Diaconate Minutes

May 21, 2006

Attending:  Jeff Sutton, Duck Rufty,  Lynn Chesnut, Rick Overholt, Bill Scott, Morris Griffin, Bruce Capehart, Dorene Palermo, Rebecca Mattern-Mielcarek, Elena Cleary, Betty Berghaus (staff), Sharon Barnes, Walt Beckwith, Michael Reich, Carol Cunningham, John Lockhead, Sally Keener and guests: Chuck Byrd, Kristen Overholt and Meg Yarbrough. 

Elena welcomed us and opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.  Michael shared the opening prayer.                                       

Guest Speaker, Chuck Byrd presented two DCIA projects for the Diaconate’s consideration.

1.      Sponsorship of one or more children living here in Durham as Katrina evacuees for a summer camp experience: As our VCS is already full, the discussion became sponsorships at Camp New Hope. Michael will investigate what is available and fees. The Board approved support two or more children to a summer session at Camp New Hope with a cap expense of $400.

2.      Financial support for Summer of Opportunity, a new program for adjudicated students with academic promise: The program is based on a working model in Boston and sponsored by John Hancock Insurance. The program includes a summer school curriculum of business and life skills culminating in a sponsored, paid internship placement. Blue Cross/Blue Shield has partnered with this initiative with financial gifts and internships and will match donations up to $30,000 as seed money for the first year of this program. Discussion included dedicating a special offering or using deacons’ discretionary funds. With the uncertainties pending in pledged income during a transition, the motion made and passed was to give $1,000 from deacon discretionary funds and run a brief article in the church newsletter about this program inviting anyone interested to make a contribution with the deacons. Bill S. suggested we might wish to look to increase our budgeted line item amount to DCIA to support this project in future years. 

Guest Speaker Meg Yarbrough presented a summary report on the Evacuee Resettlement Task Force tasks, which thoroughly listed the accomplishments, setbacks, and expenses in the difficult 6-month process of struggling to help Katrina victims Kendrick and his family relocate and get on their feet. [See addendum to the minutes.] As this responsibility officially ends, approximately $200 is needed to complete expenses we have promised to cover to pay final bills. It was moved, seconded and unanimously passed to move money from our discretionary funds to cover these final expenses. In addition to the budgeted expenditures, personal money was donated by task force members, especially Laura Loehr. Jeff will check on this and offer deacon discretionary funds to cover or defray her gifts. In a discussion of lessons learned in accepting philanthropic projects like this one, the recommendation from Meg was to establish up-front clearly delineated rules, goals and progress deadlines for our continued support in any project. 

Concerns and Celebrations   : Rebecca asked for prayers for her father who is recovering from pneumonia. Elena asked for prayers for her nephew who has just been deployed to Qatar. Jeff asked for prayers not only for his mother and Mary Beck’s mother, both struggling with health, but for Mary Beck who is exhausted and stressed over months of intensive care for her mother. 

Sally requested approval of the April minutes with one addition. They were unanimously approved.

Assimilation Committee Update:

Sally and Rebecca reported progress on the Coffee and Conversation initiative. Time and Talent booklets describing ways to get involved at WPC and beyond have been completed and printed. One was mailed to each participant in the February Inquirer’s Class and they will be given out at each Inquirer’s classes in the future. The booklets will also be displayed on the nametag tables and the Coffee table each Sunday.

Congregational Care Committee Update:

Bill Scott reported a light spring under committee care. They will be meeting in June to discuss where they will go next.

Fellowship Committee Update:

Walt reported all is going well. John Lockhead reported that the Pres Pt. Weekend is lined up and will again be at Sailor’s Haven and at last years’ modest expense. John has sent an email about the weekend to previous campers and will send a broadcast email this week inviting everyone to come for the day or come for the weekend.

Global Missions Committee Update:

Bruce reported a quiet month. The committee is looking at dedicating funds to be hurricane relief projects for any gulf coast disaster, not limited to Katrina relief. There was discussion about the Youth trip this summer, which has been changed to a Florida hurricane relief effort that will allow middle schoolers to participate in the rebuilding activities. Concern was expressed that the Youth are being asked to raise money for their trip, but other adult groups have made coastal trips without personal expense required. The consensus seemed to be that, for accountability reasons, the youth should contribute $50 to the expenses of their trip, as has been their standard, but that Global Missions will sponsor the other expenses, which that committee has readily agreed to do.

