Minutes of the January 22, 2013 SACSON Meeting
SACSON – Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy
Minutes of January 22, 2013
The meeting was opened with prayer by Fr. Harris, introductions were made and agenda as noted on our blog. The financial balances are the same as reported at the last meeting: $7,170.66.
Dessert and Coffee Forum. John Murphy is interested in explaining the Regional Solution for Homelessness which will be held on March 12. He will also be at our next meeting for an update in the new program entitled Homeless to Home; application process has been sent to agencies, etc. All are encouraged to attend.
Fr. Harris gave an update on Love Sanford – a way of building relationships from various segment of Sanford to foster reconciliation.
Since the Information Cards are quickly being depleted, Bettie will begin the process of updating and then having another printing since funds are still available from the original grant.
No contact has been received from the Rescue Outreach Mission. Andrew Powell is the new director. Bettie will visit there tomorrow and provide information on the Cold Night Shelter.
Judy reported and we still do not have a firm date for Sanford IDignity from Michael Dippy. He is trying to get agency participation and we will be notified as soon as possible. Tentative date is March 7th.
Barbara Jackson, a new participant, spoke about her work in developing a Peace Conference in Sanford for June 7-9, 2013 regarding nonviolent strategies. Her conference will address the War on the Poor and is inviting 4 speakers. She is planning story circles so that the poor may have a voice. She is looking for support for this effort.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 12th at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. You are invited to attend the free pancake supper prior to the SACSON meeting which will begin at 7:15 pm.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Wilhelm, Secretary
Minutes of the January 8, 2013 SACSON Meeting
Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy (S.A.C.S.O. N)
Minutes of the January 8, 2013 Meeting
The meeting was opened with prayer by Fr. Rory Harris. Fr. Harris noted the concern for leadership within SACSON and will assune interim President and Vice President in the absence of Trace Trylko.
A new agency in Sanford, Mission Impossible Outreach Services was noted and Fr. Harris will be in contact with them since their mission seems to be very similar to SACSON and the Task Force on Homelessness.
Treasurer, Doreen Owens, noted a $3000 contribution for IDignity. Our current balance if $7,170.66.
We will now to working directly with Jessie Figueroa of IDignity for all events. She can bring volunteers to assist us as needed, especially with computer intake. It was agreed that our next event will occur on March 7, 2013 at the Salvation Army, 700 West 24th Street, Sanford. Ms. Figueroa will be meeting with Doreen Owens regarding documentation. Those entities in place for the next events are as follows:
• Judy Wilhelm will coordinate volunteers
• Doreen Owens will work with Out of State Birth Certificates
• Betty Desjardin will coordinate Intake
• Jackie Dowd will be legal and Doreen will contact a local lawyers about attending the events and learning more for future assistance
• Betty Desjardin will contact the Sheriff’s Department for volunteers
• Fr. Harris will speak with Pastor Oliver
• While social security won’t travel to the site, we will again have transport available with drivers
• Documents will be distributed by Bettie Sonnenberg at Grace ‘n Grits each Wednesday at 5:30
There was discussion of the possible use of SKYPE for phone services with a password for users. Fr. Harris has offered to SACSON office space. He showed Judy Wilhelm and Doreen the office available and will have keys made. All materials related to SACSON and Sanford IDignity will be transferred to this office at 410 Magnolia. Jessie indicated that she will provide assistance for fundraising activities as she is now our main contact (Jessie@IDignity.org).
The next Sanford Taskforce on Homelessness will be attended by Fr. Harris. He explained the group’s purpose and their recent work to update members. He is still trying to make contact with the new Director of the Sanford Outreach Mission regarding their coordination of the Cold Night Shelter.
There are still 600 Informational Card available. To date they have been widely distributed throughout Sanford and its churches, social service agencies, government agencies and businesses.
Fr. Harris will invite John Murphy to our February 12 meeting to have him speak about his work with the Sanford Hope Center. The meeting will be at 7:15 after Holy Cross’ Pancake Supper which is open to all free of charge beginning at 6:00 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm with prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Judy Wilhelm, Secretary
Minutes of the December 11, 2012 SACSON Meeting
Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy (S.A.C.S.O.N.)
