Attendees: Jocelyn Andrade, Karin Araia, Gail Brennan, Sharon Costa-Smith, Judith Coykendall, Jean DeCoffe, Katy Dutille, Janet Feingold, Helena Marques, Claudia Mills, Kathy Patisteas, Lorraine Rosa, Ruth Smiler, Karen Vernen

Discussion Summary:

Announcements:

Teen 12-Step Program in Middleboro for voluntary or court ordered youth is well run. They would like to train 2 individuals to do a twice weekly , 2 hour per session day-time New Bedford program during the Summer. The program encompasses everything from violence to theft, to substance abuse, etc. Participants may benefit from the SMILES mentoring program, adjunct case manager services, or Northstar Learning Center. For information on the Teen 12-Step Program, contact Karin at 508-993-2282.

3^rd Youth Summit will be held in April. The all day event is held at White’s and hosts over 320 youth from middle and high schools. Workshops are provided, and agency and civic group information shared. The next planning meeting will be held 2/16/06, 10:00, at PAACA, 360 Coggeshall St., New Bedford. If you know of speakers who can speak to youth about subjects such as drop out prevention, etc., please contact Lisa Tavares at PAACA: 508-997-9051. More information will be provided at the March meeting.

Battle of the Bands - The Mayor’s Youth Council would like to plan a “Battle of the Bands” with a theme of preventing underage drinking.

After Prom Prevention of Underage Drinking –New Bedford does not currently host a post prom party. Communities Mobilizing for Changes on Alcohol is looking at implementation of a post prom party as a healthy alternative to what youth may do after the prom. Some area best practices for such an event include the following:

1. All night event with a donated pancake breakfast and raffle at 5:00 a.m.

2. Durfee is doing a bus trip to a ship in Boston. Attendance requires parents pick them up at 1:00 am.

3. All night use of the YMCA (Old Rochester High School) and facilities such as the rock climbing wall.

4. A donated used car raffle for students who attend the party and stay until the end.

5. A Hawaiian luau or other theme-based party

Upcoming Events:

Eliminating Disparities in Tobacco Use in MA Communities: 2/28/06, 9:30-8:00, Sunset Confernce Room of the UMD Campus Center. For information, contact Jo-Ann Kwass at 617-624-5453.

Public Meeting to Address Underage Drinking: 2/28/06, 6:30 pm, Old Rochester Library.

Finances - The current budget to date shows a balance of $30,308.98. Another DON check is expected.

New Bedford Dog Bite Prevention and Safety Program – Half of all children have been bitten by a dog before age 12. In New Bedford, 820 children under 12 had severe dog bites, with the most severe to children under 10. Boys 5-9 have the highest bite rate, mostly by their own or a known dog and 77% are bites to the face. Most bites are preventable with parental supervision and education of children who learn dogs’ body language and to “Be a Tree” instead of running away from a dog. New Bedford will be the first in North American to implement a dog bite program in the school system. This will provide statistical data that shows the effectiveness of the program. Presentations will also be provided at various New Bedford libraries. Please contact Ruth Smiler at 508-996-1286 for more information on staff trainings, the program, or if you know of grant opportunities for her program.

Subcommittees:

Domestic Violence Committee plans to look at oppression in women and how it effects domestic violence over the next 2 years. They are working on a proposal.

Health Access Committee – There is a gap in mental health services in New Bedford. They hope to bring mental health providers together at a fall conference, then survey the group about what they do and do not provide, in order to determine assets and gaps. Advocacy can follow. A first step may be to get New Bedford designated as federally underserved, which opens up a free care pool.

Steering Committee - Qualified vendor RFQs for both Marketing and Website Development (comprehensive marketing plan and community awareness strategy to promote the Resource Directory, mission and vision) and a Youth Development Strategic Planning Consultant (Perform network development, asset mapping and strategic planning for the Advocates for Youth Subcommittee) have been widely distributed in the area.

Next Meetings: Steering Committee: 2/17/06, 12:30 – 2 pm New Bedford Family Planning

General Meeting, 3/2/06, 9:00-10:30, Coastline Elderly

Coalition Member and Staff Tasks:

Resend updated RFQs to membership to be further distributed (Lorraine, membership)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Write and forward to [email protected], a brief description of yourself/your agency and what it does, including website information, for posting on www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and sharing as received, with the Coalition listserve.

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Greater New Bedford Calendar of Meetings and Events:

February-March 2006

Feb. 17, 12:30	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	New Bedford Family Planning, Howland Place
March 2, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
March 3, 12:30	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Committee. Must RSVP (for lunch) to [email protected] or call Jacquie at 508-996-3343, x26	South Coastal Counties Legal Services (formerly SMLAC) 21 S. Sixth St., New Bedford.
March 6, 9:15	GNBHHSC Health Access Committee.	New Bedford Family Planning, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St. Suite 100 New Bedford, MA 02744

January 2006

Attendees: Carl Alves, Jocelyn Andrade, Rita Boudreau, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Karin Coppola-Araia, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Katy Dutille, Maria Evora-Rosa, Claudia Mills, Mark Nussman, Ron O’Connor, Kathy Patisteas, Marcia Picard, Suzanne Raposo, Jessica Rodriguez, Lorraine Rosa, Tim Velho, Karen Vernen

Discussion Summary:

Mission Statement – A unanimous vote presents the new Coalition mission statement:

The mission of the GNBHHSC is to channel our community into action to achieve a better quality of life for everyone. We

1. Provide information about resources and services in order to promote coordination and to encourage their use by the public

2. Address needs and build on community assets

3. Celebrate and reward community successes

Announcements:

· 3/2/06 Conference on Women’s Health is an opportunity to learn for both professional and personal knowledge about factors that impact women's health, protect women's health and prevent diseases that impact women's health. It will speak to women about the latest data, barriers, treatments, prevention of diseases and issues that impact women’s health. March 2, 8:30-4:00, at the Marriott Copley Place, 110 Huntington Ave., Boston. For information call 617-965-3711.

· RAPPP Making Proud Choices Afterschool program lasts 7 weeks from January 23-March 14, Mondays and Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30, for youth ages 11-14, at Normandin Middle School. Registration fee is $10, and fee for transportation home, if needed, is $5. Sliding scale fee and scholarships available. RAPPP Taskforce for Teen Pregnancy Prevention will be held 1/25/06, 12:15, at the Pequod Building at Dartmouth Place. Faces of Teen Pregnancy exhibit personalizes the issue of teen pregnancy with black and white images accompanied by moving audio narratives. They seek men and women from 12-100, including teen mothers and fathers, children of teen parents, parents of teen parents and family members affected by teen pregnancy. A Youth Council $15,000 award for youth development involves 16 youth. The ACT Program for violence prevention is offered to fathers interested in violence prevention for children ages 0-9. For information on RAPPP, call 508-994-0548.

· High Point Thanks GNB Coalition Members for donations from the heart that went directly to benefit a young girl’s violin lessons at a Christmas meeting. High Point has received a contract for a 60 bed program for detox and step down.

· New Bedford Family Planning has a new director, Susan Kasper, as of 1/17/06.

· Symptoms of Stroke statewide partnerships have kits for client education. Call Maria at 781-774-6601.

· Teen 12-Step Program in Middleboro for voluntary or court ordered youth is well run. A New Bedford program will begin in the future. For information, contact Karin at

· Girl Scout Cookies are sold from 1/7-3/30/06. Call 800-242-0925 or go to www.gscsm.orgto be put in touch with a troop selling cookies. $3.50. This fundraiser teaches troops how to deal with money and do activities connected to community services. 47 agencies partner with the Girl Scouts by asking people to buy cookies for a cause. Their goal is to sell ½ million cookies. The website will show a progress barometer. Profits go to the troop. Companies purchase cookies to give as thank yous, and some have been donated to shelters and food pantries.

· Habit Management seeks a clinical supervisor. Contact 508-295-7990

Finances - $9,000 MRI funding was received. $12,703 is expected from St. Lukes MRI. DON funding is given to impact and help communities. Funding carries over from year to year. First year plan addresses the directory, website (hire a part time web designer/consultant with familiarity with this area), Advocates For Youth Needs Assessment, subcommittee funding, staff. An Adhoc committee will look at budget development, grant proposals, and community specifics.

Expected funding is as follows:

SE MRI - $9,000 x 4 years
Southcoast Hospitals - $12,703 x 5 years
Shields MRI - $33,500
Possible PET imaging - $17,000?

Totals for the next 5 years are:

Year 1 - $55,200
Years 2-5 - $72,500
2011 - $17,000

RFQ – Carl will draft an RFQ covering two areas of focus:

1. Directory / Marketing of the coalition, website. Professional development and design

2. Consultant to do Advocates for Youth network development, asset mapping and strategic plan by mid-year. The consultant will look at what’s already been done, the role of the committee and gaps they can fill, and possible assistance with Health Access and Domestic Violence subcommittees.

Subcommittees:

· Domestic Violence Committee is identifying a specific project of the year.

· Health Access Committee continues its focus of the mental health aspect of GNB services, a topic identified by providers as a need. This is a planning year to include bringing others on board.

· Steering Committee meetings have changed to the 3^rd Friday of the month, 12:30pm at New Bedford Family Planning, 651 Orchard St. (Howland Place) to allow for more members to attend. Eventually, these could be accomplished by teleconference. January agenda will include RFQ discussion and the topic of networking. The Steering Committee, which is open to any GNBHHSC member, will make the decisions in the RFQ process, per unanimous vote at today’s meeting.

Next Meetings: Steering Committee: 1/20/06, 12:30 – 2 pm New Bedford Family Planning

General Meeting, 2/2/06, 9:00-10:30, Coastline Elderly

Coalition Member Tasks:

Contact Carl Alves with names of web designers (Membership)

Adjust the General meeting agenda to include networking of what various attendees and/or their groups are doing each month. Put the topic of “networking” on the Steering Committee agenda. (Robin, Lorraine)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Update new vision and mission statements on all documents and website

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Greater New Bedford Calendar of Meetings and Events: January-February 2006

Feb. 2, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
Feb 3, 12:30	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Committee. Must RSVP (for lunch) to [email protected] or call Jacquie at 508-996-3343, x26	SMLAC, 21 S. Sixth St., New Bedford.
Feb. 6, 9:15	GNBHHSC Health Access Committee.	New Bedford Family Planning, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St. Suite 100 New Bedford, MA 02744
Feb. 17, 12:30	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	New Bedford Family Planning, Howland Place

December 2005

Discussion Summary:

Mission Statement - Katie did a brainstorming exercise about the words identified in the visioning work done previously: Educate, Advocate, Motivate, Co-ordinate. The Steering Committee will continue work for possible approval at the January meeting.

Suggestions – Coalition members felt that a Steering Committee meeting on a different day may increase attendance, as it is inconvenient for some to spend 2 hours in one day at GNBHHSC meetings.

Steering Committee Plan for 2006

1. Hire a consultant to develop, deploy and maintain our website and marketing presence. We will hire a consultant and establish a plan within the first quarter of 2006.

2. Advocates for youth- hire a consultant to do a needs assessment of youth service providers to determine the best way to serve the region. A plan of action will be in place by the 1st quarter of 2006.

3. Other committees of the CHNA will provide their requests for funding by the end of January.

Next Meetings: General Meeting, 1/5/06, 9:00-10:30, Coastline Elderly

Steering Committee: 1/20/06, 12:30 – 2 pm New Bedford Family Planning

Coalition Member Tasks:

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Create a new vision and mission statement (Membership)

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas (Carl, to Lorraine)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

November 2005

Attendees: Carolina Africano, Maria F. Alves, Betty Blackham, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Karin Coppola-Araia, Judith Coykendall, Janice Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Dave DeCoste, Roger Dextradeur, Paula Doherty, Katy Dutille, Maria Evora-Rosa, Clay Forney, Pauline Macedo, Claudia Mills, Ron O’Connor, Catherine Oleary, Kathy Patisteas, Lorraine Rosa, Tim Velho, Karen Vernan

Announcements:

· October Minutes Correction - NB Study – St. Lukes Hospital and the Community Substance Abuse Center (CSAC) Methadone Clinic are conducting a blinded, international study of pregnant women in treatment for opiate addiction.

· RAPPP – 40 attended parents night. Heart of Fatherhood Awards was also successful with 130 in attendance. It was a great night and opportunity to show what positive men are doing in their families. The resource center is open to educational opportunities

· Contact Persons in Greater New Bedford – If you know contact persons in the communities of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and/or Wareham, please submit their names to Lorraine Rosa at [email protected]. The goal is to expand Coalition representation to address the needs of these outlying towns. Ideas include libraries, Boards of Health and school superintendents.

New Vision and Mission Statements – Attendees broke into workgroups to finalize the Vision and Mission statements, which grew out of the COAST anagram. (Connectedness, Opportunities, Access, Safety, Trust). It was decided to change C in the COAST anagram from Connectedness to Community. Once finalized, the GNBHHSC will start the next phase of development - planning. After animated discussion, the Vision was decided:

· Vision (The Ideal State) – A healthy environment where everyone experiences Community, Opportunities, Access, Safety and Trust – COAST

· Mission (How We Get There) – Coalition members were asked to write suggestions for the mission statement, as well as email further suggestions to Lorraine Rosa at [email protected]. Please note the following:

Ø To advocate, coordinate, educate and motivate the Greater New Bedford communities

Ø To empower communities in the Greater New Bedford area

Ø To focus (channel) the advocacy, education, etc. of the health and human service providers of the Greater New Bedford area on common goals in order to enhance the human condition

Ø We collaborate for positive change to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community

Ø To impact lives in the Greater New Bedford area through advocacy, coordination (collaboration) and education

Ø To focus the missions of the health and human service providers of the Greater New Bedford area on common goals in order to enhance the health of our communities.

Ø A motivating force who in collaboration advocate, coordinate and educate in the Greater New Bedford area (in Greater New Bedford)

Ø To empower community through access and collaboration

Ø To channel the resources of the community into action

Next Meeting: 12/1/05, 9:00, Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford

Coalition Member Tasks:

Email [email protected] with your ideas for the GNBHHSC Mission Statement (membership)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Create a new vision and mission statement (Membership)

Write and forward to [email protected], a brief description of yourself/your agency and what it does, including website information.

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Contact membership about new mission and vision statements

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas (Carl, to Lorraine)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

October 2005

Attendees: Maria F. Alves, Betty Blackham, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Debra Conley, Karin Coppola-Araia, Judith Coykendall, Jean DeCoffe, Robert Haskett, Helena Marques, Mark Nussman, Catherine Oleary, Kathy Patisteas, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Tim Velho

Announcements:

· RAPPP has been in existence for 9 years, and addresses prevention of violence, drug abuse and teen pregnancy. A 10/19/05 parent night was planned, as well as a Heart of Fatherhood Award Dinner at the Hawthorne Country Club on 10/25/05. A “Faces of Teen Pregnancy” exhibit seeks pictures of people of all ages. In addition to pictures, audios of their stories will be displayed. To participate, contact Tim at 508-994-0548.

· NB Study – St. Lukes Hospital and CSEP Methadone Clinic are conducting a blinded, international study of pregnant women in treatment for opiate addiction.

· New Bedford Community Health Center has a smoking cessation group.

· Pilot Project - The Partners for Clean Air is embarking on a pilot project to educate women in Fall River and New Bedford about the importance of quitting smoking before, during and after pregnancy. The first step is to implement an information gathering process to insure that any curriculum or interventions that are developed in the future will be successful.

New Vision and Mission Statements – Five years of DON funding could range from $55-90,000 per year. What isn’t spent can be rolled over. With this, the GNBHHSC hopes to make an impact on getting to an ideal community. The new statements were based on the anagram “COAST” (Connectedness, Opportunities, Access, and Safety and Trust) No objections or changes have been received as of yet to the mission and vision statements produced by the Steering Committee in September, but it was encouraged that all participate because this is to represent all members of GNBHHSC. The membership may send in any suggestions or thoughts about the following before finalization at the November meeting:

· Vision (The Ideal State) – A community where residents are living healthy and fulfilling lives. The vision is built upon the following core values: Connectedness, Opportunities, Access, Safety, Trust - COAST

· Mission (How We Get There) – To serve as a catalyst for action, advocacy, coordination and education in enhancing the human condition in Greater New Bedford.

Ideas for Marketing the GNBHHSC:

· A billboard with the COAST theme. Cost: $1500 per month, $2000 for board rental. Prices can be negotiated.

· Public access television. Cost: Free

· Advertisements on busses. Kerri Melo may have information about marketing and the approach.

· Health fairs in the Portuguese and Spanish communities.

Resource Directory needs to be translated into Portuguese and Spanish versions to better serve the community. Each organization may be asked to translated their portion, and forward to for compilation.