Local Missions Committee Update:

Jeff and Sharon reported they have completed a form that will be sent to all project/organization contacts to gather information and create a uniform database including (1) project descriptors, (2) what has been spent historically, (3) how the money has been used/accomplishments, and (4) who at WPC is involved in the organization or project. [See addendum sample form for Next Step Housing.]  This will yield good background information as the committee goes forward and makes decisions about future allocation of fund requests.

Carol gave updates on IHN.

1.      She requested that we transfer internal funds to the external budget to contribute $500 to the golf tournament fund-raiser in lieu of participating with golfers. A motion was passed.

2.      IHN will be here July 2-9, a difficult time to recruit volunteers. She needs help that week. Future IHN dates are September 24-October 1 and December 10-17.

3.      Our participation in the IHN program is struggling and is facing not only the challenges of having families here six times a year rather than four, but also personnel challenges as Carol rolls off the board and Helen Harrison, longtime coordinator for IHN meals, steps down. Carol, Betty and the IHN committee met and discussed the issues and identified the need for a stronger internal support that places co-chairpeople in charge of segments of responsibility for the IHN endeavor, as it is a huge job. Betty will canvas the new deacons to explain this important ministry and our needs and engender enthusiasm and support from the incoming group. Carol will schedule a Minute for Mission about IHN and explain the need for a 6 to 8 person IHN team of volunteers. Local Missions will discuss our role in the IHN program and make recommendations at the July meeting. If there is an on-going need, Betty will coordinate with Sally and the Assimilation Committee for support. There was a reminder that new members Tom and Kathy Irvin are interested in helping with this mission.

Community Mission Day – Debrief:

Michael reported a light (20) but dedicated turnout for the spring mission workday. A lot of work was done. He announced that the next Community Work Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2006.

Mission Focus 2006 – Implementation:

Michael reported  he will be meeting again with Michelle Zechmann to talk about how we can help act as a resource group for an Andover resident with the stated purpose of helping a resident on an on-going basis to reach their full potential.  Michael also highlighted a new program that Haywood had spoken to him about that is working with prisoners returning to public life. The program, The Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham, was referred to the Local Missions committee for their review and recommendations with the caution that the board generally feels we have our hands full meeting current commitments, especially IHN, before we take on new endeavors.

Bill reported that the interim minister committee is making progress gathering names of potential candidates and will meet again in late June. They have several unofficial names and will get official candidates at the appropriate time.

Budget Process:

Jeff reviewed the budget planning process document created last year. He and Elena requested that committee chairs and outreach liaison contacts come to July’s budget meeting prepared with budget requests and evidence of need.

2006-2007 Officer Nominations were conducted by Elena. The nominations to date are:

Moderator: Michael Reich, Co-moderator: Dorene Palermo, and Clerk: Sally Keener. Nominations will again be taken before voting at the next meeting.

Deacon’s Corner: Rebecca will submit a clever blurb continuing the mug drive for another month.

The Next meeting will be June 25 (New officer nominations and elections).
           

Closing Prayer was offered by Carol and the meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted: Sally Keener, Clerk

