Working Together

Lackawanna County

Interagency Council

Met at: Salvation Army

On:  June 21, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Chris Davis, President.

 We had 20 members present representing 17 agencies:  Chris Davis, Jane Oswald, Cheryl Rutkowski, Nancy Kilmer, Nancy Fahey, Mary Louise Loftus, Terri Stocki, Cheryl Rutkowski, Judi Cimino, Jim Simonceli, Beth Rundell, David Beecham, Linda Denault, Evie Vitali, Olga Harper, Marge Suarez, Jim Festa, Sylvia Kolosinsky, Mark Taffera, Ann Pusateri and Erica Anslett.

Introductions were made.  Minutes were reviewed and approved.  Treasurer reported a balance of $731.29 as of May 31, 2006.

OLD BUSINESS:

v     None

NEW BUSINESS:

v      Pandemic Flu – Are your or is your agency ready?  You should expect a 30-40% absentee rate during an emergency of this type.  What would you do?  PA is one of the few states creating an emergency plan.  For more information go to www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us.

v     Jim Festa from The Red Cross has also been urging member agencies to complete a form for them to set up a local emergency plan.  This form can be found on our website www.lackawannainteragency.org.  He also asked all agencies present to complete a form specific to a pandemic flu outbreak.  If you have not completed these forms, please do so at your earliest convenience.

v     Other discussion followed:

o       outbreak currently only harmful to humans living in close proximity to infected fowl – as in 3^rd world countries

o       Eat only COOKED fowl and use good food safety practices – wash hands and disinfect after handling raw meats

o       Danger worldwide is if the virus mutates.  It would take at least 6 months to develop a vaccine after humans are infected and develop antibodies.

o       Things to do to prepare – stockpile some food, water and batteries and purchase a battery operated radio.

v     Membership Committee has prepared a letter inviting new agencies to join and will be mailed in the fall.  EOTC will be contacted for their mailing list as a start.  Members are encouraged to make suggestions.  Other suggestions are to have a mixer or card exchange at one meeting and also to send Holiday or Thank You cards to member agencies.

v     Nancy K. is now trained to update the website.  Any information you would like posted or included in the newsletter should be sent to Nancy at nmk11@psu.edu AND Jane at oswaldj2@scranton.edu.

v     AGENCY UPDATES

o       Alzheimer’s Association is having a Memory Walk this year.  Sylvia suggested IAC form a team to walk.  A basket raffle will be held on August 17, 18 & 19 at Steamtown Mall.   Please support with an agency sponsored basket or buying tickets at the mall. Baskets received include Lottery, Atlantic City and Money Tree.

o       Serving Seniors is looking for volunteers to adopt seniors – send cards for birthdays and holidays, etc.

o       Telespond needs seniors to volunteer for their stipend program.  They would provide companionship and light duties for a small hourly stipend that does not affect their social security. Contact Jane Hoffnar

o       Salvation Army summer camps are full.

o       PA Dept. of Health has a PA Health and Human Services Resource Guide available.  To request copies, call 1-800-986-2229 or download at www.state.pa.us, keyword:  resource guide.

v       SPEAKER - Terri Stocki, Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

o       They have 7 offices throughout NE and Central PA and serve 23 counties.

o       Member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling

o       Are Accredited through the Council on Accreditation

o       Member of the Better Business Bureau

o       Financial Literacy Programs available include:

§         TEEN (Teenage Education for Economic Needs) – target high  school juniors and seniors and stresses wise and prudent use of credit

§         Home buyers program – Next Seminar is Sept 14

§         FLAME (Financial Literacy and Money Education) focuses on budgeting, credit, storefront services (such as rent to own & check cashing stores) and more – also available in Spanish (FUEGO)

§         Senior programs include Identity Theft, Fighting Predatory Lending and SenioR HELP (educates about Reverse Mortgages and Home Equity Loans)

o       Budget counseling is provided free and can be done over the phone or via the internet www.cccsnepa.org

o       Debt Management – Initial fee of $30.00, but applied to debts after three months, and a voluntary fee of $10.00/month.

o       Foreclosure counseling – get behind on the mortgage due to job loss or illness.  Contact CCCS as soon as Act 91 notice is received.

o       Pre & Post Bankruptcy counseling

o       Terri included information about the many sites available for a free credit report – 877-322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com

v     NEXT MEETING – September 20, Speaker Mary Ann LaPorta, Children’s Advocacy Center

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

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy Kilmer

Secretary