Subcommittee Reports

· Health Access did two conferences this past year, and is looking to take on the focus of depression providers for the un/underinsured. This will most likely be an ongoing project for the next year or more.

· Advocates for Youth is looking to do coalition building by inviting all CHNA towns to send a youth serving representative. RAPPP has a youth council that is doing RFPs to youth serving organizations. MA Tobacco is also doing $1500 seed money grants for youth tobacco issues.

· Domestic Violence did a conference on how domestic violence interferes with peoples’ lives in the workforce. Possible topics for the next conference/project were brainstormed, such as issues that stem from DV and DV across the board.

· Legislative Breakfast: 10/14/05, 8:00-11:00 am, White’s of Westport. GNB award winners include Carl Alves and Alec Ciminello of “Paint Your Heart Out”, and Kathy Moraes and staff of the Oncology Center. Public health victories of each community, as well as state wide examples, will be shared. (See attachment)

Next Meeting: 11/3/05, 9:00, Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Coalition Member Tasks:

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Create a new vision and mission statement (Membership)

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Contact membership about new mission and vision statements

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas (Carl, to Lorraine)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

September 2005

Attendees: Marisol Alvarez, Maria F. Alves, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Dave DeCosta, Roger Dextradeur, Katy Dutille, Maria Evora-Rosa, Robert Haskett, Suzanne J. Lyons, Pauline Macedo, Kerry Mello, Ron O’Connor, Kathy Patisteas, Lorraine Rosa, James B. Ross, Karen Vernen

Announcements:

· Resource Directory is available in word, excel, and is posted online at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc.

· 6^th Annual Legislative Breakfast will be held at White’s Restaurant in Westport on 10/14/05, 8:00-11:00 am. Please turn in your community awards nominations. This year’s theme is “Public Health Victories: We’ve Won Some Battles”. Speaker is Dr. Greg Connolly, Director of the MA Tobacco Control Program. Cost is $15 and includes White’s buffet. Call Lorraine for information at 508-823-4822. Display space an additional $10.00.

· Parents Night – 10/19/05, GNB Regional Vocational Technical High School Auditorium. A 2 hour seminar alerting parents to the tell tale signs of drug addiction and abuse. Free. Preregister at 508-994-0548.

· 2^nd Annual “This Could Never Happen to Me” – 10/7/05, 8:30-1:00. Breakfast, lunch, raffle, keynote, panel of HIV/AIDS infected/affected persons. Contact Maria Alves, 508-994-8947 or Debby Gilbert, 508-994-8947

· Drug Impairment Training for Professionals – 10/22/05, White Home Livingroom St. Luke’s Campus, 101 Page St, New Bedford. A day-long workshop about trends, identification, signs, symptoms, intervention and parental involvement in substance abuse treatment in youth.

· Developing Effective School Drug Policies and Examining the Issues of Student Drug Testing – 10/25/05, 9:30-3:30, Holiday Inn, Worcester. $55. Call 978-688-2323, x522.

· August Steering Committee Meeting gave an opportunity to discuss the new funding, a vision of a perfect community, and to relook at and revamp the Coalition. Common themes were brainstormed. Suggestions are presented and input given at today’s meeting. The Coalition had $14,000 at that time, and with the receipt of DON money, will have the largest budget to date. This needs to be broken down in an organized way.

· DON Update – Determination of Need funding will provide funding for GNBHHSC over the next 5 years. Through DON funding, hospitals give 5% of the costs of DPH approved services such as MRI equipment, back to the community, usually through the Community Health Network Areas (CHNAs). So far, $9,000 (Southeast MRI) has been received with possible funding of an additional $33,000 (Shields), $12,700 (Southcoast), Southcoast PIT services ($16,000), Greater Boston ($18,000). Some are shared with other CHNAs. Each of the 3 subcommittees formerly received $2,000. This has been increased to $3,000 each.

Vision Exercise – “What would you like to see if you had all the necessary funding to fix everything in the community?”

· Greater role of libraries and museums in recreation and connecting families

· Comprehensive treatment – continuum of care

· Safer community, safer families and safer neighborhoods

· Decrease in child abuse

· Prevention education

· Trash clean up and physical safety

· More green space

· Get rid of “crack houses”

· More after school programs

· Less community violence – a safe place

· Focus on younger children

· Healthcare access for all, including services for young males

· Drug use down by educating children on drug use prevention

· Inclusion of all: respect, dignity, access to health, access to food, job opportunities

· More programs for the elderly and disabled, especially at night

· Rent control

· Livable housing

· Living in personal safety – caring, nurturing environment

· Health relationships (parent-child, friends, family)

· Respect

· Pet safety so their owners can leave them to get needed services (Ex: Domestic violence victims will stay with a batterer because they can’t take pets, New Orleans residents stayed in their homes because they couldn’t desert their pets by fleeing to places where pets weren’t allowed)

· Parent support groups and education programs, especially in immigrant/ethnic communities. Active school, family and community connections

· Safe homes and schools, clean environment, job opportunities, graduation

· Health & economic disparity

· Community between New Bedford and other communities, especially Wareham

· Mindset of the entire CHNA region

· Peace within the individual, neighborhood pride, family unity, community caring

· Safe, spirit of the community, open flow, access to services, vans bring services, connections

· Everyone getting along, working together

· Community neighborhood – knowing neighbors, welcome mats

· Complete family access

· Web of health – diversity, connections, recreation, culture, information, safety, linking towns and communities

· Positive connections with community, police and judiciary

· Communities having correct perceptions of what is happening

· Building trust

· Physical and emotional safety

· Increase access to adequate mental health, and address stigma

Overall Themes are consistent with the following “Mandala Guide”, spelling COAST:

C – Connectedness - Police; school; family; community; partnerships; neighborhoods; communities; cultures; regionally; services; faith; judiciary; CHNA

O - Opportunities - Jobs; education; information; health; ecoonomic; higher education; knowledge/awareness; active, continuous communication

A – Access - Economic; complete family access; mental health; services; language and culture; building trust; universal health care; food

S - Safety - Physical; emotional; school; family; commmunity; environmental; cultural; spiritual/religious; personal

T - Trust - Respect; police; each other; self; schoolls; judiciary; neighbors; culture; safety; health systems; religious leaders; faith; politicians

New Vision and Mission Statements – The membership was asked to think about new statements based on the above themes, to finalize at the October meeting.

Subcommittee Reports

· Health Access met in the summer. The June conference provided information to get started on planning for the next few years. They are looking at depression and local services. See calendar for next meeting.

· Advocates for Youth is rejuvenating the committee.

· Domestic Violence held a wrap up meeting on the breakfast conference held at the Wamsutta Club to involve employers in responsibility to victims of domestic violence. A good cross-section of the community attended. See calendar for next meeting.

· Legislative Breakfast: 10/14/05, 8:00-11:00 am, White’s of Westport – Please turn in your community awards nominations. This year’s theme is “Public Health Victories: We’ve Won Some Battles”. Speaker is Dr. Greg Connolly, Director of the MA Tobacco Control Program. Cost is $15 and includes White’s buffet. Please remit by 9/30/05. Display space an additional $10.00.

Next Steps:

Coalition Member Tasks:

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Create a new vision and mission statement (Membership)

Send in nominations and registrations for the 10/14/05 Legislative Breakfast.

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Contact membership about new mission and vision statements

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas (Carl, to Lorraine)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

June 2005 - Members attended Health Access Conference in lieu of regular meeting.

May 5, 2005

Attendees: Carolina Africano, Carl Alves, Rita Boudreau, Robin Cleveland, Karin Coppola-Araia, Judith Coykendall, Deborah Darwell, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Paula Doherty, Katy Dutille, Pauline Macedo, Mark Nussman, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Tim Velho

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

New Committee – New Bedford ACTS now has a Youth, Parents and Mentoring Committee.
Refreshments – The GNBHHSC has reinstituted refreshments at monthly meetings. Come have breakfast with us.
CORI Training Location has Changed – The free Criminal Offender Record Information training for 5/20/05, 10:00-Noon, has changed its location to the Taunton Holiday Inn due to large turn out. Contact Richard McMahon at 508-979-7160, x3010.
BreakFACTS Management Series – Upcoming workshops include 10 Things Every Executive Director Needs to Know About Technology, 5/24/05; Marketing 101, 5/26/05; Cultivating Individual Donors, 6/9/05; Planning and Budgeting for your Grants Program, 6/14/05; Media Relations for CEO’s and Board Members, 6/28/05. Fee. For information, visit www.stonehill.edu/nonprofit. To register, call 508-565-1856.
A Social Norms Conference was held 5/19/05 at the Middleboro Town Hall.
Ready, Set, Quit Nicotine Patches for Fall River and New Bedford addresses ends on 5/21/05. Call 800-TRY-TO-STOP.
Special Education Workshops were scheduled for May 10, 17 and 19, and included Special Education and My Child, Helping Families in the Juvenile Court System and What is Attachment Disorder. Contact person is Cheri at 508-997-4511, x3324.
Chocolate Lovers Sunday is a yearly event that benefits youth development. This year’s was scheduled for 5/15/05, 2-4, and included a talent show.
RAPPP Program Heart of Fatherhood Award is an essay contest open to 7-18 year olds to tell what makes their father figure special. Final submission date is 6/3/05. The RAPPP resource center is now open at the Pequod Building at 49 State Road, Dartmouth. Telephone: 508-994-0548.

Budget – Total to date is $16,349. $12,703 is soon expected, and $4,425 has been spent to date.

Resource Directory – Improvement suggestions include the addition of a subject index on the hard copy, updating of Excel copy (Carl will send Lorraine his most recent file for updating), and web upload of the directory in Word. Members are asked to go online to continue to verify, or add, their information at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc/ResourceDirectory.htm

Website – Myregister.com was suggested as a webhosting that might accept an advanced payment for a year by check. The City of New Bedford will be contacted to create a link to the site.

Summer Program/Next Meetings – Jean and Ron will investigate a possible program for an August Summer Program. Regular meetings will resume on 9/8/05 to avoid meeting on the Labor Day weekend. Lorraine will be accessible by email only from June 21 – September 7.

SubCommittees:

Health Access – “Healthy Lifestyles: Women’s Health in Our Community” will be held 6/3/05, from 9:00-2:00. Providers will listen to topics and decide on a fall conference for the public. You may bring resource information – please contact Robin Cleveland for table space. Keynote speaker is Dr. Patricia Andrade. Seating is limited, and registration is requested by 5/27/05. Please refer to your attached email or hardcopy flyer for the registration form.

NOTE: This meeting will also serve as the GNBHHSC May General Meeting. There will be no General or Steering Committee meeting on Thursday, 6/2/05.

Domestic Violence – The DV Committee and the NB Area Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor Executive Briefing: Workplace Violence and the Employer’s Response, on Thursday, 5/26/05, 8:30-12:30, at the Wamsutta Club. Free. Breakfast included. Limited to 150 participants. To register, call Janice at 508-999-4820. Keynote Speaker is Jean Hurdle, Community Foundation of SE MA. Lt. Governor Kerry Healey has been invited.

Coalition Member Tasks:

Look into acquiring a Coalition debit card (Carl)

Investigate an August Summer Program (Ron, Jean)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas (Lorraine) Work on an Excel copy (from My Address Book) of the directory (Carl and Lorraine)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Resource Directory: Update changes, add and upload word version with a table of contents by subject. Contact the City of New Bedford to add a link to the Coalition site.

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org using myregister.com. Add a check request form.

Greater New Bedford

Calendar of Meetings and Events: May-September 2005

May 26, 8:30-12:30	Executive Briefing: Workplace Violence and the Employer’s Response.	Wamsutta Club. Call Janice at 508-999-4820 for information.
June 2, 9:00	There will not be a General or Steering Committee meeting today.	Please register for and attend tomorrow’s Conference cited below. Registration form included.
June 3, 9:00	GNBHHSC Health Access Women’s Conference Please attend in lieu of monthly GNBHHSC meeting	Buttonwood Park Conference Center. Please fax completed registration.
Coming In September	Assessment & Evaluation. Health Care of Southeastern MA, inc. Spring Training. To register, contact Linda Owings, at [email protected], or call 508-583-2350, x 222.	Mulligan Center for Health Promotion, 942 West Chestnut Street, Brockton. $25. Scholarships available.
September 8, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
September 8, 10:15	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*

*Coastline Elderly Services is located at 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford.

April 7, 2005

Attendees: Carolina Africano, Maria Alves, Pamela A. Bourgault, Tom Clark, Robin Cleveland, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Paula Doherty, Katy Dutille, Darlene Dymsza, Maria Evora-Rosa, Pauline Macedo, Candice McKenna, Claudia Mills, Mark Nussman, Ron O’Connor, Kathy Patisteas

Discussion Highlights:

Corrections:

· Interim DPH Commissioner is Paul Cote.

· Healthcare of Southeastern Massachusetts has rescheduled “Assessment & Evaluation” training for September.

Announcements:

· CORI Training – A free Criminal Offender Record Information training will be held 5/20/05, 10:00-Noon, at Associates for Human Services. To register, call Richard McMahon at 508-979-7160, x3010. Location may change due to large turnout.

· Basic Utility Rights of Consumers will be held 4/26/05, 1:00-4:00, at the Southern New England School of Law, Room 233, in North Dartmouth. Please register at 800-244-9023, x3008. It will include information on shut offs and discounts.

· Building a Stronger Board training will be held 5/3/05, 9:00-4:00, at Stonehill College. $35 per person. Call 508-565-1856. Stonehill College also holds a BreakFACTS Series. For information, visit www.stonehill.edu/nonprofit.

· Senior Citizen Social – This 20 week senior social is provided by a city grant.

· RAPPP Program Open House will be held 4/26/05, 1:00-8:00, at Dartmouth Place, Pequot Building, #105, 49 State Road, Route 6.

Legislative Breakfast – An Ad Hoc Committee is being formed to plan the 6^th annual Greater Fall River/Greater New Bedford Legislative Breakfast.

Summer Program – Jean and Ron will investigate a possible program for an August Summer Program.

A motion was made to the general coalition to allow the Steering Committee to also function as the financial committee, which was talked about at the March Steering Committee meeting. A vote was put out to the coalition and there was a unanimous decision. There was also discussion around a quarterly financial report to the general coalition by the treasurer - this is to further be discussed at the steering committee meeting on May 5th.

SubCommittees:

Domestic Violence – The DV Committee and the NB Area Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor Executive Briefing: Workplace Violence and the Employer’s Response, on Thursday, 5/26/05, 8:30-12:30, at the Wamsutta Club. Free. Breakfast included. RSVP information TBA. Keynote Speaker is Jean Hurdle, Community Foundation of SE MA. Lt. Governor Kerry Healey has been invited.

Health Access – Next meeting is April 11^th, 9:15 at Howland Place. Friday, 6/3/05, 9:30-1:00, a Women’s Health Conference will be held at the Buttonwood Conference Center. The GNBHHSC General Meeting and Steering Committee meetings will meet at the same location.

Coalition Member Tasks:

Investigate an August Summer Program (Ron, Jean)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Create a budget template

Include a quarterly treasurer’s report on General Meeting agendas, and monthly treasurer’s reports on SC agendas (Lorraine)

Work on an Excel copy (from My Address Book) of the directory (Carl and Lorraine)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

March 3, 2005

Attendees: Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Rita Boudreau, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Karin Coppola-Araia, Deborah Darwell, Jean DeCoffe, Paula Doherty, Katy Dutille, Darlene Dymsza, Pauline Macedo, Claudia Mills, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

· Kennedy-Donovan Center seeks persons to provide home care for adults or children with disabilities. Please call 508-997-5875 for information.

· Tri-lingual “Street Sheet” is a 2005 City of New Bedford Homeless Service Provider’s Network publication listing available help for those who are homeless.

· RAPPP will hold a camp for 11-14 year olds during April vacation. Cost is $125, and includes reproductive health education for New Bedford youth. Instruction will take place mornings, with field trips in the afternoon. On Friday there will be an all day Boston trip. On April 5, there will be an informational luncheon. An April open house will welcome the community to the resource building (Pequot Building).

· DPH “At a Glance” contains information about the Women’s Health Network. This is for un/underinsured women. Call Helena Arruda at 508-961-5442.

· Medical Interpreters Training Program will be held March 28-May 25, Mondays and Wednesdays 6-9 pm, and Saturday 4/9, 4/30, and 5/7, 9:00-4:00, at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, 235 N. Pearl St., Brockton. Please call Laura Vares at 508-583-2250, x239. $45.

· Project ALERT training will be held 3/21/05, 8:30-3:30, at the Mulligan Center in Brockton.

