Financial Report:

   Finance Committee chair Joe Birk commented on the year-to-date statements. Several items showed funds had not been expended in accord with the budget. Birk explained that, for the most part, the funds had been encumbered, invoices were coming in, and the totals would balance by June 30, the end of the fiscal year. One exception was that budgeted Sustainable Neighborhoods training had not occurred.

Chair's Report:

   ARCHS Chair Dr. Wilma Wells reported on a number of things.
   (1) Wells met with the Family and Community Trust (FACT) representatives. Three things are important in ARCHS's relationship with FACT: commitment to results-based planning as evidenced in site plans; movement from heavily staffed model to a facilitator at each Caring Communities site with contracted services; and timely submission of reports. The shift from the staffed model to the contract model is a significant change for FACT, which is clarifying its position as time goes on. FACT executive director Dee Joyce Hayes will attend the July meeting of the ARCHS board.
   (2) Wells reported she had an amicable meeting with Representative Quincy Troupe. Both agreed that ARCHS should work hard to keep all steakholders informed. Troupe understands the need for latitude in decision making at particular sites based on community input.
   (3) Wells observed that plans from the communities would still be based on need, but parameters and guidelines would control how the plans would be implemented.

New meeting schedule:

   Beginning in September, the full board will meet in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The vice-chairs will meet in February, April, June, July, October, and December. Program initiative / liaison meetings will be in February, June, and November. Community forums will be in April and October. No meetings in August. Meeting times are to be determined.

Funding cuts:

   While ARCHS funds for FY 2002 will be cut 45%, the dollars per child is more on a parity with funding state-wide. ARCHS will not have immediate dramatic layoffs. Planning for thoughtful adjustments in the program will be made, with completion of plans scheduled for the first week of August.

Member comments:

   Anna Ginsburg gave examples of the unselfish leadership and courage of Caring Communities staff. For example, after fire killed three children, the family turned to CC staff for support. Ginsburg urged that the changes not cause the loss of the heart and soul of the community program. Pam Boyd noted that there were constant requests for community input but it seemed no one was listening to the community input. She felt like a little rat running around in a maze.

Presumptive eligibility:

   The board approved recommendations for the presumptive eligibility of children for state-paid medical care. The plan is to reduce delay and paperwork in providing prompt attention to the health needs of children. (The health committee is chaired by Rabbi Susan Talve.)

By Bob Babione
Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood Cabinet member