"...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8

Addendum A: Evacuee Resettlement Task Force Committee

Committee Members

Laura Loehr, Co-Chair                         Monica Nichols

Kirsten Overholt, Co-Chair                  Fred Starr

Jeff Sutton, Deacon Liaison                Meg Yarbrough

Kelly Keadey

Section 1 – Current Status

• Committee was assembled in early December 2005
• First meeting on Thursday December 8, 2005
  • Met Kendrick and Fuzzy
  • Evaluated Needs for Resettlement
  • Set basic guidelines for six month project
  • Exchanged contact information with all Task Force Members
• Priority items needed identified at initial meeting
  • Basic Needs Identified (diapers and wipes for Fuzzy, paper products, food, clothes, household cleaning products)
  • Telephone Service
  • Car
  • Job – interested in Electrical work
  • School
  • Childcare
  • Utility Bills
• In December, Kirsten and Laura took Kendrick and Fuzzy on several shopping trips for “Basic Needs”
• A list of items that was needed for Kendrick apartment was put together lamps, rugs, tables and a phone were all donated
• Monica set up Kendrick’s telephone and internet service
• Fred identified an electrician in Cary that was looking for help.  Laura took Kendrick to interview and he was given the job opportunity.
• Monica worked with Nick to get Kendrick enrolled in Durham Tech for evening courses
• Task force received car as a donation from church member.  Body work was completed and a mechanic inspected the car.  Kelly had the title transferred, license plate set up, set up insurance and tag
• Car Insurance was donated for the first 6 months of coverage
• In early January, Kelly and Meg took Kendrick to get his NC Drivers License on three separate occasions, but Kendrick was not able to pass the written test. 
• At the end of January, after several weeks, it was apparent that Kendrick was not going to be able to hold the electrician’s apprentice job.
• Monica worked with Nick to get Kendrick enrolled in Durham Tech for evening courses
• In February, Meg worked with Kendrick to put together a resume and apply for multiple jobs.  Kendrick showed little initiative to find a job and missed several scheduled appointments during this process.  To date, Kendrick does not have a job or any job prospects.  He is slow to help himself look for work.
• The task force evaluated possibility of helping Kendrick’s extended family (brother Sammy and mother Lucy) as we felt this was causing additional stress in Kendrick’s life.
• In March, we agreed to provide short-term support to Lucy, Kendrick’s mother, for food, gas and utilities
• The task force was willing to help Sammy, Kendrick’s brother, but we were unable to determine the type of help that Sammy needed as he did not return our calls
• Kendrick withdraws from Durham Tech due to inability to follow through with classes.
• Encouraged Kendrick to attend “Jobs for Life” – Kendrick enrolled, however, this session was cancelled due to low attendance
• Meg completed Kendrick’s taxes for 2005, had Kendrick sign them and they were mailed the first of April.
• The Task Force purchased a round trip plane ticket for Kendrick to go to New Orleans in April for Fuzzy’s christening.  After the Christening, Kendrick will bring Fuzzy back to Durham to live.
• Meg encouraged Lucy to apply for an increase in her Pell Grant and to look for part-time employment with any of the area hospitals whom will also pay for nursing school expenses.  She also e-mailed Lucy several web-sites with nursing scholarship information available.
• Meg gave Lucy the information on multiple nursing schools, Watts School of Nursing and Wake Tech School of Nursing to give her several opportunities to get into nursing school.
• Task Force met with Kendrick in April to let him know that the project was ending and our support would be discontinued at the end of May.  Explained we would give him food and gas cards through May and pay his utility and phone bills through May as well.  Reminded Kendrick that his car insurance would be due the first of July. 
• Met with Nick McCoy and Winnie Breeden to discuss the possibility of Kendrick having a disability due to his short term memory loss, Kendrick’s continued unemployment, unemployment from Louisiana that was never paid except for $212.00, getting Kendrick and Fuzzy enrolled in Social Services programs for food stamps, Smart Start program and to renew Kendrick’s Section 8 housing which runs out in October.  
• When Kendrick returned from New Orleans with Fuzzy we discovered he needed a forward facing car seat and summer clothes in size 18 months.  Fuzzy has plenty of fall and winter clothes as well as toys.  Article written for church newsletter asking for donations; received summer clothes for Fuzzy.  Kendrick acquired a forward facing car seat for Fuzzy. 
• Set up appointment for Kendrick to attend orientation to Vocational Rehabilitation.  Laura went with Kendrick to orientation.  Despite needing the program and the directors attempting to get him to stay, Kendrick only stayed 20 minutes stating, “this is for people with real disabilities.”

Section 2 – Open Items

• Kendrick still needs to find a job, the Task Force has decided to let Kendrick know that this is his responsibility and that he needs to take the initiative to apply and find something that will provide income.
• Kendrick will need to get a NC Drivers License before his New Orleans driver’s license expires in December.
• Task Force will continue to provide support for food, gas and utilities for Kendrick through end of May
• Task Force will pay for Lucy’s utilities through May.
• Plan to discuss disconnecting phone and DSL line with Kendrick due to the excessive amount of his last four phone bills.  Do not know how he will pay for this without support; if Kendrick willing to have the phone and DSL line disconnected Task Force will find the money to pay the last bill that comes in for Kendrick, but it must be immediately disconnected.

Section 3 – Items to ensure are handed off to Nick and Winnie

• Getting Kendrick and Fuzzy plugged into Social Services
• Smart Start program for Fuzzy.
• Section 8 housing renewal (October)
• Food stamps for Kendrick and Fuzzy

Section 4 – Overall Budget

 Evacuee Resettlement Task Force Meeting Follow up Items

Meeting Date:  May 21, 2006

(The Action Items on this document are only from February on; there were many, many more 

  tasks done initially during December and January that are not captured on this list.)