· New Bedford ACTS community dialogues process is a volunteer-organized, city-wide effort to identify solutions to violence in the city. Health care professionals and others are needed to facilitate 10 groups. Local concerned individuals are asked to commit to 5 meetings over a 5 week period. For information, call Jim Mathes at 508-999-5231.

· DPH Commissioner Ferguson has left her position to work with America’s Promise. Acting commissioner is Paul Cody.

Budget: Line items include subcommittee dollars, minigrant, hard copies of the directory, running the coalition, staff salary and any other community projects. Southcoast Hospitals funding will also be coming soon. Funding will amount to $108,000 for 5 years.

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Event – The community would benefit by knowing about available resources. A campaign could build up to a breakfast for parents and other community members, either at the library, a school, a coffee hour with specific speakers, a Health Fair with a draw (beach cookout, band at Buttonwood Park).

Mobile Kiosk could piggyback on the above event.

SubCommittees:

Health Access met 2/14/05, and is planning for what they will provide this year. Survey results show men’s health and depression/anxiety as top area issues. They will discuss locations, dates, times and speakers at the March meeting.

Domestic Violence is working on a DV in the Workplace workshop to help employees. Jean Hurdle is a possible speaker. Possible dates are May 10-12, 8:30-11:30, location to be announced.

Coalition Member Tasks:

Discuss using the Steering Committee agenda to address Financial Committee topics at the April meeting.

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Estimate cost for a mobile kiosk, including outreach, collection of data, publicity, volunteer coordination and training, and calendar development.

Add a budget line to the agenda

Work on an Excel copy (from My Address Book) of the directory (Carl and Lorraine)

Create and bring your committee’s budget to the March meeting (Subcommittee Chairpersons)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

February 3, 2005

Attendees: Carl Alves, Rita Boudreau, Robin Cleveland, Karin Coppola-Araia, Deborah Darwell, Jean DeCoffe, Tracy Desovich, Darlene Dymsza, Maria Evora-Rosa, Jacquie Gomes, Pauline Macedo, Helena Marques, Mark Nussman, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Karen Vernan

Discussion Highlights:

Budget – 2005 funding includes $9,000 in Determination of Need (DON) monies, and $12,000 from Southcoast. Carl manages funding. Subcommittees should make a budget to present at the March meeting.

Coalition Responsibilities – In addition to Chairpersons and staff, assistance is also provided by the Steering Committee, Health Care of Southeastern MA (HCSM) and MA Department of Public Health (DPH) support. Expectations for Chairpersons and Staff are as follows:

Chairperson

Staff

Lead Discussion

Speak for the Coalition

Set the agenda, assisted by staff and Steering Committee

Day to day responsibilities (Meeting notices and reminders, attendance and participation in monthly meetings, coordination of meeting materials, resources and speakers, calendar organization and development, development of reports, grant applications and other assigned coalition documents, meeting organization, Legislative Breakfast committee, provide refreshments, grant announcements and other resources at meetings, maintain GNBHHSC Resource Directory, expand and maintain Coalition website, and anything else.

Leadership Structure Alternatives:

· 3 month rotations in leadership

· Co-Chairpersons

· Quarterly general meetings

· Team Leadership

New Chairpersons for 2005 – Congratulations to Robin Cleveland and Karin Coppola-Araia, on their GNBHHSC co-chairpersonship.

Subcommittees:

Health Access will meet 2/14 to discuss the establishment of programs to be offered to the community, based on feedback from the November 2004 conference.

Domestic Violence – 2005 focus is on increased education on the part of employers, regarding people who are experiencing domestic violence in their lives. A May workshop will be held for area businesses.

Announcements:

Snow Policy – When school is cancelled due to snow, the Coalition meeting will likewise be cancelled.

Mulligan Center March Trainings include Assessment and Evaluation, and Grant Writing & Sustainability. See Calendar below.

S.M.I.L.E.S. (Southcoast Mentoring Initiative for Learning, Education and Service) needs mentors. See www.southcoastsmiles.org.

High Point Treatment has “Time for Children” play groups. A Community Development grant for low income/homeless to improve their environment is due 2/11/05.

New Bedford A.C.T.S. (A Community Together Succeeds) is planning 10 community dialogs on violence prevention on Tuesday nights throughout March, and seeks facilitators and attendees from both agencies and the community. For information, contact Jim at the Chamber of Commerce.

Coalition Member Tasks:

Send a copy of the old brochure to Lorraine at [email protected]. (Ron or Jean)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Create and bring your committee’s budget to the March meeting (Subcommittee Chairpersons)

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

Purchase Microsoft Publisher

MARCH MEETING WILL FOCUS ON OUR 2005 PLAN, BUDGET, AND LEADERSHIP

Greater New Bedford

Calendar of Meetings and Events: March-May

March 3, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
March 3, 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
March 9, 9:30-Noon	Assessment & Evaluation. Health Care of Southeastern MA, inc. Spring Training. To register, contact Linda Owings, at [email protected], or call 508-583-2350, x 222.	Mulligan Center for Health Promotion, 942 West Chestnut Street, Brockton. $25. Scholarships available. For more information, contact Stephanie Miller at [email protected], or call 508-583-2350, x237
March 11, 12:30pm	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Committee Meeting	Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp, 21 South Sixth St., New Bedford, MA
March 23, 9:30-Noon	Grant Writing & Sustainability. Health Care of Southeastern MA, inc. Spring Training. To register, contact Linda Owings, at [email protected], or call 508-583-2350, x 222.	Mulligan Center for Health Promotion, 942 West Chestnut Street, Brockton. $25. Scholarships available. For more information, contact Stephanie Miller at [email protected], or call 508-583-2350, x237
April 7, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
April 7, 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
May 5, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
May 5,10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*

*Coastline Elderly Services is located at 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford.

JANUARY MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW

December 2004

Attendees: Rita Boudreau, Robin Cleveland, Deborah Darwell, Janice Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Katy Dutille, Bob Heskett, Pauline Macedo, Patricia McPartland, Mark Nussman, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Michele Stanton, Bethany Toure, Karen Vernen

Discussion Highlights:

A Look At the Past Year –Data gathered at “A Day Away 2”, along with the December 2003 planning meeting, provided the information and data needed for the GNBHHSC to go forward. A vision, mission and focus was created, will the coalition and committees supportive of one another, and feeding back to the mission. Challenges and suggestions for 2004 were reviewed:

Challenges and Suggestions	Accomplishments
Greater cohesiveness of the Health Access Committee	Attendance started light and became a strong cohesive group of 10 meeting regularly. A conference was held last month, with surveys providing feedback on future steps (30 attended). Robin is an excellent leader.
Increased active membership	There has been more consistent active participation, more cohesive with a wide sector.
Marketing/Membership Committees project completion	Goals were implemented on other ways. Still needed are a brochure, mentoring group for welcoming new members and canned editorials for immediate responses to current issues. The General Meeting Participants list was created for any new persons in attendance.
Staying current with community change	Done through announcements in the minutes, listserve and website.
Revitalization of Advocates for Youth	Began meeting about using DON funding for minigrants for existing work in community development. Currently looking at grassroots crisis response. An initial meeting was held 2 weeks ago to convene various community members and organizations in the groundwork for crisis response. The Committee’s goal is to identify leadership for training, with evaluation throughout the entire process. DON monies will fund this.
Legislative Breakfast: Increased attendance of NB legislators and awards	The Community Awardees were given first place in this year’s agenda. Judge Perez spoke about disenfranchised populations.
Time constraints on membership	Done. Committee representatives attend and update the Coalition about their meetings and projects. All committee members are not expected to attend both committee and general coalition meetings.
Financial decisions	In progress. More solidified budget information needed. Carl is the contact person, and Lorraine will also be involved.
Including the surrounding towns of GNB	AY is addressing this by inviting towns to submit proposals to provide seed money to the outlying areas. The DV project also included outlying communities.
Southcoast funding in collaboration with Fall River	Ongoing. There is still an option to do a joint effort, such as the Legislative Breakfast. A suggestion was FR/NB PSAs.
Youth representation	Attempts were made for Advocates for Youth. A product is needed to get true volunteers on board. Still future.
Keeping abreast of changes	Done through the website
Sharing information on opportunities to learn	Done through the calendar, mailings and website
Setting aside 20 minutes during monthly meetings for work	Done as needed, but not firmed up. There may be opportunity to have quarterly general meeting and work-focused monthly steering meetings.
Working on financial situation	Ongoing
Discussing violence, a community issue	Has Begun
Continuing community forums	Some occurred, but not quarterly as planned. Committee conferences are across the lifespan.

Leadership – Bethany Toure announced her need to step down as chairperson. Her exceptional leadership has been appreciated by the Coalition over these past few years. She shared a list of 12 personal characteristics of a leader, and explained that the chairmanship is greatly aided by having a Coalition staff member. It doesn’t take a lot of time. The biggest challenge was the financial piece, and accessibility of money. Different models for leadership can be explored. She encouraged the membership to consider stepping forward to a leadership position.

Announcements:

v Project Safe Neighborhoods – The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office applied for a grant to do a database on gun and gang activities in Fall River and New Bedford. The NEU helped develop the database. Fall River police will house the database that will identify hotspots and individuals who impact both cities.

v Child Advocacy Center is underway. It is a one-stop center for child victims of abuse, and includes social services, law enforcement, forensic and medical.

v Save the Date – Partnership for a Heart Healthy Stroke-Free Massachusetts will meet 2/7/04, 9:30-2:00. Location and more information TBA.

v Upcoming Mulligan Center Trainings include “Meeting Facilitation & Communication”, 1/26/05, 9:30 – 12:00 noon; “Assessment & Evaluation.” 2/17/05, 9:30 – 12:00 noon. The David H. Mulligan Center for Health Promotion is located at 942 West Chestnut Street, Brockton. Registration: $25.00 per person. Please contact Linda Owings to register: [email protected] or (508) 583-2250 ext. 222

The meeting concluded with the Annual Holiday Celebration and Yankee Swap.

Coalition Member Tasks:

Take and forward minutes from the January meeting to Lorraine at [email protected]

Send a copy of the old brochure to Lorraine at [email protected]. (Ron or Jean)

Check the resource directory at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc to check for accuracy. Send corrections or updates to [email protected]

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Staff Tasks:

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Continue to update resource directory and member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Upload the website to www.gnbhhsc.org

Link the website to the 211 project

Create a coalition brochure draft from Jean or Ron’s copy

Greater New Bedford

Calendar of Meetings and Events: December - February

Dec. 17 3:00-5:30	Public Health in the 21^st Century Forum. Please contact Ron O’Connor, 781-774-6608.	Bristol-Plymouth Technical School 940 County St. (Rt. 140), Taunton
Jan. 6, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting. Join us to plan for 2005!	Coastline Elderly Services*
Jan. 10, 9:15	Health Access Committee.	New Bedford Family Planning Howland Place
Jan 26, 9:30-12	Meeting Facilitation & Communication. $25. Call Linda at 583-2250, x222 or [email protected]	David H. Mulligan Center 942 West Chestnut St., Brockton
Feb. 3, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
Feb. 3, 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
Feb 7, 9:30-2:00	Partnership for a Heart Healthy Stroke Free Massachusetts	TBA
Feb. 17, 9:30-12:00	Assessment & Evaluation. $25. Call Linda at 583-2250, x222 or [email protected]	David H. Mulligan Center 942 West Chestnut St., Brockton

*Coastline Elderly Services is located at 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford.

November 2004

Attendees: Linda Aguiar, Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Rita Boudreau, Pamela Bourgault, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Katy Dutille, Darlene Dymsza, Maria Evora-Rosa, Bob Heskett, Pat McPartland, Deborah Monteiro, Mark Nussman, Kathy Patisteas, Marcia Picard, Nancy Ramos, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Tim Velho, Karen Vernen

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

· Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices will be introduced at a Fostering Social-Emotional Development In Young Children Informational Luncheon, 11/15/04, 9:30-Noon, at the Marriot Boston Newton. For information or to register, call Jennifer at 804-967-9002.

· Pathways to Prevention, Roads to Recovery Planning Session – Next session will be held 11/17/04, 427 County St. You are invited to join them Wednesdays from 8:30-10:00, at the Wamsetta Club.

· Voices of Inclusion Disparities in Health Care Summit, will be held 11/17/04, 8:00-3:00, at the JFK Library and Museum, Boston. Breakfast and lunch provided. For information, call Katy at 508-583-2250.

· The American Cancer Society's Look Good…Feel Better program, 11/29/04, 2:30-4:30, at Southcoast Medical Oncology, 480 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth, helps patients maintain their personal appearance while undergoing treatment for cancer. The free program features cosmetologists leading group sessions, providing tips and practical techniques for coping with hair loss and changes in the skin that often result from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Call Linda Aguiar at 508-897-4325 to preregister.

· World AIDS Day is 12/1/04. A program will be held at 5:30, at City Hall. Gallery X is providing space.

· GNBHHSC Planning Meeting for 2005 – Members are encouraged to attend the December meeting to look at planning for the upcoming year, as well as looking at accomplishments from last years planning meeting. The meeting will end with a holiday celebration and Yankee swap.

· Public Health in the 21^st Century DPH forum will be held 12/17/04, 3:00-5:30, at Bristol-Plymouth Regional High School, Taunton, MA.

· RAPPP is Moving to Dartmouth Place, and will have a new Resource Center. They are trying to start a “Proud Fathers Project” for fathers aged 13-23. They would like to network with other agencies for grant funding, and need letters of support. RAPPP also has basic training for new dads.

· Coalition Website – The Resource Directory has been improved per member suggestion, to a single webpage which lists agencies alphabetically, and by category. Agency names have been listed below each appropriate category, with direct links to each. See temporary website www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc/ResourceDirectory.htm. Pictures from the Legislative Breakfast have been obtained from the Fall River CHNA website, and posted at http://www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc/LegislativeBreakfast2004.htm.

· Job Opportunity – Habit Management has an opening for a substance abuse clinician. For information, contact Roger at 508-295-7990.

· This Could Never Happen to Me Forum survey responses show good participation by providers and consumers. Everyone enjoyed the program, which may be repeated next year.

· Bethany Toure Is Resigning As Chairperson due to combination of Bethany’s changing job requirements and her son’s health concerns. She loves the Coalition and would love to continue, but regrettably has to step down. She will do an exit plan at the beginning of the December meeting, to discuss where we are, did we meet our goals, and where are we going, in preparation of a new chairperson. She will bring a job description.

· Determination of Need (DON) and MRI Funding – GNBHHSC should receive approximately $38,000 in funding, for five years. The Financial Committee will serve as an AdHoc group, with Carl Alves as contact person, for more solidified conversations. The Coalition’s work drives the funding, and this funding is flexible. Also, GNBHHSC is still eligible to apply for a United Way Grant, as long as our funding is under $25,000.

Violence in the Community:

· Crisis Response Team - New Bedford has a trained crisis response team to respond to community events or crises. Their function is to support the family by pointing them to resources, such as funeral arrangements, alerting police to help them feel safe, and protecting the memorial area where the tragedy occurred. Services are also available for individuals indirectly involved in tragedies. They hope to do another NOVA training.

· Grassroots Involvement and Support - Advocates for Youth would like to bring community leaders to the table. Persons at neighborhood vigils after a tragedy could be mobilized, perhaps the neighborhood “auntie”. Working with local neighbors can open up more dialog. A forum might be a good place to start mobilization. They can provide information on who the male role models might be. Intervention equals prevention in tragic situations, because youth often sit with trauma by themselves. The community needs to know they can utilize services, as well as both formal and informal caretakers. Invitations to support could be given to these persons on the day of a memorial or other gathering times.

· Services in High Risk Areas – Clients and staff are often afraid to be in certain neighborhoods, but are unable to avoid them. A system by which providers could be alerted of high risk possible events would be helpful, either from police, the local housing authority, or other sources. An excellent resource for residents is the book, What to Do When the Police Leave. Residents need to know who the contact people are, as well as having an advocate that is not afraid to enter the particular community.

· Coalition Involvement – The GNBHHSC would like to invite the head of the trauma response team, police chief, lieutenant, mayor’s office (Adonis Ferreira), Americorp, prepared mothers, and Child and Family Services to a strategy meeting for mobilizing community leadership in response to community violence, to plan for a forum, and concentrate on solutions, not blaming, building bridges, not alienation. A planning meeting will be held 11/19/04, Noon-2:00, at Coastline Elderly Services. Bethany will facilitate and send out an agenda. The goal is to get everyone on the same page to discuss the future forum and become a unified voice. Some suggestions for a future forum includes bringing moms together, finding the best way to outreach to the community, and allow everyone a couple minutes to vent, without pointing fingers but getting solutions. This can occur two weeks after the planning meeting.

