Commission on Family Services

Commission on Family Services Meeting Agenda – Skokie Village Hall December 7, 2022 7:00 pm Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Marjorie Goran, Shajan Jose, Daniel Mann, Arnie Oskin, Naadirah Shapley-Wells, Daniel Stalilonis, London Summerville (NC), Edie Sue Sutker, Melissa Versch (Liaison), Absent: Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Jo Hammerman, Laila Iqbal, Linda Lara, Heather O’Donnell(R), Nicole Perry, Valerie Riley, Nancy Schwartz, Annie Shear, Phillip Shefren, Michael Stiehl, I. Call to Order at 7:00pm A. Approval of Agenda by consent. II. Approval of Nov 2, 2022 Minutes A. Minutes approved by consent. III. Presentation: Co-Responder Team, Brian McHugh and Kimberly Blue Brian reported that the Co-Responder program was initiated May 2021 with support from Trustee Sutker. After a pilot program, data was collected, and it was determined that the 10am – 6pm shift had the greatest need. The Co-Responder program just completed the first year. Brian and Officer Blue have been able to develop connections so that residents reach out directly to them, rather than calling 911 and getting a response from multiple first responders. A Channel 5 news report about the Skokie Co-Responder program was played. Ofc Blue explained Crisis Intervention training for police officers and shared that the team can be flexible in their hours. Currently, they are working with a local school to help address truancy issues. Objectives are to de-escalate situation, reduce use of force, and divert mental health issues out of the jail system. The team is connected with services in the area to help provide appropriate resources to individuals. The program responds to approximately 100 calls per month. Types of calls include mental illness, well-being checks, domestic violence, suicide and threats, death notifications, homelessness, substance abuse, elder issues and hazardous homes. Shajan asked how calls are direct to the Co-Responder program. Ofc Blue stated that they listen to the radio for calls. They also get referrals from other departments. Brian and Ofc Blue shared case examples. A Commissioner asked about self-care; which Brian and Ofc Blue shared how they manage stress. Trustee Sutker shared that the co-responder program was able to launch due to support from leadership. IV. Chair’s Report: Chair, Harold Primack A. Commissioners introduced themselves to new commissioner, London Summerville. B. Boomers and Beyond senior resource fair will be Nov 3, 2023. The Seniors Subcommittee has been in contact with the Park District, library, the Village and others for the steering committee. The next steering committee meeting will be January 18. Goals include getting speakers, vendors and sponsors for the event. C. The Commission has been working in subcommittees: Seniors, Children and Families at Risk, and People with Disabilities. There is a possible advocacy effort for a 708 board, which would bring in money specifically for mental health services. That would be a lengthy effort to  see how to get the information needed to present to trustees and the mayor. D. Harold reported that because he needed to leave, co-chair Shajan would take over the meeting. V. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch A. Melissa reported that the Oakton Workforce Program may be opening applications. B. Today is the last day of Medicare Open Enrollment. SHIP volunteers assisted over 66 residents. C. The coming Saturday is scheduled to be the Holiday Assist-A-Family distribution event. 325 families qualified for the program, which is double the number of families helped last year. The program is for Village residents who meet income criteria. VI. Old Business: A. Seniors Subcommittee: Boomers and Beyond 2023 Shajan reported that the Seniors subcommittee meeting met. The next meeting will be January 18 at the library. Boomers and Beyond is an excellent program for seniors. The program was suspended due to the pandemic. The next program will be in November 2023. B. At Risk Children and Families Arnie shared that the subcommittee is in the early stages of looking at 708 board to provide funding, especially for children at risk. Arnie wants to make sure the subcommittee works closely with Trustee Sutker. The subcommittee is continuing to meet. The subcommittee had recommended the presentation from the co-responder team. C. People with Disabilities There was no report from the subcommittee for people with disabilities. VII. New Business: None. VIII. Citizen Comments: None. IX. Adjournment at 8:21pm. Next Meeting: January 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m.