Action Items from May 21, 2006 meeting

1. Meg to talk to Kendrick about disconnecting phone and DSL service to avoid large bills he will not be able to pay.  Let him know if he agrees to have services disconnected that the Task Force will pay for the last bill that comes in. 
2. Kelly to e-mail Barbara Fletcher to remind her that we will only be paying utility bills and phone bills for both Kendrick and Lucy through the end of May.  If she receives any bills after May she is to return them to sender. 
3. Find the money to pay Lucy’s utility bills for the month of May since we have no money left in the budget. 

Closed issues:

1.      Decided that Nick McCoy did not need to be on our e-mail group constantly at this time,

             Kirsten will have him removed and we will cc him on necessary e-mails. (2/26/06) Kirsten had Nick removed from the Evacuee Task Force group, we will continue to cc on  important e-mails.  His e-mail address is:  hurricanerelief@firstpres-durham.org

            This item is closed. 

2.      Meg to follow up with Laura to see if she ever had the conversation with Kendrick about

             ground rules.  Set ground rules (3/11/06) done.  This item is closed.

3. Meg to follow up with Kendrick about taking his NC driver’s license exam again (3/11/06) Already following in Open Items, This item is closed.
4. Kirsten to follow up with Nick McCoy about Evacuee Support group he mentioned during meeting with Kendrick (3/11/06) Kirsten followed up both with Nick and Kendrick.  Kendrick is not interested.  This item is complete, This item is closed.

5.      Kirsten will look into the mentor situation for Sammy and Kendrick. (3/11/06) This is already being followed in Open Items, This Item is closed.

6. Meg to go to Lowes with Kendrick. (3/11/06) Have not gotten to Lowes yet, plan to on 3/13/06, this issue is already being followed in Issue #5, This item is closed..

7.      Laura, Kirsten and Meg to meet with Lucy at Northgate in the food court on Monday, February 27, 2006 @ 4:00pm (3/26/06) Meeting was held, this issue as it stands is closed, will add one that is more appropriate for following Lucy.  This item is closed.

8. Laura will try to call Sammy to ask him, “How can we help you?” and “Are you planning to stay here?”  She will follow up with us (3/26/06) Laura was unable to get Sammy on the phone and it does not seem like he wants our help.  This item is closed.
9. Laura, Kirsten and Meg to meet with Lucy at Northgate in the food court on Monday, February 27, 2006 @ 4:00pm (3/11/06) Meeting was held, this issue as it stands is closed, will add one that is more appropriate for following Lucy.  This item is closed

10.  Task Force still owes Kendrick $25.00 in gas cards.  (3/11/06) Kendrick has not brought up a need for the additional money.  Do not plan to give him the extra money unless it becomes an issue. (3/26/06) Kendrick managed two weeks with just $50.00 in gas.  He was given $150.00 in gas cards on 3/17/06; this should last without question until 4/17/06.  This item is closed.

11. Meg to contact Sherwin Williams for Sammy (3/11/06) Have not been able to get with Sammy to see if we are following him, Laura to speak with him.(3/26/06) Since we have been unable to contact Sammy and it appears he is not interested in our help.  This item is closed. 
12. Meg to get Directions to Food Bank from Nick McCoy. (3/11/06)  Directions received and given to Kendrick from Map quest starting from his apartment. (3/26/06) Confirmed with Kendrick that he has not made an effort to go to the food back.  Cannot force him to go to food bank but he knows it is available.  This item is closed.
13. Meg to call Northgate (3/11/06) Called and was told they do not have anything open in the Northgate office at this time, but to call back in the middle of April.  This does not include any of the individual stores. (3/26/06) This item is closed.
14. Follow up with Home Depot, Kroger, Costco, and Food Lion, re-visit Wal-Mart with one of us (3/11/06) Meg with on Kendrick on applying to these places.  Have gone to Home Depot, Costco, Kroger and Pet Smart.  Plan to go to Food Lion and re-visit Wal-Mart on 3/13/06. This item being followed in 2/26/06 Action Item # 3.  This item is closed.
15. Meg to take Kendrick on Wednesday to apply for jobs (3/11/06) Went and looked for jobs on Thursday.  Plan to go again next week on Monday.  Kendrick has several on-line applications to fill out.  (3/26/06) Kendrick came to Meg’s house on Monday and spent several hours filling out the on-line applications he was supposed to do on his own.  Was not at home on next scheduled visit. Will discuss at next meeting. (4/09/2006) Kendrick responsible to find job on his own.  This item is closed.   