Subcommittees:

Domestic Violence is a recipient of a United Way minigrant. In the future, they will put together a new initiative. Possibilities include a workplace domestic violence initiative or a conference. Last year they did a successful outreach program on elder abuse, which included a providers conference, working with agencies to broadcast information to consumers, and creation of the “Safeguarding Our Seniors” brochure in the housing authorities. Their giveaway item is a magnifier with the program name and a toll free number - great choice because these are not time sensitive. The Attorney General’s office was actively involved in the project.

Health Access – Tomorrow’s forum, Healthy Lifestyles Across the Lifespan, will cover birth through aging, and address diets, sedentary lifestyles, second hand smoke, and diabetes. Cathy O’Connor will do the opening address. In the afternoon, a guest speaker Maureen Hancock will address stress in our lives. Feedback will assist future consumer offerings.

Advocates for Youth did not meet. Research on other minigrant programs is still going on. Advocates for Youth hopes to provide minigrants to support work that’s already going on in the community, not to address gaps. They are looking at topics and strong RFPs.

Next Steps:

Look at last year’s plans and look at planning for 2005, at the December meeting (Bethany and Membership)

Bring job descriptions (Bethany and Lorraine)

Reach out for position of new chairperson (Membership)

Look into getting copies of the book What to Do When the Police Leave (Pam)

Facilitate a meeting for strategizing an approach for mobilizing community leadership, on 11/19/04, Noon-2:00, at Coastline Elderly. (Bethany)

Next Meeting:

GNBHHSC Planning Meeting 2005/Christmas Party: 12/2/04, 9:00, Coastline Elderly Services*

Greater New Bedford

Calendar of

Coalition Meetings and Community Events

November 2004 - February 2005

Nov. 15 9:30-Noon	Fostering Social-Emotional Development in Young Children Informational lunch. RSVP to 804-967-9002	Marriot Boston Newton, Charles River East Room, 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton
Nov.17 8:30-10:00	Pathways to Prevention, Roads to Recovery Planning Session.	Wamsetta Club, 427 County St. New Bedford
Nov. 17 8:00-3:00	Voices of Inclusion, Disparities in Health Care Summit.	JFK Library, Boston, MA. Contact Katy, 508-583-2250.
Nov. 19 12:00-2:00	GNBHHSC Strategizing Meeting for Community Mobilization. By invitation. Call Lorraine or Bethany	Coastline Elderly Services*
Dec. 1, 5:30	World AIDS Day.	City Hall.
Dec. 2, 9:00	GNBHHSC Planning Meeting 2005. Yankee Swap follows. RSVP to Lorraine at 508-823-4822 (Refreshments will be served)	Coastline Elderly Services*
Dec. 17 3:00-5:30	Public Health in the 21^st Century Forum. Call Ron O’Connor, 781-774-6608.	Bristol-Plymouth Technical School 940 County St. (Rt. 140), Taunton
Jan. 6, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
Jan. 6 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
Feb. 3, 9:00	GNBHHSC General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*
Feb. 3, 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services*

*Coastline Elderly Services is located at 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford.

October 2004

Attendees: Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Judith Coykendale, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Katy Dutille, Darlene Dymsza, Maria Evora-Rosa, Bob Heskett, Pauline Macedo, Pat McPartland, Deborah Monteiro, Kathy Patisteas, Nancy Ramos, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Tim Velho

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

Thank You to Marcia Picard, for covering the September General Meeting.
Mulligan Center for Health Promotion fall training calendar is now available at www.hcsm.org/ahectrainingscalendar.pdf
Police and Communities Partnering to Reduce Youth Substance Abuse will be held 10/26/04, 9-2, at the Shaw's Center, Brockton.
Early Intervention Partnerships Program (EIPP) is a home visiting program for pregnant women and new mothers. For information, call 800-331-2229.
Partnership for Health and Human Services meets 10/13/04.
This Could Never Happen To Me, women educating women on HIV, Hep C and other Health issues, will be held 10/12/04, 9:00-12, at Buttonwood Park conference room. Contact is Debbie Gilbert, 508-992-6553, x173.
RAPPP (Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention) received a DPH grant to set up a New Bedford resource center. It will use Making Proud Choices curriculum, which is part of the Invest in Kids Program, in conjunction with RAPP kids. Act Program is a new violence prevention program. Trainings for the curriculum will be offered. The Risk Assessment and Implementation Task Force is looking for new members. For information, call Tim Velho at 508-748-9933.
Partners for Clean Air received the EPA Second Hand Smoke Grant. Early intervention partners will be encouraging no smoking in homes or cars with young children.
DPH Website seeks your ideas.
Prevention and Training for Substance Abuse Groups will be held November 3 and 17, at 427 County St. You are invited to join them Wednesdays from 8:30-10:00, at the Wamsetta Club.
Legislative Breakfast will be held Friday, 10/22/04. Judge Luiz Perez will talk about overall health and well being and empowerment in disenfranchised communities. He is an excellent speaker, and is diversity focused. Seven Community Awards will be given: 3 from Greater New Bedford, and 3 from Greater Fall River, with a special business award covering both areas.

Subcommittees:

Domestic Violence met 9/10. The Elder Abuse project has been completed. The brochures were well received.

Health Access - Save the date for Healthy Lifestyles Across the Lifespan, a forum on healthy lifestyle choices across the lifespan. It will be held 11/5/04, 10:30-3:00, at Buttonwood Park. Free. Lunch provided by the Shipyard Galley. For information, contact Robin Cleveland at [email protected] Topics include exercise, diabetes, tobacco and healthy nutrition on a budget. Maureen Hancock will address humor and stress. Future plans include topic workshops for the consumer.

Advocates for Youth - Determination of Need (DON) funding will be received soon. The group continues to work on minigrant application RFRs. Also discussed were clinical response to violence when it occurs. A paraprofessional curriculum may be offered to culturally appropriate individuals living in these targeted neighborhoods. This may also involve social workers and churches, to avert violence and retribution. The NOVA curriculum was recommended.

Next Meeting: 11/4/04, 9:00, Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford.

September 2004

Attendees: Carl Alves, Rita Boudreau, Gail Brennan, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Katy Dutille, Jacquie Gomes, Bob Heskett, Pat McPartland, Helena Marques, Deborah Monteiro, Marcia Picard, Karen Vernen

Discussion Highlights:

Networking - Members of the group shared information regarding a number of community events which would soon be happening, many of which will be publicized through newspapers, flyers and/or mailings to coalition members.

Oxycontin - Group engaged in a lively discussion about the area’s recent rise in oxycontin use. It was clear from all the information shared by knowledgeable professionals in attendance, this is a very complex problem with equally complex, multi-faceted, theoretical and actual approaches to solutions.

Legislative Breakfast - October 22 is the date to hold for the 5^th annual Greater New Bedford Health and Human Services Coalition and Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community jointly sponsored Legislative Breakfast at White in Westport. A mailing reminder will be emailed to all coalition members, with information on the website at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc. Members were asked to begin thinking of individuals or groups they might want to nominate for recognition as outstanding contributors to the overall health of our communities. Those chosen from among the nominees will be honored at the breakfast. Nomination forms will be included in emails, and are also available at the website. Display tables will be available for agencies to promote their services at the breakfast. Cost of the breakfast is $15. Cost for a display table is $10.

Email Announcements – The following announcements were received from Coalition members:

v Aging and Health Promotion Certificate Program will be held the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 3:00-5:00 pm, beginning in October and ending in July, at Kit Clark Senior Services, 1500 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA. For information, please contact Jeanne Martin at 617-825-5000, [email protected]. $200, with scholarships available.

v Pain Management for Cancer Patients, Identifying Methods to Cope with the Pain Associated with Treatment, will be held 9/29/04, 2:00-3:30pm, at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center Community Conference Room. Call Maureen at 508-897-4339 to register.

v Healthcare and the Culture of Aging, the 10^th Annual Institute for Cross Cultural Competence, will be held 9:00-1:00, 10/6/04, at the Plymouth Yacht Club. Call 508-748-0837 for cost, information and registration.

v Golfers are Needed – Health Care of Southeastern Massachusetts is holding a Golf Tournament to help raise funds for client services. Registration begins at 11:30, with tee-off at 1:00, on 9/13/04, at the Waverly Oaks Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. For information, call 508-583-3005, x219, or email [email protected].

v Survivor Speakers Training for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence who want to use public speaking as a tool for social change. Free training by Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and Womansplace Crisis Center Education and Counseling Staff. 10/16/04, 9:00-4:00, Location TBA. For registration guidelines, application and interview, call Sarah at 617-492-8306, or [email protected], or Maria at 508-588-2045, or [email protected].

v American Cancer Society needs volunteers to drive cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments. For information about “Road to Recovery”, call 800-ACS-2345, or visit www.cancer.org.

Sub-Committee Reports

Domestic Violence - After a summer hiatus, the subcommittee will reconvene on Friday, September 10 at SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford. Meeting agenda will include setting goals for the year ahead and a review of the past year’s highly successful Safeguarding Senior program

Access to Health Care - Also after a summer break, this committee will begin its fall meetings on Thursday, September 9, at the Buttonwood Park. The agenda will include preliminary planning for a Healthy Life Style conference.

Advocates for Youth - The committee is working on a plan to utilize anticipated Southcoast Hospital Groups monies by providing mini-grants for area youth-serving agencies and organization which in turn would design, develop and carry out sustainable programs which would fundamentally address the mission of the overall coalition. Group has not yet set its next meeting date.

GREATER NEW BEDFORD

Calendar of

Coalition Meetings and Community Events

September - November 2004

Sept 23 Noon-4:00

New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital Health Expo 2004.In Honor of National Rehabilitation Week

New Bedford Rehab Hospital Grounds, 4499 Acushnet Ave., 4499 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford. 508-995-6900.

Oct. 7

9:00

GNBHHSC General Meeting

Coastline Elderly Services,

1646 Purchase St., New Bedford

Oct. 7

10:00

The Next Regular GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting

Coastline Elderly Services,

1646 Purchase St., New Bedford

Oct. 15

12:30

GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Committee Meeting

SMLAC, 21 South 6th St.,

New Bedford. *It is goal setting season. Your participation is very important!

Oct. 22

8:00 a.m. to 11:00

5th Annual Legislative Breakfast

White's Restaurant

Westport

Nov. 4

9:00

GNBHHSC General Meeting

Coastline Elderly Services,

1646 Purchase St., New Bedford

Nov. 4

10:00

The Next Regular GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting

Coastline Elderly Services,

1646 Purchase St., New Bedford

June 2004

Attendees: Linda Aguiar, Maria Alves, Robin Cleveland, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Dorothy Connor, Jean DeCoffe, Katy Dutille, Bob Heskett, Pauline Macedo, Patricia McPartland, Deborah Monteiro, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Karen Vernen

Discussion Highlights:

Ø Coalition Member Tasks are included in monthly minutes. Please especially note the need for members to submit description of their roles in, and the organizations they represent.

Ø Family Resource Center – Kennedy Donovan Center will hold a raffle for the center, and the school will do an annual rock-a-thon. More information later.

Ø Portuguese Elder Network Conference “Know Your Rights” was held 6/15/04, 8:30-2:30, at the Mt. Carmel Auditorium on Crapo St., New Bedford. This included breakfast, workshops, and transportation. Free. Contact person is Pauline Macedo, 508-961-3135.

Ø Family Non-Violence has received a grant for courses in communication with Portuguese and Spanish speaking clients. The 4-week training in Portuguese will be held July through August. Contact number is 508-996-9729.

Ø Governor Romney is pushing for a 40% increase in state drug-treatment spending, increasing the budget of the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) from $33.7 million to $47.1 million.

Ø Yard and Bake Sale was scheduled for 6/5 (rain date 6/6) by the New Bedford Rehab Hospital to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Ø MassHealth has temporarily restored MassHealth Essential coverage to legally residing seniors and disabled immigrant, until 9/30/04. Call 800-841-2900 with any questions.

Ø “Not So Tough: A Men’s Health and Prevention Workshop was scheduled for 6/13/04, at SDA Church in Fall River. It is sponsored by RAPPP program of Southcoast Hospitals group. Telephone: 508-646-3506.

Ø Summer Meeting Planning – “Taking Care of the Caregiver” has been the focus of summer meetings. Buttonwood Park would be a good location. It’s free to community organizations, a caterer can be brought in, and the venue is conducive to a holistic focus (reflexology, Reiki, massage). Also suggested were Star of the Sea retreat Center, Sacred Heart, a Portuguese event, Back Edy, a Newport Harbor Tour, the Newport Cliff Walk, and Colt State Park. (See Steering Committee minutes, below) Please call Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822, if you are interested in planning the event.

Speaker: Linda Aguiar, American Cancer Society – New Bedford’s “Crusade Against Cancer” goal is to increase prevention, early detection and screening for cancer for all residents in order to save lives. She may be contacted at 508-897-4325. Program highlights include:

Ø A Guide To Cancer Prevention And Early Detection Brochure to help residents understand how healthy choices can help prevent cancer and outlines screening guidelines to encourage early detection

Ø Four-Hour Screening Initiative – Adopting a policy allowing city employees 4 hours annual leave for cancer screenings can bring immediate results

Ø Public Health Moments – Bringing cancer control messages to diverse community events to reach many different demographic groups.

Ø Patient Support Programs – Human Resource Departments have available information on community programs to assist cancer patients.

Subcommittee Reports:

Domestic Violence continues working on Elder Abuse Information Project. A distribution date for brochure distribution will be announced. The give-away gadget will be a coin purse.

Health Access will begin Healthy Lifestyles Across the Lifespan in the fall, to address greater New Bedford health issues such as nutrition, exercise, cancer and smoking, with future breakout groups. New members welcome.

Advocates for Youth met and will design the language for outcomes focused minigrant RFRs to enhance what is being done in the community. Criteria will focus on youth development across the lifespan in an America’s Promise area. Youth and other strategic planners will participate in the planning piece.

Finance and Administration Committee met to discuss the expected receipt of funding. Approximately $40,000 will be received for each of the next 5 years.

Greater New Bedford

Calendar of Meetings and Events

TBA	GNBHHSC Summer Meeting. (No regular monthly meetings in July and August)	Location, date and time TBA
June 25 2:00	Advocates for Youth.	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
June 25 3:30	Finance and Administration Committee.	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
No Meeting in July.	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Subcommittee. Next Meeting TBA	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
July 8 (Thursday) 9:15	GNBHHSC Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St., #100, New Bedford
July 21 1-3:30	MassHealth Technical Forum Meeting. Pre-register with Irene Kamau, 508-856-4306.	Taunton Holiday Inn, 700 Miles Standish Blvd., Taunton
Sept. 2 9:00	The Next Regular GNBHHSC General Meeting.	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
Sept. 2 10:00	The Next Regular GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
Sept. 8, 2004 6:00pm-9:00-pm	Nibbles "N Bits Auction. Silent and live auction to benefit Disaster Relief Services to the Southcoast Area. Live entertainment by Rebecca Correia and Pete Braley.	Wamsutta Club, 427 County St., New Bedford. 508-997-7431
Sept. 23 11:30-3:00	SAVE THE DATE. New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital Health Expo 2004.	More information coming.

May 2004

Attendees: Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Jean DeCoffe, Katy Dutille, Pauline Macedo, Patricia McPartland, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Rosa Previdi, Lorraine Rosa, Michele Stanton, Bethany Toure, Karen Vernen

Discussion Highlights:

Ø Best Practices – GNBHHSC Minutes were adopted as a model for the Brockton CHNA.

Ø City Hall Rally turnout was not as large as expected. However, a number of legislators attended.

Ø Statewide Smoking Ban Bill will be taken up in the House of Representatives shortly. There were small language changes in the bill, slated for 7/5/04. Two successful smoke free communities include Boston and Ireland. Smoking bans do not hurt, and do help, businesses.

Ø Center for Family Nonviolence has started 6 week courses in family communication, 6-8:00 pm on Fridays (5/7-6/4), at the Congregational Church in Fairhaven. Childcare provided. Purpose: Good communication skills, handling anger, and positive communication. $5 per session. Contact person is Bob Heskett, 508-996-1100.

Ø Portuguese Elder Network Conference “Know Your Rights” will be held 6/15/04, 8:30-2:30, at the Mt. Carmel Auditorium on Crapo St., New Bedford. Contact person is Pauline Macedo, 508-961-3135.

Ø Partnership for Heart Healthy and Stroke Free Massachusetts was launched in Fall River, New Bedford and Springfield.

