present at the meeting.
• All Leadership Team members shall serve two year staggered terms as determined by the standing Leadership Team. Individuals must wait one year or term prior to being eligible for re-election for the same position.

Section 2: Each Leadership Team member and officer shall serve a term of two years.  Terms will be staggered to ensure continuity of leadership.

 

Section 3:  Resignations and Termination. Resignations from the Leadership Team will be provided in writing or by email to the Chair.  The Leadership Team may review and discuss a member’s future participation on the Leadership Team.

 

Section 4:  At least two-thirds (2/3) of the Leadership Team members must be present to conduct a vote.

Article VI. Committees

The Leadership Team may create such standing and special committees as it may deem necessary to promote the purposes and carry on the work of the Collaborative.

 

Article IV: Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern this Collaborative Election of officers and group decisions will be determined by a simple majority vote of those members in attendance at the Collaborative meeting.

 

 

Article VII—Amendments

Section 1: These bylaws may be amended at any regular general meeting of the Collaborative by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. Notice of proposed amendments must have been provided to the membership thirty days prior to the meeting.

 

Section 2: The Leadership Team may appoint a committee to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the existing bylaws only by a majority vote at a meeting of the Collaborative or by a two-thirds vote of the Board.  The requirement for adoption of a revised set of bylaws shall be the same as in the case of an amendment.

 

 

These bylaws were approved at a meeting of the Lakewood Family Collaborative at a General

 

Membership meeting on ____________________

(Date)

 

MyMedia Project

MyMedia Project Seeks Youth Reporters

The MyCom youth network (www.mycom.net) is launching an exciting new project called MyMedia. 20 young people will be selected to receive training on how to tell stories and report neighborhood news that matters to youth, through media outlets like blogs, podcasts, video broadcasts, writing, and presentations.

The youth reporters will commit to a 10-week training program that will expose them to new information, ideas, and local experts in the world of media.

This opportunity ibetss open to young people who are:

– between the ages of 12 to 16;
– residents of Cuyahoga County;
– able to commit between 5-10 hours a week for 10 weeks for training;
– ready to stay involved in efforts for youth, and become a voice for their community!

Visit mycom.net for the application kit. Complete and return it by February 25, 2011.

Foster Care & Adoption Awareness Committee

The Foster Care & Adoption Awareness Committee will be holding its quarterly committee meeting in February.  For more information or to join this committee contact Colleen McNamara at Colleen.McNamara@lakewoodoh.net.

School Supplies Committee

Here is a quick update.

We have decided to call ourselves the Lakewood School Supplies Initiative.

Our next meeting is April 6, 10am at the Division of Youth in Lakewood.

 

If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Karen Lee at kmlee@att.net.

 

Membership & Hospitality Committee

Hello All,

We would love to have a few more Collab members on the Membership & Hospitality Committee.  We are planning our next meeting in February in which we will be discussing the end of year party in June and the new Membership Directory.  To join just email Kristine at lakewoodfamilycollab@gmail.com.  Thanks!