December 11, 2012 Minutes
Attendance: Fr. Rory Harris, Judy Wilhelm, Doreen Owens, Bettie Sonnenberg, Betty Desjarden, Scott Terry, Sharon Butler, Mary Alexander, Suzanne Hill, Bushra Anwar
The meeting was opened with prayer by Fr. Harris. The minutes were posted on our blog. The balance in our checking account is $3,986.91.
Information cards are being distributed widely. There are 900 left out of 5,000 printed.
Harvest Time International has received a 1.5 million dollar grant from the County for homeless family issues. Fr. Harris will speak with John Murphy about how these funds will be spent and have this information for the community as a forum.
Fr. Harris will reach out to the new director of the Rescue Outreach Mission regarding the Cold Night Shelter plan and also ask the former director, Ernie Hamilton to join SACSON representing Kids’ House.
The Sanford Task Force on Homelessness’ meeting was rescheduled. They are making progress for having the Bridge be a transformation center. Their next meeting will be in January.
The IDignity Director was called concerning an event in Sanford with no reply. We would like to have our next event on February 7th. Doreen will contact Jessie Figueroa. Doreen spoke about the problems and concerns she is having with the out of state birth certificates, especially those from New York. She will be re-depositing the money orders that were returned.
Fr. Harris will ask Beth Davelos to be part of a March 12th forum and Families in Transition in Seminole.
Bettie Sonnenberg reported on the Million Meal campaign; Judy Wilhelm reported that a new St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store will be opening in Longwood the first of January; Fr. Harris reported on the city’s focus group and the need for more black leaders at our SACSON meetings.
The next meetings will be January 8th and 22nd.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Wilhelm, Secretary
SACSON Meeting Schedule for 2013
January 8 and 22
February 12 and 26
March 12 and 26
April 9 and 23
May 14 and 28
June 11 and 25
July 9 and 23
August 13 and 27
September 10 and 27
October 8 and 22
November 12
December 10
News from The Grove
The Grove is hosting a five-day winter break camp at our building in Sanford. It lasts from 9am to 5pm on weekdays from January 2nd to January 8th, and includes lunch! We welcome any middle school student residing in Seminole County.
Chelsea Dygan
Associate Director of Outreach and Prevention
The Grove Counseling Center, Inc.
111 West Magnolia Avenue
Longwood, FL 32750
(407) 327-1765 ext. 1016
Minutes of the November 13, 2012 SACSON Meeting
Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy (S.A.C.S.O.N.)
Minutes of November 13, 2012
Attendance: Fr. Rory Harris, Judy Wilhelm, Suzanne Hill, Bettie Sonnenberg, Betty Desjardin, Scott Terry, Brunnie Alverez, Mary Alexander, Doreen Owens, and Ms. T. Coleman.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Fr. Harris.
Minutes of the October 23rd meeting have not been received by the recorder.
Balance in the checking account if $3,986.91.
The speaker for this evenings meeting had to cancel due to illness.
It was noted that there will be a change in officers effective January, 2013, and individuals will have to come forward to fill these positions.
5,400 information cards were printed and distributed to the City of Sanford, the Sheriff’s Office, downtown businesses, social services agencies and the jail. A copy of the information card was sent to everyone on the mailing list.
We have received no response from Michael Dippy regarding a Sanford IDignity event on either January 24 or February 2. Fr. Harris will contact Mr. Dippy. Doreen Owens indicated that she sent all HMIS information sheets to Orlando, but they were never received. A second package is ready to be sent. It was indicated that there may be problems in obtaining the flow mobile for future events.
The Sanford Task Force on Homelessness is working to have a center in Sanford for homeless issues. An assessment is being conducted to determine costs and related needs. Andrew Thomas will be seeking an agency to take the lead at the center and run programs. The Sharing Center and Harvesttime are looking into this.
There will be a new director at the Rescue Outreach Mission effective December 1st . The severe weather shelter efforts for Seminole County will still reside with the Rescue Outreach Mission. Ernie Hamilton has taken on the Directorship of Kid’s House, and we wish him well.