Ø “A Shared Vision for Massachusetts Youth and Young Adults” may be accessed at http://www.mass.gov/dph/fch/adhealth.htm

Ø An Opportunity for Learning and Effecting Positive Change program runs from September 2004 – June 2005, and includes monthly trainings as well as educational clinics, technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring opportunities. MassForum offers community teams and individuals a unique, extended opportunity to enhance skills and learn new strategies to create healthier and safer communities. A brochure is available at http://www.tmfnet.org/pss/forumbrochure.pdf. Call Peter Lee at 617-451-0049, x507.

Ø Violence Prevention and Behavior Management training for middle school aged teens across academic, clinical, and social settings will be held for teachers, social workers, clinicians & guidance/adjustment counselors. See Calendar of Meetings and Events.

Ø Access to Health Care in Massachusetts: A Catalog of Health Care Programs for Uninsured and Underinsured Individuals helps in referring individuals to the most comprehensive health care programs for which they qualify. It is accessed at http://www.state.ma.us/dhcfp/pages/dhcfp144.htm

Ø May is Foster Care Appreciation and Awareness Month. Susan Harrison is doing Foster Child Advocacy Program monologues. Call Joanne Daiken for information at 508-997-4511.

Ø Women of the Village fundraiser sends children to camp. This year, it will be held Sunday, 6/13/04 (Sunday), 4:00-9:00, Hawthorne Country Club.

Ø Heroine/Opiate Prevention Focus Grants – New Bedford is applying for this Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)/Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) grant, which represents a significant issue in the city. A discussion group will be held 5/19/04, 12:00-1:15, at PAACA, 360 Coggeshall St. Facets include policy development, warning signs for educators, community infrastructure, drug testing, and the use of environmental strategies. It includes law enforcement, the faith community, treatment and government, and will educate teachers and physicians.

Ø 5K AIDS Walk: 5/29/04, 9:00 registration, at Fort Tabor. For information, call Maria at 508-996-0546.

Ø Workforce Investment Board has the right linkages for application to the DPH ReEntry Grant. Ron O’Connor may be contacted for information on who is applying.

Subcommittee Reports:

Domestic Violence is working on the last phase of the Elder Project, getting information on elder abuse out through gadgets, posters and brochures.

Health Access discusses health issues across the lifespan, including nutrition related issues.

Advocates for Youth did not meet this month. The group will look at creating mini-grant RFRs for organizations that address youth development, and for seed grants to outlying communities. The next meeting will look at RFP language and development. Some $40,000 is expected for each of the next 5 years.

Finance and Administration Committee meets the last Friday of the month. See Calendar.

Greater New Bedford

Calendar of Meetings and Events

May 27 3 pm-7 pm	Violence Prevention and Behavior Management for middle school aged teens across academic, clinical, and social settings Training.	Century House, 107 Main St., Acushnet, MA. Call High Point, Project Coach at (508) 994-0885
May 29 9:00	5K AIDS Walk Registration.	Fort Tabor. Call Maria Alves, 508-996-0546.
June 3 9:00	GNBHHSC June General Meeting. Our June meeting is important! We will discuss the summer meeting and developments within Advocates for Youth and the newly formed Administration and Finance Committee.	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
June 3 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
June 4 12:30	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Subcommittee. Safeguarding our Seniors Project Wrap-up Meeting and Distribution Day. Light Lunch Provided.	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
June 5 8:00	“Paint Your Heart Out” (Paint Senior Citizens’ houses. Will reschedule in the event of rain. Breakfast and a T Shirt provided)	Hathaway Road McDonalds, New Bedford, MA
June 7 9:15	GNBHHSC Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St., #100, New Bedford
June 13 4:00-9:00	Women of the Village Fundraiser.	Hawthorne Country Club, Dartmouth, MA.
June 15 8:30-2:30	Portuguese Elder Network Conference “Know Your Rights”.	Mt. Carmel Auditorium, Crapo St., New Bedford
June 16 2:30	Bristol County Domestic Violence Round Table.	SMLAC, 22 Bedford St., Fall River. Call Yolanda at 997-0711.
June 25 2:00	Advocates for Youth.	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
June 25 3:30	Finance and Administration Committee.	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
September 23 11:30-3:00	SAVE THE DATE. New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital Health Expo 2004.	More information coming.

April 2004

Attendees: Maria Alves, Gail Brennan, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Jean DeCoffe, Tracy Desovich, Roger Dextradeur, Katy Dutille, Maria Evora-Rosa, Jacquie Gomes, Ethan Kehoe, Pauline Macedo, Helena Marques, Deborah Monteiro, Ron O’Connor, Kathy Patisteas, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Tim Velho, Karen Vernen

Discussion Highlights:

Announcements:

Ø National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 18-24. Southeastern Massachusetts Voices Against Violence urges you to let your voice be heard by contributing to a collection of poems, posters/art work and essays titled: “Through My Eyes: Voices Against Violence, Voices of Hope.” For information, call Annemarie Matulis at 508-824-3227.

Ø Coalition Listserve is an excellent way to get your message out in a timely manner. Send information to [email protected]

Ø Meeting Participants Informational List is available on our website, and was also distributed in hard copy to attendees. This is a strong networking tool; please send information about your agency and what you do.

Ø Member/Staff Tasks are featured monthly in the minutes, as well as in email reminders.

Ø Free HIV Testing for Women is held every other week at Home of Hope Center. (See Calendar)

Ø Parents Night and the Male Conference will be held May 4^th and 5^th. (See Calendar)

Ø Southeastern Center for Healthy Communities has posted a one-year position fellowship position to create a substance abuse prevention Network that will provide support, training, and resources to existing local substance abuse prevention initiatives. For more information, visit www.masspromise.org or call Stephanie at 508-583-2350.

Ø A Rally Against Human Service Cuts will be held April 8, 2004, at the New Bedford City Hall steps. (See Calendar) Please show your support.

Ø State Funding for Heroine Prevention will be made available to municipalities that have a coalition. More information will follow.

Ø Workforce Investment Board has an in school, out of school RFP for $1/2 million posted at www.gnbwib.org, click “youth council”.

Ø Report on City Dropout Rates are available by individual school at www.doe.mass.edu.

Synopsis of March Meeting – The Coalition chose not to focus on America’s Promise as its work, but Advocates for Youth will reconvene and take up youth development (advocacy across the lifespan) with minigrants to New Bedford and its outlying towns, supporting the 5 promises. Criteria for minigrants will be discussed the second week in April. (See March 2004 minutes). Domestic Violence and Health Access Committees will continue their excellent work. Funding to be received will continue to support the work of the three committees.

Website – New features for this month at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc include:

Attendees: Linda C. Aguiar, Maria Alves, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Dorothy Connor, Jean DeCoffe, Tracy Desovich, Maria Evora-Rosa, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Karen A. Mariulewicz, Helena Marques, Deborah Monteiro, AnneMarie Olin, Ron O’Connor, Kathy Patisteas, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Karen Vernen

Ø Invitation - All were encouraged to stay for the Steering Committee meeting, to read monthly minutes at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc or hardcopy, and send event information to Lorraine. Upcoming events are posted in the calendar section.

Ø Immigrants Assistance – The Agnes Braz Center is open on Thursdays by appointment. Call 508-996-8113.

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Write editorial according to your/your agency’s area of expertise. Forward to [email protected]

Update mail list and list serve with new members, remove any who have missed 4 meetings.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Add a participating member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Attendees: Carl Alves, Rita Boudreau, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Jean DeCoffe, Tracy Desovich, Roger Dextradeur, Maria Evora-Rosa, Demmene Frierson, Pauline Macedo, Deborah Monteiro, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Tim Velho

· Steering Committee will consider an important vote today. All were encouraged to stay.

· Health Action Conference 2004 will be held 5/5/04, 8:00-4:00, at the Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center, Shrewsbury. To register, please call 617-350-7279.

· Employment Opportunity – New Bedford Community Connections Coalition seeks a highly skilled part time-25 hour per week Administrative Assistant. Deadline is 3/12/04. Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to Pam Cruz, Director, NBCCC c/o United Way, P.O. Box 7823, New Bedford, MA 02742.

· Southcoast Hospitals Group Male Conference will be held 5/5/04. It is open to high school young men, ages 13-18. Invitation only. If interested in bringing a delegation of young men, please call Tim Velho at 508-748-9933.

· 2^nd Annual Take This Child To Heart evening of jazz and silent auction to benefit the Foster Children & Teen Enrichment Fund, will be held Friday, 2/27/04, 8:00 p.m. – Midnight, Century House, Acushnet. Tickets $50 per person, or $400 Sponsorship (10 tickets and inclusion in event promotion.) Heavy Hors D’oeuvres & Cash Bar. For tickets, call 508-994-9625, x21.

· GNBHHSC Resource Directory is finished, and will be added to the Coalition’s website at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc. It consists of 43 pages, double-sided.

· Snow Shoveling for Disabled Residents - City of New Bedford still has 20 openings in an initiative through which residents with disabilities who can provide a doctor’s note as well as to sign a verification form may have snow-covered sidewalks and steps shoveled at no cost to them. More information: Diane Figueira, 508-997-4889

· Chocolate Lovers Sundae will be held 4/4/04, 2:00-4:00, at the Hawthorn Country Club, benefits the New Bedford Prevention Partnership and Red Cross. $10.

· Youth Summit will be held 4/16/04 at Whites of Westport, during school hours. Approximately 300 students are expected to attend a full day of workshops.

1) Domestic Violence topic was housing, including safety within units, available units, and Domestic Violence prevention, or lack thereof. The Committee is doing a package of ideas.

2) Health Access – Most recent minutes are posted to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

4) Marketing/Membership will work on a brochure about the coalition, and editorials for a press kit. Coalition members are asked to write an editorial according to their expertise, in order to have these available as soon as an issue arises. A new members information packet should include what we are, what we do, and a follow up call of thanks and support for new members within a month. New members found the expanded introductions; written vision, mission sheet, and a consistent agenda to be helpful.

5) Community Mobilization Committee was formed as an adhoc group that can sign on to policy issues.

Send events and meeting information to Lorraine Rosa, [email protected], for inclusion in the 6 month Calendar section of www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc, and for sharing with the Coalition listserve.

Upload minutes and meeting dates on website, send email and hard copies, new web features, and tasks to membership, with a reminder on the weekend before the next Coalition meeting.

Add a participating member organizations webpage with links to their websites to www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

Update www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc with a message board, extended calendar, agency descriptions upon receipt of Resource Directory and budget page.

Attendees: Carl Alves, Rita Boudrea, Jean DeCoffe, Peter deGroof, Maria Evora-Rosa, Pauline Macedo, Ron O'Connor, Kathy Patisteas, Marcia Picard, Bethany Toure

Review of December minutes highlighted successes of 2003 and challenges for 2004.

Coalition will continue to support three on-going subcommittees and one ad hoc committee:

3) Advocates for Youth – Coalition focus is to revive and strengthen this subcommittee

Marketing and Membership - Ad hoc committee charged to develop a marrketing and PR plan, and to produce support materials, I.e. press kit, promotional brochure

· To make better use of busy members’ time, beginning with February meeting, monthly agenda will include actual work time addressing coalition and subcommittee goals.

· 2004 collaboration with Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthy Community coalition will include effort to increase New Bedford representation on joint committees such as annual legislative breakfast and Southcoast Hospital Groups grant allocation determination committees.

· Healthy Start and Children’s Medical Plan are now part of local Mass Division of Medical Assistance.

· DPH Lakeville office closed in December. DPH representative, Ron O’Connor, updated attendees on restructuring progress and relocation of services.

· SMILES - Carl Alves presented an update on SMILES, an ambitious new adult mentoring initiative for area youth. Press conference with more information to be held January 14, 3:00 at the YMCA. All are invited.

· Boys and Girls Club - On January 19, Martin Luther King Day, a two-part program will be held at the Boys and Girls Club. Part 1 will be an agency expo designed to provide area clergy with information about greater New Bedford youth-serving agencies. Part 2 will be an entertaining program directly serving youth.

· Childnet meeting will be held January 15 from 1:00 to 2:00 at Coastline Elderly Services. Guest speaker will be a representative from Cape Cod Children’s Advocacy Center.

· Program for New Fathers - A representative from the Southcoast Hospital Group RAPP pregnancy prevention program provided information on a training program for new fathers, which covers such topics as a father’s role, support and custody issues. For more information, log on to www.southcoast.org/RAPP

· Take this Child to Heart - On February 27, Community Connections Coalition will be sponsoring their “Take this Child to Heart” event at the Century House in Acushnet. Proceeds will help support their foster child enrichment fund which helps cover such expenses as class rings, prom gowns, music and art lessons for area foster children.

· Snow Shoveling for Disabled Residents - City of New Bedford has launched an initiative through which residents with disabilities who can provide physician’s documentation may have snow-covered sidewalks and steps shoveled at no cost to them. More information: Diane Figueira, 508-997-4889

· Resource Information for the Homeless - City of New Bedford’s Homeless Service Provider’s Network has produced a “Street Sheet” brochure which lists support and emergency services available for the homeless. Copies were distributed to attendees.

· MassHeath premium notices were recently mailed out by the Division of Medical Assistance, 23,000 of which came back as undeliverable because of inaccurate addresses. Subscribers who do not respond to these notices are in danger of loosing coverage. Attendees were urged to inform clients who may be among those who have recently moved to call 800-462-1120 for more information on getting reconnected.

1) Domestic Violence - December meeting was holiday celebration. Committee will continue to work on elderly abuse in the year ahead.

· Coalition Resource Directory - Carl Alves provided a status report on the coalition directory. Discussion followed concerning costs involved in its creation and whether or not to charge for copies. Suggestions included making directory available online, on CD as well as hard copies. Maybe provide one free copy to agency members and charge for additional copies. Although final determination was tabled until later meeting, group agreed to provide free copies to clergy members who attended the January 19^th youth agency expo at the Boys and Girls Club.

· Funding - Possible funding sources for coalition expenses such as the directory, include DPH, MRI monies, money from Dartmouth Medical Associates and Southcoast grant allotment to be shared by New Bedford and Fall River.

Attendees: Rita Boudreau, Robin Cleveland, Janice Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Peter deGroof, Denise Denault, Roger Dextradeur, Maria Evora-Rosa, Jacquie Gomes, Pauline Macedo, Claudia Mills, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Elizabeth Spinney, Bethany Toure, Isaiah Toure

A YEAR PAST, A YEAR COMING:

Successes from 2003:

Legislative Breakfast	Grant receipt
Elder Conference	SYNERGY conference
Regrouping of membership	Quarterly forums (ex: UMD forum, Community reentry after incarceration, “Taking Care of Ourselves”, Holiday celebration
Southcoast funding in collaboration with Fall River	Updated resource directory
Organized leadership	Updated meeting format
Communication about issues in community, networking, coalition information	Best practices
Our website (www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc)	Networking
Email and Mailing lists updated

Sharing information on opportunities to learn (Ex: DMA trainings, 1/21/04, 1:00, Taunton Holiday Inn, and community forums for the GREATER New Bedford area

Setting aside 20 minutes during monthly meetings for work (ex: Marketing/Membership and other Committee work)

Attendees: Carl Alves, Gail Brennan, Dorothy Connor, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Maria Evora, Jacquie Gomes, Demene Frierson, Pauline Macedo, Kathy Patistas, Marcia Picard, Bethany Toure

Legislative Breakfast was a success, with 165 in attendance. The main theme was the impact of Budget Cuts. Steve Collins from the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services was Keynote Speaker. The Mayors of Fall River and New Bedford also spoke. Awards were presented to local Human Services Providers-The Home of Hope, Damien’s Place food pantry, and a nurse from the Southcoast Hospital. Volunteers are needed for representation on the Legislative Breakfast Committee. Ideas for upcoming Legislative Breakfasts included the idea of having a question and answer forum, increased personalization of next year’s invitations, informational flyers on the issues that the Coalition does/does not support, elected officials participation in giving awards as first item, and increased representation from elected officials, including the Governor’s office, because only five attended. Making list of representatives who attended, as well as a list of the ones who did not show may motivate better attendance at future functions. The Herald News and Channel 9 attended.

SYNERGY Conference is on 11/21/03. - The coalition was asked to do a presentation on "Best Practices" at the Synergy Conference. Presentations include Bio-terrorism, health disparities, and best practices. Loretta Laroche will also speak.

Domestic Violence The Committee is in the process of working with the local Counsels on Aging to put materials together for elders, and develop the best ways to outreach elders. A Committee co-chair is sought. A housing presentation will be occurring at the December meeting.

Health Access recently had a presentation on the guidelines for the Children’s Medical Security Plan.

Advocates for Youth needs a chairperson. There was discussion about SMLAC sponsoring "Child Net", a committee of providers with similar goals, which includes the MSPCC. SMLAC's committee does not wish to merge with the coalitions' youth advocacy committee. Duplication of services was discussed, as well as a need to energize and build this Committee.

