The City of Park Ridge Human Needs Task Force met Tuesday, May 10.
The Human Needs Task Force is a group of citizens appointed by the mayor to address the needs of the citizens of Park Ridge and surrounding communities. The Task Force coordinates such activities as food drives, a clothes closet, medical supply closet, job clearinghouse and other related matters. The task force meets on the second Tuesday of the month.
Here are the meeting minutes as provided by the Park Ridge Human Needs Task Force:
CITY OF PARK RIDGE
505 BUTLER PLACE
PARK RIDGE, IL 60068
TEL: 847-318-5200
FAX: 847-318-5300
TDD: 847-318-5252
www.parkridge.us
M I N U T E S
HUMAN NEEDS TASK FORCE
CITY HALL SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
505 BUTLER PLACE
PARK RIDGE, IL 60068
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2016 AT 8:30AM
“To assess the human needs of the community and to help ensure that they are met by utilizing existing resources.
To identify areas of human needs not currently met by existing resources and recommend a plan to address those needs.
To raise awareness and promote more efficient communication as it relates to the human needs of the community.”
Members Present: David Aslesen, John Benka, Darlene Hejza, Lee Joesten, Kate Kerin, Alex LaChapelle, John McNabola, Liz Swanson
Members Absent: Laura Dee, Milada Gorelik, Floyd Kortenhof, Erin Lawler, Rev. Lynne Morrow, Millie O’Brien, Ramon Sanchez, Adrienne Timm, Marsha Warnick
Also Present: Ana Popa - Center of Concern and Brigid Madden
I. Invocation
Invocation offered by Lee Joesten.
II. Action Items
A. Approval of Minutes
Meeting Minutes from April 12, 2016 approved.
III. Presentation
A. Ana Popa - Intern at the Center of Concern
Ana Popa has been an intern at the Center of Concern for the last nine months. She will be graduating this May from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. The program requires a practicum and two internship experiences. Ana’s practicum took place at Orchard Village, working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She applied for an internship at the Center of Concern due to its unique work with senior citizens.
While interning at the Center of Concern, Ana’s responsibilities included co-facilitating group hours, specifically for caregiver support and as a part of the Rapid Rehousing program. She also provided home assessments and home visits. Ana described her experience with two individuals she worked closely with throughout the internship.
Minutes for the Human Needs Task Force (Cont.)
Page 2 of 4
Ana has accepted a full time position at the Center of Concern as a Case Manager following graduation.
IV. Ongoing Business
A. Community Needs – Follow Up or New
John McNabola commented on the discussion at the last meeting regarding the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the Human Needs Task Force. He suggested that sharing the organization’s milestones as well as City Council recognition. John Benka stated that the Task Force was established within the first two weeks of December of 1991.
The members discussed inviting former members to a reception prior to the City Council Proclamation, which would be scheduled for December 5, 2016.
B. Review of Funds
Current account balance: $709.99.
Brigid Madden reported the amount of money contributed during the food drive last fall, at the request of Ms. Hejza. The HNFT received $320 in monetary donations.
V. Agency/Church Reports
Access Community Health Network
No Report.
Avenues to Independence
No Report.
Center of Concern (COC)
John McNabola reported that the Rapid Rehousing program currently has one opening; more are expected in July. The apartments are for homeless individuals who are employed.
Due to the State budget impasse, the COC does not have funding for the Homelessness Prevention program. The pen pal group which pairs seniors with sixth grade students will meet next week. “Connecting for Good” occurred last week. Maine East students met with seniors to teach the advantages of the internet and social media. The helpline will launch this week as a pilot project and secure funding to expand throughout Maine Township. The COC will be partnering with the Park Ridge Cultural Arts Council in the fall to offer music and art therapy in the homes of seniors.
Environmental Health
No Report.
First United Methodist Church
No Report.
Healthy Community Collation (HCC)
John Benka explained that he and Liz Swanson just left a meeting with Police Chief Frank Kaminski regarding the Mental Health Resource Guide. The brochure is in its final form and is currently being printed. An event is scheduled for May 23rd at noon in front of the Park Ridge Public Library to formally launch the brochure. May is mental health awareness month. Mr. Benka explained that community members will be invited to attend, including a representative from NAMI and the Mayor. He reviewed the Police Department mental health grant and the addition of a full time social worker.
Minutes for the Human Needs Task Force (Cont.)
Page 3 of 4
Lutheran General Hospital
No Report.
Maine East High School
No Report.
Maine Township
No Report.
Mary Seat of Wisdom Church (MSW)
Darlene Hejza stated that MSW collected 425 “sack dinners” which were donated to four different organizations. MSW Social Concerns has been collecting uneaten food from school lunches to donate to Catholic Charities.
Park Ridge Community Church (PRCC)
No Report.
Park Ridge Community Fund (PRCF)
Kate Kerin stated that for the first time the Community Fund will be funding NAMI.
Park Ridge Ministerial Association (PRMA)
Lee Joesten recapped the Day of Community Service that took place on April 24th. 130 people volunteered, including the Maine South Baseball Team. Activities included litter clean-up, gardening and projects for Avenues to Independence, the Center of Concern and WINGS. Liz Swanson is also a member of the planning committee. Mr. Joesten explained that the website now includes a feedback link. A large amount of food was donated to the Maine Township Food Pantry following the event.
The first Crop Walk planning meeting is coming up. This year the event will take place on October 16th.
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Alex LaChapelle explained Sunday Night Suppers will wrap up at the end of May. 70 individuals attended last Sunday. John McNabola asked if the Church referred individuals to another source during the summer, while the program is not running. Rev. LaChapelle explained that Journeys and similar programs shut down for the summer. Planning is already underway for next year.
Rev. LaChapelle announced that St. Luke’s will be collected nonperishable foods at the Memorial Day Parade - the shopping cart brigade.
St. Paul of the Cross Church
No Report.
VI. New Business
John McNabola referenced a previous comment in which it was noted that the HNTF has never been funded by the City. The members discussed the appropriateness of soliciting donations when many work for other organizations which require similar funding. They discussed the importance of networking together. Open Communities will be invited to speak in the fall.
Minutes for the Human Needs Task Force (Cont.)
Page 4 of 4
VII.Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:39 am.
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