Doreen Owens has the SACSON phone, and it is not full of messages. The problem is that people call over and over regarding their ID’s and fill up the phone quickly.
The Sharing Center’s Mary Alexander said that she processes ID’s when she knows a person needs it for a job. SACSON will assist her in paying for these ID’s since she is paying for them out of her personal funds. She is to send the bill to Doreen Owens for reimbursement.
Stephen McKenney Steck wants to know in advance of any events SACSON has so he can plan to cover them. No events are currently planned; he will be notified when they are planned.
Scott Terry suggested that a center should have representation from all agencies. Fr. Harris reported that the City wants agencies that have best practices and excellent track records to run a transformational center. The City will make the decision about leadership.
Announcements:
There will be a Community Workshop on November 15th at 7 am at the Sanford Civic Center focusing on a 5 year strategic plan for Sanford.
The first annual 2st Street Jazz and Blues Festival will take place at Fort Mellon Park on November 17, 2012.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 11th.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Wilhelm, Secretary
Minutes of the October 9, 2012 SACSON Dessert & Coffee Forum
Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy (S.A.C.S.O.N.)
October 9, 2012
A Community Forum presented candidates for District 4 City of Sanford Commission: Patty Mahany and Rick Russi. 54 community individuals were present. Moderators were Trace Trylko, Chair of SACSON and Fr. Rory Harris, Vice Chair.
The forum was opened with prayer. There were opening statements by each candidate. Carroll McKenney Foundation for Public Media, Inc. recorded the presentation,and the complete airing of this forum can be found at http://cmfmedia.org/2012110/sanford-city-commission-elections/
Various local issues were discussed by each candidate making community members more aware of their stance on issues.
Respectfully submitted, Judy Wilhelm, Secretary
Re: 300 Volunteers Needed! 7th Annual Families in Transition Event serving homeless families
Dear Community Members, Agencies and Businesses,
Over the past several years, Seminole County has done an amazing job of combating many of the issues that our homeless children face. However, we still have a long road to travel. The number of homeless students continues to increase each year. We are at the start of the new school year and already have 25% more homeless children in our program than one year ago today.
The Families in Transition Program will be having our 7th annual event, “A Day of Magical Connections” on November 3, 2012 at Winter Springs High School,from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. We expect over 325 homeless families, over 300 volunteers and more then 50 agencies and businesses to attend. Families will access free services such as:
resume building
employment seminars
legal help
housing services
medical care
counseling
childcare
educational services
access to food stamps and medicaid
assistance opening a bank account
Thanksgiving food
children’s books
sports scholarships
family photographs
clothing
self-care bags
haircuts for children and parents
plus much much more….
Lunch served at our 7th Annual FIT event will be donated by:
Sonny’s Real Pit BAR-B-Q
Nutty Bavarian
Leo’s Italian Ice
During the time that parents are accessing services the students will be entertained by:
our favorite former coach of the Magic Basketball Team, Coach Stan VanGundy
former Magic Basketball Star Anthony Bowie
102.7 Jamz DStrong
Captain Jack Sparrow
Orlando Magic Dancers
Orlando Magic Mascot-Stuff
plus lots of more surprises!
This is an event that brings our community together while we offer support and services to our children and their families. Families leave with an awareness of and access to social services, as well as feeling supported by our community.
In order to provide the best support to our FIT families, we are asking for your help.
We need volunteers on: Friday, November 2 2012 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM to help set up
Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 8 AM – 1:30 PM during the event
Please note that a short training session will be required for some of the volunteer positions. There are numerous training dates offered throughout Seminole County, as well as one on the day of the event. Volunteers, who have served at this event previously, will not be required to attend training again. The registration form can be either emailed or faxed to our office. (see attached)
Please share this e-mail with all of your friends. Call(407)746-8518 or visit our website at http://www.seminolehomelesskids.org for any questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
* *
We are appreciative of your continuing support.
Together we are making a difference!