Budget Committee - The balance is $12,500. The $13,000 from SouthCoast money should be coming in soon. Postage costs will be significantly reduced since the mailing list was reduced. The possibility of obtaining some additional funds for the Elder Abuse Project was discussed.

Attendees: Erin Almeida, Maria Alves, Gail Brennan, Janice Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Roger Dextradeur, Jacquie Gomes, Mason L. Jenkins, Marissa Key, Linn Morrill, Lorraine Rosa, Daniel Sprout, Bethany Toure

Speaker: Daniel Sprout, Coordinator of Community Services, Child & Family Services – Coordinated Family-focused Care is a wrap-around model of care serving eligible children with serious emotional disturbance and their families, in Brockton, Lawrence, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester. Its goal is to better coordinate the care of children and adolescents who are at risk of hospitalization or residential placement because of their serious emotional disturbance. It builds on family strengths and available support systems to help children remain in or return to the community. Staff works with the family to develop the child’s Care Planning Team, which consists of the child, family, people invited by family, staff, and appropriate state agency and school staff. There are currently 8 teams, providing 24 hour, 7 day coverage. Their wraparound planning process results in an individualized and flexible plan for the child and family. For more information, log on to www.CFServices.org, or contact Daniel Sprout at 508-990-0894, or email [email protected].

Speaker: Linn Morrill, UMass Medical School, CHEC Project – CommonHealth Employment Connection links people with disabilities to health insurance, health services, employment, and other resources that can make gaining or maintaining work easier. It provides specialized services for consumers, families, agencies, front-line workers, advocates, providers and employers which include educational outreach on MassHealth/CommonHealth, toll-free & web based information and referral services, and web-based resources. For more information, or for a presentation, call 866-698-6901, or log on to www.masschec.org.

· SYNERGY Conference will be held 11/21/03, at the Plymouth Raddison. Loretta LaRoche will be keynote speaker for this event. It is sponsored by Southcoast Hospitals.

· The 3^rd Annual Family Nonviolence Conference: Family Peacemaking Across the LifeSpan, will be held 10/24/03, 8:30-3:30, Bristol Community College. $40. For information, call 508-996-1100, or [email protected]

· Critical Mass Meeting was held to increase health access to a critically diverse population.

· Legislative Breakfast 2003 will be held at Whites Restaurant, Westport, 10/31/03, 8:00-11:00. Cost is $15, and $10 if you would like to reserve resource table space. For registration information, call Lorraine Rosa at 508-823-4822, or email [email protected]

· Election of Coalition Officers will be held at the November General Meeting on 11/6/03.

· Southcoast Funding for GNBHHSC and Fall River Partners – New Bedford plans a web based directory, and some regional activities. There is no follow up meeting yet. Updates and meeting announcements will be posted at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc

· Covering Kids Campaign – Southcoast Hospitals Group will soon have an informational flyer advertising the open enrollment effort (in the planning stages) for children and families to reach out to help with budget cuts confusion, and perhaps identify other resources for them besides simply placing them on a wait list. The effort is scheduled for 11/14/03, Noon-8:00, White Home Living Room, St. Lukes Hospital site. They should have the informational flyer available at the Legislative Breakfast. Additional suggestions may be forwarded to Kathy Langford, at [email protected]

· Domestic Violence –The next steps of the Elder Abuse project was discussed. They are currently getting information on products and looking to work more closely with Councils on Aging.

· Advocates for Youth – Several youth committees are looking at working together to become a united voice for youth issues.

November is election month for chairperson, alternate chairperson and treasurer. See Nominations form below, and please come prepared to vote. (Committee)

Trim mailing list according to RSVP forms received from those desiring to remain on the list, as well as anyone who has attended meetings in the last four months. Minutes are accessed at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc (Lorraine)

Alternate Chairperson_______________________________________________________________

Treasurer________________________________________________________________________

Attendees: Carl Alves, Rita Boudreau, Gail Brennan, Robin Cleveland, Dorothy Connor, Janice Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Peter deGroof, Demmene Frierson, Pauline Macedo, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Ron O’Connor, Cora Peirce, Marcia Picard, Rosa Previdi, Lorraine Rosa, Elizabeth Spinney, Michele Stanton, Bethany Toure

Welcome – Elizabeth Spinney from the Southeast Center for Healthy Communities was welcomed to the GNBHHSC. She has a Masters in Public Policy and worked in the Youth Development field, she will be providing the Coalition with Technical Assistance.

Meeting with Southcoast – The GNBHHSC supported the 8/7/03 meeting with a strong voice of unity through good attendance. The Coalition will receive a community benefits package of $12,703 for five years, with the possibility of increase next year. This will allow for an excellent website to include access and update possibilities to the Resource Directory, similar to the United Way’s website feature for volunteer opportunities. An expansion of the Legislative Breakfast and health access cable spots in Portuguese, Cambodian and Spanish would be an excellent regional project. Bethany will submit the general budget on 9/18/03.

Legislative Breakfast – Steve Collins will present the keynote address on how budget and policy affects our work, at the 10/31/03 event. The cost is $15, with resource display space for an additional $10. This year attendees are asked to be sure to remit payment before 10/23/03. The 2003 Updated Resource Directory will be sold there.

Mailing List – Our mailing list includes 315 labels, many with more than one person. Contact forms have been, and will again be, sent to the entire list. Only those who fax or mail back their forms, and anyone who has attended meetings in the past 4 months, will receive post cards with meeting dates in the future. Minutes are posted at http://www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc/ as received.

Budget – After the $875 expense of the August meeting, there is approximately $12,000 in the budget.

Sample Website – Lorraine Rosa has created a sample website which includes coalition information and minutes. You may access it at www.geocities.com/gnbhhsc. It is a work in progress, and you are invited to watch it grow.

Quarterly Forums – Bethany will meet with the Mayor to discuss a New Bedford initiative on reentry from prison.

· Free easy top use database software available! demonstration of the Organizers’ Database will be held 9/16/03, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at CEDC, 105 William St., 2^nd Floor Conference Room, New Bedford, MA. Please call Claudia Kirk, 508-994-9625, x13 or email [email protected]

· Senior Social & Supper is held Wednesdays, 9/10/03-10/29/03, 4:30-7:00, at the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford. To pre-register, please call 508-961-3135.

· SYNERGY Conference will be held 11/21/03. The focus will be on public health, with 200 attendees from the larger region expected. Loretta LaRoche will be keynote speaker for this event. There will be a fee for attendance.

· Forum for the Faith Community and Domestic Violence Providers will be held on 10/8/03, at Whites Restaurant.

· Marketing Subcommittee membership is open for those who wish to provide information about the coalition, respond to requests for information, provide proactive and reactive position papers and create a press kit.

· Essential MassHealth is new from the Department of Medical Assistance, and begins 10/1/03 for those unemployed for 12 or more months.

· Critical Mass is a New England wide group that responds to disparities in healthcare. They will hold a regional forum at the end of September.

· New Coastline Program provides information and assistance to individuals over age 50, who may not be getting the government entitlements for which they may qualify. A fundraiser will be held at Centry House, 6:00-8:00 p.m. which will include cocktails, food & music. $30, or $50/couple. For information, please call Rita at 508-999-6400, x160

· Domestic Violence – Janice Dean was thanked for her hard work as chairperson of the committee. She has resigned the position, but will remain a committee member. Evaluations of the Senior Panel event showed it to be a success. The second phase of the project was discussed, with information being included in the regular senior newsletter.

· Health Access – The Committee is gathering information on area services for individuals without insurance. The committee wishes to connect with Southcoast’s media campaign with this information, letting people know just what is available.

· Advocates for Youth – DSS and DMH will meet with youth issues groups on 9/15/03, 10:00-11:30 at DSS, to talk about supporting each other and working together. Please call Bethany (508-994-9625, x24) if you wish to attend and represent Advocates for Youth.

October is election month for chairperson, alternate chairperson and treasurer. See Nominations form below, and please come prepared to vote. (Committee)

Attendees: Carl Alves, Leila Charbonneau, Dorothy Connor, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Jean DeCoffe and Nephew, Peter deGroof, Denise Dennault, Roger Dextradeur, Maria Fortes, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Aaron Griffin, Mason Jenkins, Kathy Langford, Terri Larson, Stacey LoCastro, Stephen Lopes, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Patricia MacPartland, Melissa Nascimento, Kathy Patista, Marcia Picard, Nancy Ramos, Tom Riley, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure, Gloria Villalobo

Southcoast Hospital DON Funding Meeting – The Greater New Bedford Health & Human Services Coalition, and Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community will apply funds to support public health programs and projects based on assessed needs and community priorities. The total for both groups amounts to $12,703.00, each year for the next five years. New Bedford has chosen to create and maintain a website to include resource directory information according to subject category (such as domestic violence), updates, and volunteer opportunities. Also suggested were joint media PSAs (public service announcements) in area languages, expansion of the annual Legislative Breakfasts, and/or a joint youth group. Each group was asked to submit a first year budget.

“Taking Care of Ourselves” – Attendees at the Roth-Jones-Duff House Museum enjoyed lunch after a museum tour, enjoyed a collection of up building quotes, and took part in an exercise to identify and develop support systems through two tools that are used with clients but can be used to assess our own supports, stressors, strengths and needs. These tools were the Family Circles Assessment and the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment. Additional copies of these assessments were given out with instructions on how they can be used with clientele (additional copies are available by contacting Bethany at 508-994-9625x24

Consider and recommend individuals or groups for Community Awards 2003, at the 4^th Annual Legislative Breakfast (Membership)

Fill out and return the membership list form on the next page (Membership wishing to remain on mailing list)

Announcement: The GNBHHSC wishes to thank the Lakeville Office of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for their support in their distribution of our monthly minutes/meeting announcements. Due to budget cuts they are no longer able to continue this service. Because of the high cost of copies, postage and expenses in producing such a large mailing, we ask that you mail or fax this page to the place below, indicating your interest in continuing to receive mailings. Please keep in mind that Email is the most cost-effective form of mailing. For more information, please call Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822.

I do not have email, but would like to continue to receive mailings through the postal service.

Mail to: Greater New Bedford Health & Human Services Coalition, P.O. Box 7567, New Bedford, MA 02742-7567

General Meeting: 9/4/03, 9:00, Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St.

Domestic Violence: 9/12/03, 12:30-2:00, S.E. MA Legal Assistance Corp, 21 S. Sixth St.

Health Access: 9/8/03, 10/6/03, 9:00, Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place

Attendees: Erin Almeida, Maria Alves, Carl Alves, Tina Backus, Richard Caocle, Leila Charbo, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Peter deGroof, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Kathy Langford, Douglas MacLean, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Helena S. Marques, Susan Oliveira, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Jim Ross, Bethany Toure

Community ReEntry from Incarceration crosses missions and organizations, with elder, domestic violence, youth and substance abuse issues. The Coalition would like to do a fall forum/workshop on this subject. Area resources include workforce investment boards, career centers, and a bonding program. Informational websites include www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/onestop/FBP.htm, www.bristolwib.org and www.hirenetwork.org

Jim Ross - Community Partnerships, Inc., is dedicateed to providing quality services to people with disabilities, and their families, as part of the greater community. CPI organized a committee and received a grant to do a “Blueprint on DD/SA (Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse)” (For further information on the “Blueprint”, call Lorraine at 823-4822). The following annual Substance Abuse Round Table focused on re-entry issues, because a large percentage of incarcerated individuals have substance abuse and/or mental health backgrounds. Breakout groups for area providers included the following six topics: Youth, Disabilities, Treatment, Women, Housing, and Employment/Training/Education. As a follow up to the Round Table, a Reentry Committee was established, with members from police, probation, prison system, probation, substance abuse service providers, DPH and DMR. The group works with the Dartmouth staff to identify who will be released to Taunton. Local agency representatives are invited to speak in the prison setting, have put together programs for individuals pending release, have worked on MassHealth cuts issues, and work on having the voice of the citizens heard, on reentry issues. The following initiatives support the reentry work:

· Community Drug Education – First time offenders learn about HIV, substance abuse issues, decision making, and making agency connections. This has been expanded to parolees, as part of parole terms and to probation. Currently, the group is working with Dartmouth Corrections to escort prerelease inmates, who will return to Taunton, to these classes.

· Case Conference Team – Providers put together plans and ideas for courts about suggested probation terms in different cases. The first 24-48 hours of release are vital to reduce recidivism, so resources need to be put together before this time. Ideally, they would be picked up at the gate at the time of release and transported to services, to avoid a return to former habits. This is more likely to happen as a probation requirement.

· Substance Abuse Round Table Follow-Up – The Reentry Committee addresses developmental disabilities, substance abuse, housing awareness and youth issues (DSS, DYS). Work is progressing slowly, because this is a side work to most members’ regular workloads.

Welcome and Introductions, Acceptance of Minutes and Discussion, Announcements and Updates:

SYNERGY (DPH, CHNAs, Healthy Center for Healthy Communities, BOH) – A gathering is planned for November. It will focus on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness with first and second responders.

Healthcare for All Regional Meeting is having a “Not Worth It” campaign about health care cuts for families. There are also asking for democracy 101 type information. Personal stories from grassroots residents go further with elected officials, than do organized agency campaigns. Phoning office aids and developing relationships with them at times other than budget times, is critical. Their help line wants your story, and offers advice to help you find other options for coverage. Call 1-800-272-4232, or log on to [email protected]

NB Community Connections Coalition Fundraiser – Celebration of Jazz and Blues will be held 6/29/03, 4:00-9:00, Hawthorne Country Club. For tickets call 508-984-7796 or 508-997-6700.

Domestic Violence – The Committee received $1000 to support the “Safeguarding Our Seniors” conference. This focuses on DV in the elderly community, for health & human service providers and community outreach. Outreach to the elderly population will be ongoing.

Health Access – New Bedford has low participation in Healthy Start. Food stamps and cuts in health access issues were also discussed. People are not utilizing available services, perhaps because they assume that if one service is shut down, they must all be shut down.

Advocates for Youth – SMLAC and DMH are talking about youth issues. Bethany will try to bring them in to reenergize this Committee, and avoid duplication of efforts.

Monthly: Send minutes to Co-chairs for feedback, add new members to mail list, provide sign-in sheets, copies of minutes and agendas at General meetings, next month’s agenda, thank you letter to speakers, refer emails to co-chairpersons (Lorraine)

Set a date for the joint meeting with the Fall River CHNA for determination of need monies. (Bethany)

General Meeting: No July Meeting. Next meeting: 8/7/03, Time/Location TBA

Health Access: No July Meeting. Next Meetings: 8/11/03, 9/3/03, 10/6/03, 9:00, Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place

Attendees: Maria Alves, Elizabeth Connelly-Sylvia, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Jacquie Gomes, Pauline Macedo, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Rosa Previdi, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure

Welcome and Introductions, Acceptance of Minutes and Discussion, Announcements and Updates:

DPH Birth Rate Packets – The 2001 birth rate was captured in data analysis. Teen pregnancy in New Bedford is more than double the state average, and statistics are down from the previous year. Smoking rate is also more than double for pregnant mothers.

Walk On AIDS Weekend Kickoff will be held May 30, 6-11 p.m., at 890B Brock Ave. Walk on AIDS will be held May 31, 2003, at Fort Tabor. Registration at 9:30, and 10:30 the walk begins. (AIDS Walk Boston is June 1, 2003) It will include food, speakers and entertainment. All money raised supports organizations working on the AIDS issue in New Bedford. For more information, call 508-996-0546.

Woman of the Village – This New Bedford Community Connections Coalition jazz and blues celebration fundraiser sends kids to Crossroads for Kids Camp. It will be held on 6/29/03, at the Hawthorne Country Club. For information, please call Bethany at 508-994-9625, x24.

Budget – The budget is around $12,000, with MRI money coming this month. The Coalition can support ongoing activities of Committees, staffing and the new resource directory.

New MRI Funding – CHNAs usually receive 5% of MRI monies. Another funding opportunity from Southcoast Hospital may provide $127,000 over 5 years, split between GNB and FR CHNA’s, which amounts to about $12,000 per year for 5 years. This is a DPH requirement as a condition of approval.

Community Mobilization Committee – A “Stop the Cuts Campaign” sign-on letter was emailed to the membership. This Ad Hoc Committee was established for members to sign-on to different issues, for strong advocacy from the Coalition, or to respond to editorials. (Some member agencies are prohibited from involvement in these issues.)

Domestic Violence – Over 20 attended the last meeting, from the housing authorities, COA, SE MA Legal community, DA’s office, Courts, Coastline, etc. Their input was invaluable. Ideas generated included, a radio series using COA directors, and a speakers’ panel.

