Officers: Sally Butler (Planned Parenthood of Central Wa) Chair, Roger Krebs (Residential Services) 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, 8:30 - 10:00 am, United Way Building.

In attendance: Dottie Walton-Luglan (American Cancer Society), Ed Frost (Ben-Franklin Transit), Carole Miller (B/F Health Dept.), Susan Shay-Johnson (B/F Health Dept.), Sylvia Bakan, (Div of Child & Fam Svcs), Patti Benton (ECEAP), Debi Yadao (Kennewick Housing Authority), Susan Thornton (League of Women Voters), Wana Brackenbush (LOVE, INC), Colleen Kandle (Lutheran Social Services), Sally Butler (Planned Parenthood), Amy Schultz (Reading Foundation), Bruce McComb (RECA Foundation), Melanie Ogryzek (RYSC), Carole Fingerson (Neurological Center), Tom Halazon (Tri-Cities Chaplaincy), Roger Krebs (TC Residential Svcs), Jeri Strange (YMCA). Also Luis & Angel Ojeda (2000: Year of our Children), Laurie McQuay-Peninger (CBC Foundation), Jerry Tyler (B/F Health Dept Richland).

The meeting was called to order by Sally Butler at 8:35 am.

Jerri Strange (YMCA) - Christmas gift project was a big success. The initial goal was set at helping about 100 kids. Requests dribbled in and it was unsure that even that many would be served. However, as time went on, 200 seemed more like the number. Then, on December 11, a request for 90+ came in! Fortunately, Susan Thornton arranged for Duke Engineering Services to come to the rescue and they adopted this new group. In all, 306 kids throughout the greater Tri-Cities area had a more memorable Christmas. This compared to 30 children served last year!

The Tri-City Herald, Duke Engineering and Services, Tri-City Residential Services, Pasco-Kennewick Rotary, the YMCA, Fluor-Daniel Hanford, the Community Unitarian Universalist Church, the RECA Foundation, LOVE INC, and lots of individuals helped make this happen. On the downside, this project was adopted by the Human Services Coalition, yet only 10 HSC people participated. Perhaps next year more members will be able to help.

Ed Bayha (Regional Youth Service Corps) - briefed on RYSC participation. About 42 families were helped by his group.

Susan Thornton (Success by Six) described Duke's participation.

Bruce McComb - The RECA Foundation coordinated the Arborwood Learning Center participation. Fluor Daniel provided gifts for the 42 kids. RECA Foundation assembled learning related materials from LOVE INC's inventory and the Unitarian Church "stuffed" these packages with paper, pencils, crayons, etc. The gifts were presented at an open house on December 21 that also featured ethnic food treats from Mexico and Bosnia. The Arborwood apartment owner (from Boise, Id) attended and was so impressed his is donating a second apartment!

Hanford Reach, December 28 (article on Fluor Daniel participation):

"… several Fluor Daniel work groups pitched in to make Christmas merry for 42 low-income children, many of whom were experiencing their first American Christmas after having immigrated from war-torn lands such as Bosnia"

"For the FDH employees, the pleasure was in the giving. 'I had a blast buying gifts for my little girl,' said Sherry Foreman of Technology Management. 'I found a really pretty coat in colors I think she'll like."

Department of Social and Health Services, letter dated January 5, 1999 to the HSC:

"… More than three times the number of children were referred from our active caseloads for Christmas needs this year in comparison to other years. In the three weeks prior to Christmas more than 20 children, through no fault of their own, were removed from the home of their parents for their own protection and placed in foster homes…. Your generous contributions assured that all of these children received caring and gifts this year, and no one went without."

Wana Brackenbush (LOVE INC)- 3 more shipments are coming in this week. All kinds of new "stuff". Eligible groups need to come take a look. Computer related books, auto mechanics, medical stuff... She also shared some good Christmas stories.

Debi Yadao - Thanks to Jeri and Wanna for Christmas program.

Carol Miller - Saturday January, 30. There will be a free immunization clinic at the Mall.

Jerry Tyler (B/F Health Dept Richland)... "Kids Safe Coalition", Emphasis on car seat safety. There is a 4 hour class for parents on how to install and use them. She's looking at late January for a planning meeting with an aim at forming a local chapter. Also planning a postpartum depression meeting on Monday January 11 at 10:00am. Give her a call at 943-2614 (ext 254).

Melanie Ogryzek (RYSC) - Still need tutors for kids during the day and for after school programs, including the Reading Program.

Amy Schultz (Reading Foundation) - also needs volunteer, especially at DSHS and La Clinica. Getting set for Book distribution (68,000 plus books have been donated!).

Susan Thornton - Dispute Resolution Center is operational. 5 cases have been served to date.

Dottie Walton-Luglan (American Cancer Society). Making an effort to diversity and get into the Hispanic Community. Hispanic volunteers are needed.

Jeri Strange (YMCA) - Open house in the new YMCA facility will be February 25^th.

Sally Butler - Gail Greagor is no longer at the Volunteer Center and is working at the Tri-City Herald.

December minutes: 12/2/98 minutes approved by all.

Treasurers Report - Did not need to use the money approved to support the Christmas project. Current balance is about $3832.00. A full report will be made next meeting when all deposits from the Christmas project are in.

Old Business. Legislative Letter. Need glue and volunteers. Sally to coordinate..

2000: Year of Our Children. Luis and Angel Ojeda.

Theme: "To call our whole community to action to nurture and celebrate the lives of all our children."

Susan Thornton provided some history and a flyer:

"Our goal is to inspire and challenge individuals, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods to spend the year focused on the needs of our community's most precious resource - our children" … "In addition to the small administrative board, a large and active Steering Committee will serve as a clearing house for ideas and a source of volunteer effort to accomplish them."

Initial support for the project is being provided by the United Way and CBC. United Way will act as a point of contact for individuals and organizations wishing to participate. Two major kick-off dates are the Family-a-Fair next fall and First Night, 2000.

For more information:

Sue Thornton, administrative board chair, 783-4102

Marc Harden, administrative board vice-chair, 585-4202

Luis & Angel Ojeda, 967-5664 [e-mail: laojeda@owt.com and angel@owt.com]

Roger Krebs - RYSC project is hosting a shower for 19 teen parents (23 kids) as part of the teen parenting program. Discussion followed. Roger requested that up to $200.00 be approved to support this project. Motion made, seconded and approved by all. Roger will follow up.

Next Month’s meeting will be at the United way at 8:30am. Program is Home Base.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:35am

Submitted by,

Bruce McComb, Secretary