Family Support Services Committee Minutes – 1/12/16

Announcements: See Attachments SKMBT_36316020511070

1. Yesenia Estrella, Sinergia, announced:

• Program Vacancies flyer distributed

For more information, call 212-643-2840

2. Paola Jordan, Sinergia, announced

• Public Hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 6pm-8pm

Topic: A chance for families/advocates to express their concerns to legislators.

3. Wendy De Leon, UCP of NYC, announced:

• Family Reimbursement available (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island).
• UCP Family Connect Summit on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 8:30am-3:45pm.

4. Margaret Puddington, Family Support Services Advisory Committee, announced:

• Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 10am-noon.

Topic: How will the proposed NYS budget affect your family?

5. Mark Ampah, Catholic Guardian Services, announced:

• Respite Services available for 5 years of age or older with transportation available.

For more information call Bernadette Small 212-567-2847

 

Discussion- Post Manhattan Family & Professional Resource Fair 2015

Committee members discussed evaluation stats and compared the results to past evaluations. They also spoke about the pros and cons concerning the venue layout as well as location. Ideas were shared as regards to the planning and implementation of a more successful fair this year.

1. This year 607 individuals attended the fair including 245 family members. Previous years had more attendees due to the front door sessions.
2. 90 vendors participated in the fair this year. 1/3 of vendors left the fair around 12pm. Next year priority will be given to vendors who can stay full-time.
3. Periodical room was didn’t have enough foot traffic due to its location. Next year we can put up signs directing attendees to that room.
4. More signage can be put up indicating areas that were missed this year i.e. restrooms, use of staircase etc.
6. 73 general evaluations were completed and submitted. Less evaluations than previous years.

• 51% of attendees thought that the quality of fair was excellent.
• 78% of attendees thought that the use of booth and resources was very helpful.
• 43% of attendees thought that the workshops were very helpful.

7. The committee members recommended the following ideas to boost of the number of evaluations for the next fair:

• A gimmicky idea i.e. a group of individuals whom can sing silly reminder songs as people leave the venue
• All evaluations should be printed out in one unique color
• The addition of evaluation boxes by the elevator and exits
• Second workshop presenter can begin 5 minutes later in order to allow time for evaluations to be completed and submitted
• Offer some type of incentive with hopes of attracting more people to complete the evaluations.

8. The committee members also discusses the pros and cons of using translation equipment and services from the DOE. Generally everyone felt as if the translation piece needs major improvement for the next fair. Equipment was out of frequency. There weren’t enough translators available at a time.
9. Hidden treasures and Sexuality workshops had the highest number of attendees. Special-Ed and challenging behaviors had the least number of attendees.
10. The Family Support Committee Chairperson informed members that effective February 2016, the family support committee meetings will be held at Sinergia, Inc.