* *
Sincerely,
Beth Davalos
Beth Davalos, MSW LCSW
Families in Transition Program
A Program of the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools
Learn more about our program: http://www.seminolehomelesskids.org
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/fit_seminole
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/106659977403/
Office Location:
Tuskawilla Middle School
1801 Tuskawilla Road
Oviedo, Florida 32765
Work 407-746-8518
Fax 407-746-8646
[Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Virtually all written communications to or from School District Personnel are public records available to the public and media upon request. E-mail sent or received on the School District system will be considered public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential pursuant to State Law.]
Souptober Fest is Saturday!
Join your friends with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at All Souls Catholic Church in Sanford for an evening of food and fun on Saturday, October 13. SoupTober Fest, sponsored by DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory in Sanford, costs only $4 for adults/$1 for kids under 12. Sample from some 20 different soups, plus all you-can-eat bread, drinks and desserts. Dinner gets underway at 6 pm in the Social Hall by the Historic Chapel (800 S. Oak Ave) and the community is invited.
Re: New Podcasts: Candidate interviews – Oviedo, Winter Springs and Sanford, plus Tea with Tina!
Hello podcast listener,
At http://cmfmedia.org/, CMF Public Media has posted 4 new podcasts featuring local issues and voices that matter in Central Florida.
Oviedo City Council Elections: CMF interviews candidates running for election on November 6 to Oviedo City Council positions. In the race for seat-3, incumbent Stephen Schenck faces challenger Karen Heriot. In seat-4, incumbent Cindy Drago faces challenger Bob Pollack. Key issues addressed in the interviews include economic development, the changes in the downtown area, transparency in city government, the new community center, and council endorsement for the school tax referendum.
http://cmfmedia.org/2012/10/oviedo-city-council-elections/
Winter Springs City Commission Elections: Pam Carroll is the only candidate to sit for this interview among a total of three candidates running for election on November 6, 2012 as a commissioner for seat 3 in the City of Winter Springs. Carroll is running against incumbent – S. Avery Smith and another challenger, Phillip Kaprow. Each declined CMF’s interview offer. Hear Carroll address city governance issues related to the effectiveness of the commission and the city manager, the police and fire departments, the city budget, economic development, transparency, city boards, the best and least-best characteristics of the city, and the leadership role she will bring to government if elected. (length – 29:07)
http://cmfmedia.org/2012/10/winter-springs-city-commission-elections/
Sanford City Commission Elections: Hear candidates Patty Mahany, the incumbent commissioner, and her challenger, Rick Russi, address an audience gathered at a candidate forum hosted by SACSON –Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy. One of the candidates will be elected on November 6 to serve a 4-year term representing district 4 of the city’s 5 member governing commission. They address the search for a new chief of police for the city, transparency in city government, property values and property taxes, panhandling and public feeding of the homeless on downtown streets, relationships between the commission and the black community, revitalization of the downtown area, ethics and integrity, vacant buildings in the city, the role of the communities of Goldsboro and Georgetown, the city budget, pension plan for the city’s fire and police staff, and their vision for the city and the role each intend to take on the commission if elected by voters in the city-wide race. (length – 48:09)
http://cmfmedia.org/2012/10/sanford-city-commission-elections/
Tea with Tina: Seminole County School Board Chairman Dr. Tina Calderone and Superintendent Walt Griffin answer questions from parents and citizens at an informal gathering they call Tea with Tina. Citizens were invited to discuss school issues such as ePathways, school closings, empty seats in schools, the tax referendum, recess, the new Common Core testing and more. (length 23:41)
http://cmfmedia.org/2012/10/tea-with-tina/
Best regards.
Stephen McKenney Steck
President & CEO
Carroll McKenney Foundation for Public Media, Inc.
Phone: 407-366-5929
E-mail: steck@cmfmedia.org
Follow CMF Public Media on Facebook and on Twitter
Support for Carroll McKenney Foundation for Public Media is made possible, in part, with funding from the Friends of Carroll McKenney. To view a complete donor list, visit CMF’son-line donor roll.
Now in its 4th year, Carroll McKenney Foundation for Public Media, Inc., is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c) (3) publicly supported charity. Located in Oviedo, Florida, CMF produces and distributes program content via the Internet, such as downloadable audio podcasts featuring local issues and voices that matter to Central Florida.