Advocates for Youth produced a teen guide in the past. A suggestion was made to update it and include websites

Membership – New and returning members will be re-acclimated to the Coalition by receiving a Marketing brochure, a welcome phone call, and outreach to the missing voices from a Day Away 2. The marketing Committee will develop the brochure

Marketing is currently looking at the Coalition logo. There is discussion on going on updating the logo and creating the brochure

Collect emails from members who wish to receive notifications by email instead of postal mail, to help save money (Membership notifies Lorraine at [email protected])

Domestic Violence: 6/6/03, 12:30-2, SEMA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th St.

Attendees: Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Pat Bebo, Irene Bulger, Robin Cleveland, Melissa Correira, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Peter DeGroof, Jacquie Gomes, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Amy Laboe, Maureen Lund, Helena Marques, Kathy Patisteas, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure

Welcome and Introductions, Acceptance of Minutes and Discussion, Announcements and Updates:

7^th Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony will be held by the Coalition Against Poverty and Coalition for Social Justice, on 4/26/03, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at Bristol Community College, Cafeteria. Tickets $15.00 ($5.00 low income and seniors). For information, call 508-678-5497.

Letter to John Kerry – Coastline Elderly Services, Inc., has sent a letter asking the senator to oppose cuts in Medicaid and cuts to today’s and tomorrow’s veterans.

10^th Annual Ounce of Prevention Conference, Building Healthier Communities for All: The Journey to Equity, will be held 4/30/03, Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods. Price is $40, but scholarships may be requested.

SYNERGY attempts to bring everyone together, including Boards of Health, addressing issues such as terrorism.

Standing Strong Collaboratively – The forum was attended by 80 individuals, many of which are new, including representatives from UMD. The success of the effort demonstrated that we can pull together quickly and are well organized. Cost was only $45, because lunches were paid by Southcoast Hospital.

Treatment on Demand is doing street outreach of alternative services to AIDS/HIV high-risk areas. They are also advocating for sober housing. A workshop will be held in May.

AIDS Walk Weekend will include a walk in New Bedford 5/31/03, and in Boston 6/1/03. Harm reduction and surviving the budget cuts is needed.

Plymouth High Point must keep in patient treatment beds full. Their number is 800-233-4478.

Home of Hope does street outreach to high-risk women, and along with Family Planning, provides free female condoms.

MassHealth Basic Program has closed. Coverage continues during appeals for disability benefits, if made before 4/1/03.

Grants Available include Pathways to Collaboration, $50,000 yearly for 3 years, and the Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Future, $500-$3500, for tobacco prevention and control.

Linking Community Indicators to Real Action and Policy is an online conference call seminar, sponsored by the Association for Community Health Improvement, 5/15/03, Noon. For information on how to participate, please log on to www.hospitalconnect.com/communityhlth/education/audio.html

Farewell to Maureen Lund, who will be working in Rhode Island. The Coalition thanked her for all her work and support, and provided a bag and sweatshirt in remembrance of GNBHHSC.

At the Standing Strong Collaboratively forum, we addressed working together to serve constituents in light of budget cuts. Representative Cabral spoke about budget, statistics and next steps. The Coalition Against Poverty was invited to provide concrete next steps. This year’s deficit is over $2 Billion, with human services facing the brunt of the cuts. The “Stop the Cuts Campaign” hopes to:

Legislators see the last bullet as last resort, and need to hear their constituents want taxes restored. Things we can do are:

Loss of revenue effects go beyond human services. It effects the attraction of new business, economic development, higher and public education. A cross section of supporters are needed, including more business people, such as through the Chamber of Commerce.

Health Access – The membership database is available on Access and email, and will facilitate contact and reactivation of members. The Committee is working on a free care resource list.

Domestic Violence – The Committee is identifying key people who work with elders. They have compiled statistics from area police, and are reaching out to Counsels On Aging, Project Independence, and Adult Day Care. The Co-chairs attended a United Way mini grant session, and are working on a grant due 4/11/03.

Advocates for Youth produced a teen guide. The new version will include websites. Committee leadership is available.

Membership/Marketing will now meet separately. Marketing will work on Coalition brochures, and a press kit for quick response to issues, Coalition contact people, community resources, and relationships with the media. Membership is reaching out to those who need to be at the table.

Share Steering Committee’s letter with membership, first by email, then in hard copy

Create product from newsprint of 3/21/03 forum (Bethany, Lorraine, Chairpersons)

General Meeting: 5/1/03, 9:00-10:30, Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St.

Domestic Violence: 5/2/03, 6/6/03, 12:30-2:00, SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th St.

Health Access: 5/5/03, 6/9/03, 2:00, Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place

Attendees: Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Jocelyn Andrade, Robin Cleveland, A.E. Crabter Jr., Janice L. Dean, Peter DeGroof, Jacquie Gomes, Kathy Langford, Maureen Lund, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Alice Melo, Ron O’Connor, Cora Peirce, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure

Welcome and Introductions, Acceptance of Minutes and Discussion, Announcements and Updates:

Grants/Funding – Target Stores grants are available for arts, education, and family violence prevention, at www.target.com. The US Department of Commerce’s Technology Opportunities Program will soon be accepting applications, at www.ntia.doc.gov/top/grants/grants.htm.

Free Smoke Alarms are available by calling 617-624-5426. Fire Departments and Community-based Agencies must apply in partnership.

Free Promotional Items, suitable for use in health fairs, etc., may be ordered from the MA DPH. Please contact Kimberly Woods, 781-774-6711 for an order form.

Bureau of Substance Abuse Services – The City of New Bedford is applying for a grant to support environmental strategies, using tobacco techniques to reduce teen alcohol abuse. A similar application is being prepared by the Greater Taunton Health and Human Services Coalition.

Parent and Grandparent Groups are sponsored by the NB Community Partnerships for Children and the MSPCC. Groups include Parenthood Support Group, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (and it’s support group), and a Fatherhood Group. Child care is available. To register, call Cora Peirce, 979-4552.

· Dierdre Healy, Community Service Learning Program, UMD, will participate, and connect students to the Coalition. Location costs for the day have been cut in half because of her involvement.

· Bethany will do a press release. An invitation to speak has been sent to Senator Motigny. Tony Cabral was selected as alternate.

PAACA 20 Year Anniversary will be held 3/22/03, at White’s of Westport. Doors open to the public after 9:00 p.m.

Free Bullying Forum will be held 3/24/03, 6:00-9:00 p.m., at the Roosevelt Middle School. For information, call Heather (Safe Harbors) at 997-4511, x3226. Dr. Pollack.

Child Abuse Prevention Month kickoff will be held 3/31/03, at 10:30, at Buttonwood Park.

Meet Christine Ferguson, DPH Commissioner on 4/2/03, 2:00-3:30, at Bristol Community College, Jackson Arts Center Auditorium.

Youth Summit will be held 4/17/03. About 350 youth will participate. To become involved, call Lisa Tavares at 979-1580.

Health Access – The Insurance Partnership (IP) process was explained. This targets small businesses and self-employed individuals. A Community Health Center has been established in Falmouth, with another planned for Hyannis. Several Centers currently exist on the Cape. Kathy Langford has resigned as chair of the Health Access Subcommittee. She will remain active in the Regional Health Access meetings and the GNBHHSC Coalition.

Domestic Violence – Committee chairpersons will attend a United Way orientation for minigrants. This year’s committee focus is on elder abuse, with outreach to agencies that work with elders, and those who will benefit from the project. Statistics are being collected from police, courts and the women’s center. Plans include train the trainer on the issues, and presentations utilizing experts. A June DV conference will include DV, sexual assault and the faith community.

Monthly sponsorships for refreshments etc. can help offset expenses. The community will be invited to sponsor quarterly training events.

After the meeting format was restructured the coalition chose to offer trainings/forums on a quarterly basis. The topic of Re-entry from incarceration was suggested. Established re-entry programs include the Military (for returning service men) and a collaborative between Community Partnerships, agencies, Fall River/Dartmouth/Bridgewater re-entry project.

Monthly: Send minutes to Co-chairs for feedback, add new members to mail list, provide sign-in sheets, copies of minutes and agendas at General meetings, thank you letter to speakers, refer emails to co-chairpersons (Lorraine)

Volunteers are needed to help out with the 3/21 event. Please call Bethany at 994-9625, x24. (Membership)

General Meeting: 4/3/03, 9:00-10:30, Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St.

Domestic Violence: 4/4/03, 12:30-2:00, SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th St.

Health Access: 4/7/03, 5/5/03, 6/9/03, 9:00, Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place

EDUCATION

1. What is your single biggest challenge at this time?

Attendees: Carl Alves, Maria Alves, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Peter DeGroof, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Mason L. Jenkins, Kathy Langford, Terry Larson, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Rosa Previdi, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Toure

Welcome and Introductions, Acceptance of Minutes and Discussion, Announcements and Updates:

· New Officers – Congratulations to Kathy Langford, Chairperson of the Health Access Subcommittee and Jacquie Gomes/Janice Dean, Co-chairperson of the Domestic Violence Subcommittee.

· Attorney General’s Office Will Hold Public Forums on community benefits for hospitals and HMOs. Buttonwood Park was recommended by the coalition as the venue.

· Budget Cuts – The Fourth Annual AIDS Conference is looking for stories to present to legislators. A booklet entitled What To Do About Uninsured Adults Losing Coverage In Masshealth Basic: A Guide For Advocates, Health Care Providers And Outreach Workers and fact sheets How Will The Masshealth Cuts Affect Your Communities? and Health Care Is Under Attack, were distributed. Health Care For All wants to work with local coalitions for mobilization in the GNB area. The Coalition also suggested the Coalition for Social Justice, Coalition Against Poverty and Senator Montigny.

· Educational Workshops will be held in January by Treatment for All. They also have Straight Talk and educational pamphlets.

· Snow Policy – When New Bedford schools are cancelled for inclement weather, meetings will also be cancelled.

· SYNERGY - The Coalition has contributed $200 to the support of SYNERGY. This is a nice way to thank DPH for doing Coalition mailings, which amount to approximately $150 per month. A follow up meeting will be held on 1/10/03, 1:00, DPH Lakeville.

· MassHealth Cuts Kick Off Rally is scheduled for 12/17, noon, location TBA. Some 4,000 people in the FR/NB areas will be affected.

· Health Access – Boston Healthnet presented at a recent meeting. Discussion at the next meeting is on partnering, implementing and retention issues in the “Covering Kids Initiative” for the school year.

· Advocates for Youth has not met. Carl reported that a Youth Summit is planned for 4/17/03, during school hours, with transportation provided. Youth will give further ideas for the summit at the Martin Luther King day activities, and planning meetings are held at 360 Coggeshall St. Expected participation at the Youth Summit is projected at 100-150 high school students and 50 junior high school students.

· Domestic Violence – Categories discussed included law enforcement, the criminal justice system and community issues. They will look for Coalition support on aggressor training for police to the Massachusetts training council, as well as future issues.

Budget is currently at $12,824.02. Receipts for last month included $200 to support SYNERGY and $17.00 in reimbursements.

Holiday Celebration – A Yankee swap was held. All were pleased with their gifts.

Monthly: Send minutes to Steering Committee for feedback, add new members to mail list, provide sign-in sheets, copies of minutes at General meetings, add budget and mission statement to the agenda, refer emails to co-chairpersons (Lorraine)

General Meeting: 1/9/02, 9:00-10:30, Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St.

Attendees: Erin Almeida-Rose. Carl Alves, Keisha Brooks, Robin Cleveland, Kim Corazzini, Tryne Costa, Janice L. Dean, Jean DeCoffe, Peter DeGroof, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Martha E. Gonzalez, Kathy Langford, Maureen Lund, Helena Marques, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Alice Melo, Marcia Picard, Nancy Ramos, Lorraine Rosa, Ana Silva, Bethany Toure, Susan Wareing

· December 1, 2002, is World AIDS Day. An event will be held at the Unitarian Church

· December 4, 2002, a World AIDS Conference will be held at 8:00 a.m., Whites of Westport. Call 508-997-9051 to pre-register.

· April 30, 2003, is the 10^th Annual Ounce of Prevention Conference, Building Healthier Communities for All: The Journey to Equity, at the Boxborough Holiday Inn.

· The January, 2003 general meeting will feature Boston HealthNet and Southcoast Hospitals group. The Boston Health Net Plan is a choice that can be offered to MassHealth recipients to help them manage their local health care needs. Presentations may be facilitated for any and all groups interested in learning why a MassHealth recipient might want to choose the BMC HealthNet plan.

Membership Committee – This committee will create an information packet for new members, and outreach to members and other groups.

Marketing and PR – This Committee will design a brochure and create standard media packets with pre-approved press responses. Noncontroversial letters in light of the focus of the month may be created, along with proactive responses to upcoming cuts in MassHealth Basic (fact sheet and letter). A spokesperson who keeps responses general, savvy and eloquent, basing responses on the mission statement, will deal with the media. Advocacy for revenue enhancement may be another focus.

Health Access Committee – The Committee’s focus is on trying to enhance the number of people insured by awareness of services. Peter spoke about the new eligibility factors took effect on August 1, and the Children Medical Security Plan. Future meeting dates are 12/9, 1/6, 2/10, 3/10, 4/7, 5/5, 6/9, 9:00, at Family Planning, Howland Place.

Domestic Violence Committee – The Committee discussed location, goal setting, past and proposed projects, and what can be accomplished without funding. Membership expansion into the faith and healthcare community is a goal.

Legislative Breakfast – The purpose of these annual events is to show accomplishments and impact to legislators. Mayor Kalisz knowledge of community programs was impressive. Suggestions for improvement were referred for discussion at a review meeting in Fall River.

Contact Ron for an overall breakdown of the mailing list, divided by committee, with asterisk beside chairs, marking who comes to meetings (Lorraine & Ron)

Contact Boston HealthNet and Southcoast Hospitals group to speak in January (Kathy)

Health Access Subcommittee: 12/9/02, 9:00, Family Planning Office, Howland Place

General Meeting: Carl Alves, Ted Chase, Janice Dean-Souza, Jean DeCoffe, Peter DeGroof, Demmene Frierson, Amy Laboe, Maureen Lund, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Ron O’Connor, Marcia Picard, Lorraine Rosa, Erin Almeida Rose, Bethany Toure

· Annual Legislative Breakfast - 10/25/02, 8:00-11:00, Whites Restaaurant. $10. Contact Lorraine Rosa, 508-823-4822

· 2^nd Annual Over 21 Halloween Costume Party - 10/26/02, 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., at Bridge Street Station, Fairhaven. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Contact person is Heather Larkin at 508-997-4511, x3226

· “World AIDS Day Conference” - 12/4/02, Whites Restaurant. Consummers and providers will gather for breakfast and to hear speakers.

· “Breaking the Nutrition Barriers”, USDA, FNS Northeast Regional Conference, will be held 12/5/02 in Boston, MA. For more information, please call 617-565-6395.

Centers for Healthy Communities - The New Bedford Center has merged with Brockton, and is located at 920 W. Chestnut Street. Maureen will continue her work with the Coalition. She can be reached at 508-583-2250, x221, or at [email protected]. The library website is located at www.andornot.com/mpc. There is one Center for Healthy Communities in each of the six DPH regions.

Meeting Space – The Coalition is in need of a permanent meeting place. Can you help with suggestions?

Vote to Accept – The updated mission statement, format for general meetings (9:00-10:00 or 10:30) and subcommittee action plan outlines were accepted. Quarterly working meetings will provide trainings for agency utilization.

Marketing Subcommittee will design a brochure and respond to news articles through editorials. A point person would provide communication links to the press and other subcommittees.

Membership Subcommittee will work on recruitment, design an orientation packet and maintain contact information. The first step is recruitment, using information obtained in surveys in outreaching executive directors and others.

Awards Committee – An Ad Hoc Committee (Bethany, Janice, Lorraine and Jean) has been established for the selection of community awards recipients. Winners will be recognized at the Legislative Breakfast on 10/25/02.

Coalition officers – Membership votes, and Steering Committee acceptance resulted in the election of officers. Carl will mentor an individual who is interested in the position of treasurer.

To bring information on committee initiatives and programs, newspaper clipping, etc. (Subcommittee Chairpersons)

Attendees: Carl Alves, JoAnne Vital Bernier, Keisha Brooks, Leila Charbonneau, Florence Choate, Robin Cleveland, Kim Corazini, Janice Dean-Souza, Jennifer DeBarros, Peter DeGroof, Demmene Frierson, Jacquie Gomes, Martha E. Gonzalez, Mason L. Jenkins, Kathy Langford, Maureen Lund, Karen A. Macinlewicz, Helena Marques, Pamela MacLeod-Lima, Marcia Picard, Rosa Previdi, Tom Riley, Lorraine Rosa, Erin Almeida Rose, Bethany Toure, Lila Wilson

Planning Committee – The Committee met every 2 weeks this summer, along with the interim leadership, to lay the ground work for the suggestions that follow. Bethany and Pamela volunteered as interim leaders, interviews were conducted with key informants, data was collected, preparation meetings were held, issues were addressed, and strategies and products were suggested.

