Deltana Community Human Services Partnership Coalition Meeting Minutes

The Deltana Community Human Services Partnership (DCHSP) was started by a group of interested citizens, to develop an integrated behavioral health prevention and early intervention services plan related to substance abuse, suicide, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, youth development and resiliency. The system will promote community, family, and individual wellness in our area.

Community members introduced themselves and shared interests. Shannon Shea of BBBS was visiting the community from Anchorage and stated they will be hiring a BBBS worker in Delta. She stated the statewide BBBS has merged into one and she currently supervises all offices outside of Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau.

Several participants shared the need for elder, vocational rehabilitation services and disabled services including meals on wheels programs. One community member stated an elder died in the community due to malnutrition and dehydration. Others discussed frustration of not knowing what agencies from Fairbanks actually serve Delta and stated having a current directory would be useful, especially in pooling resources.

Pastor Bear indicated the faith based leaders in the community are very busy with their congregational needs and, as an example, aside from her congregation, she is the chief of volunteer fire department, chief or rescue squad- all volunteer.

Ted Sponsel discussed the Community Needs and Resource Assessment Workgroup and asked the group about who in the community are important members or groups that should be included. The group agreed that the school system, law enforcement, judicial, and OCS needed to be represented and brought up that there is already a regular meeting of this group. The Deltana Project Coordinator, Ted Sponsel agreed to attend these regular meetings and share information. Other agencies needing to be represented included mental health, employment, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, family training faith based leaders and infant learning. Alpha Omega staff have been regularly attending and actively participating.

Dr. Sponsel proposed the project oversight team, survey project and need for volunteers for the different groups.

The Project Oversight Team volunteers presented as: Ted Sponsel, Judith Farrow, Deb Hayes, Dan Cooley, Cathie Green, Rochelle Hill (per J. Weller), Elias Barnes, Megan Orena and Mayor Dowling said she would request a volunteer from the City Council.

Volunteers for the Needs and Resources Team; Big Brother Big Sister Delta (staff to be hired), Janice/Rachelle health nurses, Teri Chapman/Jamie/Micki, Vera Gorban.

If others in the community would like to be involved in either team contact Deb Hayes 1 800- 478-7307 or e-mail dhayes@nwresource.org.

Next Meeting September 8, 2008 5-6:30 pm
Delta Junction City Hall Conference Room For more information contact TSponsel@nwresource.org or phone 1 800-478-7807

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