16.  Meg will follow up with his W-2 to get his taxes done. (2/12/06) Need to find out who is claiming Fuzzy as a dependent. (2/12/06) May need to buy separate tax preparation software if unable to use mine twice.  Have W-2 will do taxes as soon as possible. (2/26/06) Will have this done by the end of week, Saturday March 4, 2006.  Will have to purchase separate tax system from Staples to use, unable to use mine twice because will only download one state.  (3/11/06) Having trouble with software, still working on this project should have done soon.  Also need the 1099 form Kendrick received from his unemployment, he says he got it, but cannot locate it; may have to call Unemployment agency of New Orleans to get numbers, should not file without this information. (4/09/2006) Kendrick’s taxes are complete to the best of the knowledge he provided me with.  He came and signed them on 4/05/2006 and they were mailed.  He should get his refund of a total of $202.00 in about 6-8 weeks.  This item is closed.

       16. Waiting for Jeff Sutton to follow up about the “Jobs for Life” program run by Doug Cleary.

            (2/26/06) Jeff confirmed this is same class being offered in news letter.  He is going to

            contact Doug Cleary to see how to get Kendrick and Sammy enrolled if there is space.

            (3/11/06)Jeff found there is space for Kendrick and Sammy.  Kendrick has agreed to go         

            for the entire 9 weeks. (3/26/06) Still unsure if this program will proceed due to lack of

            participants.  Someone was supposed to call Laura about Thursday and let her know if

            there was going to be a class; Kendrick stated to Meg he went but no one was there. 

            Decision was made that we can only offer this we cannot force this issue.  We have

            explained to Kendrick his short time remaining with us and what we can and cannot due 

      to help him.(4/09/2006) “Jobs for Life” is not running this time due to lack of participation. 

             We have done all we can with this.  This item is closed. 

17.  Kelly to follow up with Barbara for very specific budget broken down by exactly what was

paid and when. (3/11/06) Kelly got budget and broke it down on what has been spent and what is left.  Is looking at finding how much utilities have been costing. (3/26/06) Kelly has submitted a budget proposal and asked for others suggestions. (4/09/2006) This is being followed under 3/26/2006 meeting.  This item is closed.

18. Meg to e-mail Lucy about information about Watts School of Nursing as a second option for a nursing school and information she has found on nursing scholarships.  Offer to do her resume.  (3/26/06) Have not done this yet, will follow up with it this week and let you all know the outcome. (4/09/2006) E-mail sent to Lucy with all information on resume, schools to apply for, reapply for Pell grant and key e-mail sites for nursing scholarships.  Group blind copied.  Offered to help her with anything I can.  This item is closed.
19. Laura will get $100.00 in gas cards, $125.00 in food cards and a small pack of size 4 diapers for Kendrick to give him at our next meeting on April 9, 2006. (4/09/2006) All things gotten for Kendrick and will be given to him at today’s meeting.  This item is closed.
20. Meg to give Kendrick $40.00 in cash for him to take on his trip as emergency money, money to eat in airport at our next meeting on April 9, 2006. (4/09/2006) This has been done.  This item is closed. 
21. Kelly to update budget, plan to include budget in presentation to Deacons and Haywood on what Task Force has done.  Budget will be shown to internal church persons only. (4/09/2006) Budget has been updated.  Will continue to follow this item. (4/09/2006) Decided this budget was finished and would be our finalized budget to present to Haywood and the Deacons.  This item is closed.
22. Monica to start document showing with timeline what we have done for Kendrick and a list of what his needs continue to be. (4/09/2006) Document has been started and mostly updated; only Meg has not had time to look at document.  Will try to have this document finished by Monday. Meg will have reviewed it and returned to Monica.  This item is closed.
23. Meg to talk to Kendrick (a) to invite him to the April 9, 2006 meeting, (b)have him talk to Fuzzy’s mother to let her know she must provide documentation of his shots when Kendrick comes to get him, (c) to let him know that due to budget constraints we are unable to send money or products to Fuzzy’s mom but that when Fuzzy comes home we will make sure he has what he needs (d) let him know he is responsible to continue looking for a job on his own. (4/09/2006) Meg had a long talk with Kendrick about these issues.  Kendrick also talked to Laura about the issue of buying things for Fuzzy’s mother.  This item is closed.
24. Kendrick stated his phone bill was high because people were using * 67 to find out who had just called.  Meg to find out is this something that Kendrick can do or that Monica needs to do since she set the phone service up. (3/26/06) I spoke to Kendrick; this is something he feels confident he is able to do on his own.  I asked him to have it removed by 3/31/06.  Will follow up with him and make sure it is done.  Have no idea what the phone bill was that he was worried about. (4/09/2006) Asked Kendrick at 4/9 meeting if he had *67 removed from his phone.  Kendrick stated he had called Verizon and done this.  Monica will check on-line and see if she can tell if this has been done.  Otherwise will just wait to see what next phone bill is.  This item is closed.
25. After talking to Lucy she said it would be totally unwise to get Kendrick a checking account, but we should still look into the savings account. (3/26/06) Need to follow up with Jeff about savings account.  This is an Item already being followed but we need to make sure it is not forgotten. (4/09/2006) Since Kendrick has still not gotten a job and has no money to put in an account we will close this item.  This item is closed.
26. Savings Account – waiting for Jeff Sutton to look into the best place to open a savings account for Kendrick and now possibly for Sammy.  (2/26/2006) Joe Osowski suggested a Credit Union that reaches out to specific populations (versus the typical bank).  Jeff plans to look into this for the group so we know what to tell Sammy and Kendrick.  (3/11/2006)  Waiting for Jeff to give us more information about this.  (3/26/2006)  Still waiting on information about savings account.  (4/09/2006) Decision made that since Kendrick does not have a job there is no point in a saving account.  This item is closed.

