Region 7/61 Youth Council Meeting Minutes
Wednesday July 9, 2003
Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services Conference Room A

Present:
Cheryl Moreno-Denny, Roger Fisher, Sharon George, Tammy Gillett, Beth Hannam, Leah Harper, Kathy Oliver, Jim Oliver, Carol Owen, Judi Simon, Suzanne Willacker

Welcome:
Ms. Moreno-Denny: Chair, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. The 4-2-03 meeting minutes were approved as written.

Grant Expense Report:
Ms. Gillett distributed the current grant expense report. Of the $4,000 grant there still remains a balance of $2072.18, as no additional expenses have occurred since the last Youth Council Meeting. There was discussion regarding the unfinished projects: Tri-fold brochure and the Youth Resource Manual. Mr. Fisher explained that Sandusky County Youth participants, working about 8 to 10 hours per week, as a part of their leadership activities, have contacted approximately 300 area agencies to obtain information for the resources manual. The youth used scripts to conduct a survey and obtain information or to have information sent to W.S.O.S. to be included in the manual. Ms. Moreno-Denny suggested that Seneca County Youth also be included in this activity. At this time Seneca County Youth have scheduled hours to staff the Seneca One-Stop Booth at the Seneca County Fair as a part of their Leadership activities. At this time there is no projected date for completion.

State Youth Council:
Ms. Moreno-Denny and Ms. Oliver felt that the State Youth Council Meeting was informative. They stated that the Council is always supportive and open to discussion from non-members. Continued goals are to increase involvement of in-school youth and especially of the out-of-school youth as well. Ms. Oliver commented on the success of the Youth Senate. The Senate was found to be quite interesting by the 1 Seneca, 2 Sandusky and the 2 Ottawa County youth that attended.

Youth Report:
Ms. Harper distributed Sandusky and Seneca County reports for June 2003. At this time W.S.O.S. is targeting out-of-school youth, specifically to encourage those students interested in continued education. They are also increasing outreach for supportive services, such as child care and mileage assistance.

Ms. Moreno-Denny presented an update regarding the status of the Civilian Conservation Corps

Facility. At this time the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has verbally approved a $500,000 grant. W.S.O.S. is unable to proceed until they receive written clarification. They are also still in negotiation with the Bureau of Natural Resources regarding the current site. There is a need for some updating of equipment. W.S.O.S. is researching the idea of having fund raisers for the basic items. Some materials/items were donated due to excess contributions from the tornado/disaster relief effort last fall. Currently 4 youth remain at the camp to maintain the grounds. The Sign Shop and Recycling Center are still operational.

Youth Advisory Council:
Discussion was lead by Ms. Moreno-Denny and Ms. Oliver regarding the parameters for the Youth Advisory Council. It was felt that the youth could meet in their prospective counties prior to the Youth Council Meetings so they would be prepared to provide input. Ms. Gillett will gather the information and contact all Youth Council Board members for comment, with the intent to implement the Youth Advisory Council by the next Youth Council Meeting.

Goals:
Copies of the By-Laws and Youth Council Member List were distributed. Article III, section 4: A-D was discussed. Emphasis is being placed upon recruitment. Parent as well as youth involvement should be considered. It was decided that a Youth Council Goals Committee be established. Cheryl Moreno-Denny, Sharon George, Tammy Gillett and Beth Hannam chose to participate and will meet and e-mail suggestions/recommendations before the next meeting.

Next Meeting:To be held in October-date and time to be announced. Mr. Fisher and Ms. Harper plan to bring youth and parent representatives from each county to the next meeting.