The Human Services Coalition normally meets the first Wednesday of each month. The meetings run from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Our mission statement:

1. Introductions & Networking

2. Approval of Minutes (9/98)

3. Additions to Agenda

4. Announcements

5. Old Business
1. New Business
8. Program - Tour of the Juvenile Justice Center.

Renewal notices were mailed in June. Bring a friend! Know someone who might benefit from HSC membership? Ask them to join us at a meeting consider former membership.

The Center is now open with ESL classes held Monday - Thursday 9 - 11:30 am. For more details see https://www.tcfn.org/

arborwood, or give us a call and come see the center - 543-2910.

Recruiting for AmeriCorps members. For more information, call Tory Christensen, Area Coordinator at 546-0180

"A Workbook for Life" is now available. Non-profits can sell the book as a fund raiser - call Senior's Choice at 586-6481.

Attached is the draft that was formulated during the September 17 meeting and the subsequently drafted in a series of meetings, e-mail and fax exchanges.

Officers: Sally Butler (Planned Parenthood of Central Wa) Chair, (Vacant) Chair Elect, Jeri Strange (YMCA) Vice Chair, Bruce McComb (RECA Foundation) Secretary, Susan Thornton (League of Women Voters) Treasurer.

Meetings: Normally the first Wednesday of each month, 9:00am - 10:30am, United Way Building. October meetings will be at the Juvenile Justice Center.

In attendance: Ed Frost (Ben-Franklin Transit), Sandy Owen (B/F Health Dept), Susan Shay-Johnson (B/F Health Dept), Darlene Pinney (Columbia Industries), Sylvia Bakan (Div. of Child & Family Svcs), Pati Benton (ECEAP), Judy Schenk (Health & Safety Networks), Debi Yadao (Kennewick Housing Authority), Susan Thornton (League of Women Voters), Wana Brackenbush (LOVE, INC), Karlene Navarre (Pasco Housing Authority), Sally Butler (Planned Parenthood), Bruce McComb (RECA Foundation), Tonnya Anders (Richland Housing Authority), Carole Fingerson (The Neurological Center), Brenda Draper (TC Cancer Center), Roger Krebs (TC Residential), Gail Greger (Volunteer Center), Lizann Powers-Hammond (WSU Coop), Jeri Strange (YMCA).

The meeting was called to order by Sally Butler at 9:00am.

Program: Legislative Update

Treasurer’s Report : Beginning Balance - $3386.65; Income - $205.00; Expenses - $68.00, Balance - $3523.65

New Business: A meeting to draft a one page input to legislators will be held September 17.

Submitted by,

Bruce McComb, Secretary

Over 400 human service, health, education, justice organizations and support groups provide a comprehensive network of local services. The human service infrastructure is vital to the health, safety and productivity of our community. Therefore, it is essential that a strong, viable and stable infrastructure be maintained. Legislative Agenda:

• Human services funding should not be cut regardless of revenue projections or funding priorities.

• Human services needs are increasing - the budget must reflect the ability to meet this increase.
• Human services funding should not be at the expense of non human services needs (i.e. transportation, education).
• Focus should be on early intervention/prevention strategies.

• Increase access to family planning services for low income men, women, teens and minorities in order to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy in Benton & Franklin Counties.
• Ensure that the state sponsored health plans provide comprehensive, cost effective coverage for all eligible citizens of the State of Washington (i.e. coverage for mammograms, dental care, specialized procedures, and prescriptions).
• Support legislation that promotes health (i.e. limiting minor's access to tobacco).

• Continue to support subsidized licensed child care.

• Grant waiver/credit to parents who actively volunteer in Headstart/ECEAP programs.

• Support & enhance funding for ECEAP programs statewide.

• Funding for early childhood & parent education initiatives.

• Appropriate funds for the State Center for Volunteerism and Citizen Service (RCW 43.150.010-080.2).

• Technology initiatives need to include funding for education and training in support of the disabled, low-income, and at-risk citizens. Current activities (e.g. Governor Locke's 1998 Rural Economic Development Summit) are largely focused on access.
• Fund community based resources that promote "self-sufficiency" and connecting individuals and families with resources - especially the disabled and elderly.