Working Together

Lackawanna County

Interagency Council

Met at: Salvation Army

On:  February 16, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chris Davis, President.

 22 members were present:  Chris Davis, Mickey McConnon, Nancy Kilmer, Jane Oswald, Suzanne Lesniewski, Carolyn Tugend, Cheryl Rutkowski, Marie Tierney, Sue Conrad, Jim Martin, Jim Pusateri, Jim Simonceli, Vikki Crosby, Evie Vitali, Olga Harper, Jim Festa, Marge Suarez, Sr. Ann Walsh, Janice Lamm, Leslie Bullock, Joanne Stephens and Mary Kay Goddard.

Our usual order of business was adjusted to allow our speakers to leave early.

v    SPEAKERS – Sue Conrad and Marie Tierney from Friendship House showed a video highlighting some of the programs available through their agency.  We also learned that Friendship House began in 1871 as Friend’s of the Homeless and expanded to include foster care in 1954.  Sue is Program Manager for the new Multi-dimensional Treatment Foster Care program in Lacka. Co.  This is an exciting program to help 12 to 17 year olds in the Juvenile Probation System become responsible adults while living with a foster family.  This program has some unique qualities – 24 hour direct contact with Sue, specialized training, therapy for the child AND the biological family, six month follow-up and more.  Interested parties can call 1-800-226-0456 for more information about fostering a child.  Friendship House welcomes the opportunity to speak with other agencies and community organizations.  Please contact Sue or Marie at 342-8035 to schedule.

 The minutes were reviewed and approved.  The Treasurer reported a balance of $356.65.  Mickey stated that dues are being received and an updated list of paid members will be available next month.

OLD BUSINESS:

v    Carolyn Tugend presented the Web site she developed for us for review.  She developed this using the Monroe County site as an example.  Suggestions were made to include a calendar page, links to member agency sites, membership list and the membership form.  The domain fee would be $20 - $40 for two years.  Carolyn will make the suggested changes, add to her site and send to all members for review.

v    Luncheon Invitations – Jane Oswald will bring invitations to March meeting and distribute to members present.  Copies will then be mailed to other members. 

v    Luncheon Dessert – It was decided to ask members to bring treats to keep the cost reasonable.  Anyone wishing to bring a treat should contact Sr. Ann at 558-5050 or awalsh@stjosephscenter.org OR Nancy at 963-6842 or nmk11@psu.edu.

 NEW BUSINESS:

v    No New Business

v    AGENCY UPDATES – Jim Festa, Red Cross, introduced Mary Kay Goddard, Volunteer and reported that they have received a request for Betsy (last month’s speaker) to speak at another agency as a result of her presentation.   Jim also requested feedback about the draft letter handed out at the last meeting.  Please review and forward your suggestions to him at the next meeting, calling 207-0230, or email jfesta@neparc.org.

 v    NEXT MEETING – March 16, 2004, 9:00 a.m., Salvation Army.  Speaker will be from EOTC’s Parents as Teachers program.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Kilmer

Secretary