A Day Away II – This retreat marks the 10^th year anniversary of the merger of the GNBHHSC and the CHNA. Discussion included what we are doing, where to go, strengths, opportunities for growth, decreasing membership, decrease in decision-making representatives, and renewal and strengthening of the Coalition. Information was gathered using surveys and discussion groups.

Surveys – These gave us our next steps and areas where improvement is needed. Twenty-one Self-Assessment surveys were collected from members of the Greater New Bedford Health and Human Services Coalition annual meeting held on June 6, 2002. Only 6 of the 21 are required to attend. They reflected a strong commitment to the coalition and community. Most respondents represent an organization and fall within 7-14 years of experience with the coalition, with a total of 150 years with the Coalition. For more information, the membership was invited to sign up for the extensive, complete survey. Summary packets were distributed to all in attendance.

1. Leadership – A leader needs to have a road view of community assets and networking ability within the community to build a broad-based community support and involvement in the mission of the coalition, and fosters responsibility within the coalition. He/she provides ongoing monitoring of progress towards goals and communicates progress to the membership. Mentoring/training and incentives are needed for leaders through leadership mentoring. Position descriptions were provided to the membership.

2. Communication – The Planning Committee proposed a change in general meeting structure to include updates from chairperson regarding coalition activities, updates from subcommittee chairs, information sharing, community concerns, resources and updates, availability of detailed minutes of the previous meeting, and a proposal to revise the format of educational presentations to quarterly and possibly evening formats. The group also proposed the creation of a membership committee, a newsletter and a website.

3. Membership - We need to decide if we should be a professional association to benefit the community, or a coalition seeking more members among residents, consumers and community volunteers, or both. A public relations campaign could showcase benefits and accomplishments of the coalition.

Proposed Vision Statement – To be a network of health and human service providers and community members, dedicated to enhancing the human condition in Greater New Bedford.

Proposed Mission Statement – By providing a forum for action, advocacy, coordination and education, we focus on fostering a community where residents are supported to achieve healthy and fulfilling lives.

Proposed Subcommittee Action Plan Outlines (Annual) would provide the following: Subcommittee objective, approach/strategy to accomplish the objective, outline of activities/tasks and who will be responsible, timeframes, and evaluation method.

Proposed Format for General Meetings – Welcome and introductions, acceptance of minutes and discussion, announcements and updates, subcommittee reports and closing. This format will help members chose or establish a committee. Educational meetings may be held quarterly to address topics such as immigration and other personnel development trainings. A two hour meeting was seen as too long.

Current Subcommittees include Advocates for Youth (2^nd Friday, 3:00, 360 Coggeshall), Domestic Violence (1^st Friday, 12:30-2) and Health Access (2^nd Tuesday, 9:00, Howland Place)

· SYNERGY meeting of CHNA’s, Boards of Health, Centers for Healthy Communities and DPH will be held 11/22, location to be announced.

· Workshop on Pet Loss, 10/6, 10-2, Animal Rescue League of New Bedford. $40.

· Community Connections P.A.S.S. will go to the City Council on 9/12/02 for a change in school committee structure to 6 district reps and 2 at large.

Provide informative minutes with updates from subcommittees, and a monthly calendar of events

Support subcommittees in the development of action plans and strategic planning.

Steering Committee: 10/3/02, 10 minutes after the General Meeting (Voting at Start of Meeting)

Domestic Violence Subcommittee: 10/4/02, 12:30-2:00, Family Planning, Howland Place

Health Access Subcommittee: 10/7/02 (Monday), 9:00, Family Planning Office, Howland Place

Attendees: Peter deGroof, Jacquie Gomes, Martha Gonzalez, Maureen Lund, Pamela Macleod-Lima, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Torre

Compile descriptions of elected positions, executive summaries, phone call interview information, proposed mission, vision, goals, subcommittee action plans, agendas

Next Meeting: September 5, 2002, 10 minutes after the conclusion of the General Meeting, or no later than 11:15, Howland Place

Attendees: Jean DeCoffe, Peter deGroof, Martha Gonzalez, Amy Laboe, Maureen Lund, Pamela Macleod-Lima, Ron O'Connor, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Torre

Discussion Highlights:

Short Term Goals:

To create and send post cards to the general membership indicating no August meeting (Lorraine Rosa, Ron O'Connor)

To check for the capacity to add new committees, according to the bylaws (Membership)

To examine and update the mission statement, e-mailing suggestions to [email protected] (Membership)

To prioritize next steps for summer, fall and onwards, leading to a formalized strategic plan (Membership)

To look at where the existing committees fit into the newly suggested structure (Membership)

Attendees: Carl Alves, Laura Alexandre, Kym Barboza Owens, Richard Cabral, Leila Charboneau, Jean DeCoffe, Janice Dean-Souza, Pat Loranger, Maureen Lund, Pauline Macedo, Aaron McNam, Helena Marques, Barbara Michel, Marcia Picard, Alde Riveira, Lorraine Rosa, Bethany Towne,

Presentations:

Carl Alves, PAACA Housing Programs, shared the following statistics:

Richard Cabral, Harbour House – This is an all Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) referred all-sized-family shelter, which coordinates delivery of appropriate services for families to transition to self sufficiency and permanent housing. This includes case management and various groups and workshops. Because the prices of rent are so high in the New Bedford area, it is difficult to get people into permanent housing.

Laura Alexandra, Journey to Independence is a 12-unit, 3 bedroom apartment facility, which includes twice weekly case management, for larger homeless families with disabilities, by agency referral for New Bedford homeless individuals. The program goes from 1-3 years. Domestic violence issues affect 80% of these families. Other issues include credit, budgeting and GEDs. Home ownership is a goal. Section 8 can now be used to purchase a home.

Donovan House is a 1-year to 18-month transitional home for eight families with mothers and children up to age 16. It has handicap accessibility, and is funded by a McKinney grant.

May Meeting: 5/2/02, 9:00 a.m., theme and location to be announced. Please watch for your mailing!

Attendees: Susan Adams, Grace Arena, Leila Charboneau, Kim Corazzini, Jean DeCoffe, Peter deGroof, Darlene V. Dymsza, Kathy Foell, Joyce Gibson, Maureen Lund, Jackie Melo, Barbara Michel, Pat McPartland, Vivien Morris, Nadeen Pina, Ron O’Connor, Nancy Ramos, Ginny Rego, Lorraine Rosa, Lorian M. Tavares, Philomena Tavares, Bethany Toure, Michelle Wilding

Overview: NB Prevention Center – Obesity* is at epidemic proportions nationwide, with more than ½ of all adults and ¼ of all children fitting this description. Obesity and lack of Physical Activity appeared 1^st and 2^nd on Healthy People 2010, and can lead to various other problems such as high blood pressure and psychological effects which can cause a negative spiral in other risk areas.

In the New Bedford area, 29.8% are obese, with a target rate of 15%. Physical activity fares better in the area at 29.6% compared to a target of 30%. Modifiable behaviors overlap and impact on one another, and risk can be reduced by working together with such groups as SHARE and the Farmer’s Market, and perhaps by providers encouraging walking during home visits.

WIC: Pregnancy and Babies – Based on caseloads of December, 2001, 7% of clients were underweight and 24% at risk or overweight, 37% of pregnant women were overweight or at risk for overweight, and 11% of infants 0-12 months were overweight or at risk (slightly lower than statewide).

Headstart: Young Children – Twice per year, children are weighed and measured, and that information is given to their parents. Food served at Headstart is based on the food pyramid. Teachers are taught portion sizes and children serve themselves. A variety of fruits and vegetables are encouraged. Many of the children are unfamiliar with some of these, but it takes about 5 times to present a food before individuals can decide whether or not they like it.

UMass Extention: Youth in schools, adults, families with children and low-income individuals. Some 500 families are served per year with a series of 8 lessons on simple ways to apply dietary guidelines from the food pyramid, serving sizes, and food demonstrations. Effectiveness is evaluated by a 24-hour recall. Nutrition changes are most difficult for pregnant teens, and persons with economic difficulties, domestic violence and substance abuse situations.

Southcoast: Adult and Elderly –The Change of Heart Health Pass begins with a survey that shows the participant his/her highest risk factor of the top 5. That individual is then sent tip cards that address just one factor at a time, and a health pass card for discounts on healthy services and goods.

DPH: Cardiovascular Health State Plan – This 5-year funded program promotes cardiovascular health in Massachusetts through establishing collaborative partnerships. Emphasis is on policy and environmental changes such as workplaces encouraging physical activities, restaurants serving vegetables at every meal, sidewalks for safe walking, etc. Currently, information is being gathered on what is happening in communities, recruitment of individuals, discussions about nutrition and physical activity with youth and adults and addressing physicians groups and community policy makers.

*Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more; overweight is indicated by a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25-29.9. BMI equals your weight divided by your height squared.

Next Meeting: “New Opportunities and Challenges for Housing”, March 7, 2002, 9:00, New Bedford Prevention Center.

April 16	Youth Summit. During school hours.	White’s Restaurant, Westport.
April 26 9:00-2:30	For a Heart Healthy Stroke Free Massachusetts. Final steps to a statewide action plan for healthcare sites, wk sites, communities, schools	Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA. For information, call Kathy Foell at 617-624-5469.
April 21 9:30-11:00	FREE Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing for Women.	Home of Hope for Women Outreach Center/CHHS, Inc. 1287 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. 508-996-0546.
May 4 7:00-9:00	Violence…LIFE…Interrupted. 6^th Annual Male Conference Parents’ Night.	Fairhaven High School Auditorium, Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven. Registration required. Call RAPPP at 508-748-9933.
May 5 8:00-1:30	Southcoast Hospitals Group RAPP Program’s/6^th Annual Male Conference. Taunton Holiday Inn. For high school young men, ages 13-18. Invitation and pre-registration only.	To bring a delegation of young men, call Tim Velho at 508-748-9933. RSVP no later than 2 weeks prior to the event.
May 6 9:00	GNBHHSC May General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
May 6 10:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
May 7 8:00-3:30	When Dad Hurts Mom – Children’s Healing and Recovery. $30 or $50. For information, call 508-539-2542.	Coonamessett Inn, 311 Gifford St., Falmouth.
May 7 12:30	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Subcommittee	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
May 10 8:30	GNBHHSC Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St., #100, New Bedford
Sept. 23 11:30-3:00	SAVE THE DATE. New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital Health Expo 2004.	More information coming.

March 26, 10:00-12:00	Immigrants Day in the District.	New Bedford Public Library, 3^rd floor, 613 Pleasant St.
March 27, (Snow date 3/28) Seatings are 5:30 & 7:00 pm	Men Who Cook. Adults $25, Children 12 and under, $15. Call Women’s Center, 508-996-3343, x125.	Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School, 1121 Ashley Blvd.
March 30, 5:00-7:30	An Introduction to the Southeast Housing Court & Selected Housing Law. Bristol County Bar Association & the New Center for Legal Advocacy, Inc. To register, call 508-979-7160, x3008.	New Bedford Public Library, 613 Pleasant St., 3^rd Floor.
April 1, 2004 9:00	GNBHHSC April General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
April 1, 2004 Follows above	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
April 2 12:30	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Subcommittee	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
April 4 2:00-4:00	Chocolate Lovers Sundae. $10. Benefits the New Bedford Prevention Partnership and Red Cross	Hawthorn Country Club
April 5 8:30	GNBHHSC Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St., #100, New Bedford
April 14 10:00-3:00	UMass Dartmouth 25^th Annual Career Expo. $425 per company. For information, please call Betty Goodine, 508-999-8658.	UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA.
April 16 School hours	Youth Summit.	White’s Restaurant, Westport.
May 5 8:00-1:30	Southcoast Hospitals Group RAPP Program’s/6^th Annual Male Conference. Taunton Holiday Inn. For high school young men, ages 13-18. Invitation and pre-registration only.	To bring a delegation of young men, call Tim Velho at 508-748-9933. RSVP no later than 2 weeks prior to the event.
May 6 9:00	GNBHHSC May General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
May 6 Follows above	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford

February 27 8:00-Midnite	2^nd Annual Take This Child To Heart Fundraiser	Century House, Acushnet. $50. Call 508-994-9625, x21
March 4 9:00	GNBHHSC March General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
March 4 9:00	GNBHHSC Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
March 4 2:00-4:00	Chocolate Lovers Sundae. $10. Benefits the New Bedford Prevention Partnership and Red Cross	Hawthorn Country Club
March 5 8:00-4:00	Health Action Conference 2004. To register, please call 617-350-7279. (Fee)	Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center, 222 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury.
March 5 12:30	GNBHHSC Domestic Violence Subcommittee	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
March 8 9:15	GNBHHSC Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St., #100, New Bedford
March 19 9:30-1:00	Law Libraries Pilot Seminar. For information, please contact Rich McMahon at 508-979-7160, x3010.	Southern New England School of Law, North Dartmouth
April 16 School hours	Youth Summit.	White’s Restaurant, Westport.
May 5 8:00-1:30	Southcoast Hospitals Group RAPP Program’s/6^th Annual Male Conference. Taunton Holiday Inn. For high school young men, ages 13-18. Invitation and pre-registration only.	To bring a delegation of young men, please call Tim Velho at 508-748-9933.

2/5/04	9:00	February General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
2/5/04	Immediately following	Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
2/6/04 Friday following General Meeting	12:30-2:00	Domestic Violence Subcommittee	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
2/9/04 Monday following General Meeting	9:15	Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place, 651 Orchard St., #100, New Bedford

1/8/04	9:00	January General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
1/8/04 Date change due to holiday	Immediately following	Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
1/9/04 Date change due to holiday	12:30-2:00	Domestic Violence Subcommittee	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
1/12/04 Date change due to holiday	9:00	Health Access Subcommittee	Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place, New Bedford

O - Opportunities - Jobs; education; information; health; ecoonomic; higher education; knowledge/awareness; active, continuous communication

A – Access - Economic; complete family access; mental health; services; language and culture; building trust; universal health care; food

S - Safety - Physical; emotional; school; family; commmunity; environmental; cultural; spiritual/religious; personal

T - Trust - Respect; police; each other; self; schoolls; judiciary; neighbors; culture; safety; health systems; religious leaders; faith; politicians

Sub-Committee Reports

Review of December minutes highlighted successes of 2003 and challenges for 2004.

NOMINATIONS WORKSHEET FOR NOVEMBER 2003 ELECTION OF COALITION OFFICERS

HEALTH

GENERAL

MONTHLY MEETINGS

JULY - DECEMBER 2001

JULY 2001

AUGUST 2001

SEPTEMBER 2001

OCTOBER 2001

Domestic Violence is one of the most difficult issues faced by health and human service providers around the globe.

NOVEMBER 2001

DECEMBER 2001

The year ended with a full holiday breakfast meeting. Sherri, Mandi and Tom were recognized for their hard work over the year. The stars of the Yankee Swap were “Billy the Bass”, playing carols while decked out in a Santa hat, and a set of candles.

JANUARY – JUNE 2002

JANUARY 2002

MARCH 2002

APRIL 2002

MAY 2002

JUNE 2002

12/4/03 1^st Thursday	9:00	December Holiday Meeting Yankee Swap	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
12/4/03 1^st Thursday	Immediately following	Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
12/5/03 1^st Friday	12:30-2:00	Domestic Violence Yankee Junk Swap – Bring a wrapped item from your home. One person’s junk is another’s treasure!	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
12/8/03 Monday following General Meeting	9:00	Health Access	Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place, New Bedford

10/31/03	8:00-11:00	Legislative Breakfast	Whites Restaurant, Route 6, Westport
11/6/03 1^st Thursday	9:00	General Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
11/6/03 1^st Thursday	Immediately following	Steering Committee Meeting	Coastline Elderly Services, 1646 Purchase St., New Bedford
11/7/03 1^st Friday	12:30-2:00	Domestic Violence	SE MA Legal Assistance Corp., 21 South 6^th Street, New Bedford
11/10/03 Monday following the General Meeting	9:00	Health Access	Family Planning Conference Room, Howland Place, New Bedford
TBA		Marketing Committee
TBA		Membership Committee

10/25/02,8:00-11:00	Legislative Breakfast	Whites of Westport. $10
11/07/02, 8:30-9:00	Steering Committee	United Way
11/07/02, 9:00-10:15	General Meeting	United Way
11/08/02, 12:30-2:00	Domestic Violence Subcommittee	Family Planning Office, Howland Place