27.  Possibly find a mentor for Kendrick and Sammy? (2/26/06) Kirsten sent an email to Terry Alanbaugh at Housing for New Hope asking for help in procuring a mentor for Kendrick. Terry Allenbaugh contacted her; he has a man from Sherwood Park who is an alumnus of their program and thinks would be very helpful to us.  Kirsten got Pete’s number and plans to call him to set up a meeting. (3/11/06) Kendrick will get a “Champion” with “Jobs for Life” but Haywood(?) still wants us to look into the contact with Terry Allenbaugh.  Kirsten is following up on this. Unsure if we will be following Sammy. (4/09/2006) This was supposed to be taken care of with “Jobs for Life” but the program was postponed until next fall.  Will pass this on to Nick and Winnie as something that may be of some help to Kendrick.  This item is closed.

28. Meg to find out if Kendrick has “officially” dropped out of school.  Need to get his books back to resell and put money back into budget. (3/26/06) Kendrick states he did go and fill out the “drop” paper work at Durham Tech.  I let him know I would need his books so we could resell them and put the money back into the budget. (4/09/2006) Kendrick will bring school books to meeting on 4/9 so they can be resold. Kendrick brought books to 4/9 meeting.  Meg will take to Durham Tech this week to sell back to the school and let Kelly know how much goes back in the budget. (4/10/2006) Went to Durham Tech and sold books, received $60.50 for books, which is about ½ of what we paid for them.  Will take money to Barbara to add to budget.  This item is closed.
29. Meg to get a $44.00 money order for Kendrick to give to landlord for small damages around house so he can get blinds fixed. (3/11/06) Meg got money order for Kendrick made it out to Naples Terrace and took him to the office to turn it in. (3/26/06) Barbara needs some sort of documentation from Naples Terrace on exactly what this is for to put with the money order receipt for the audit.  Kirsten or Meg will contact the Naples Terrace office to get this information (4/10/2006) Meg went by Naples Terrace and received a receipt showing what the money order was for and where it was received.  Took paperwork to Westminister Presbyterian Church, Barbara Fletcher for addition to receipt from money order.  This item is closed.
30. Meg to set up meeting with Nick and Winnie for this week if possible.  (Carry over from Action Item #1 from March 26, 2006 meeting.  (4/18/2006) Meeting set up with Nick and Winnie for Friday on 4/21 at 1:30 in Room 105.  Kendrick was not invited per decision of the Task Force.  Meeting agenda set by Westminister Task Force.  This item is closed. 
31. Meg to send article about Fuzzy to Gail to go out in the next newsletter. (4/18/2006) The article has been sent to Gail and will come out in the news letter this Friday.  This item is closed.   
32. Monica to look on the Verizon web page to see if she is able to see if Kendrick had *67 removed from his phone. (4/13/2006) Monica went on-line to check on this but was unable to get anywhere without Kendrick’s social security number and a password.  We will have to trust that Kendrick did take responsibility for this.  If his bill is $80.00 again we will have to take money out of his gas allowance to be able to pay for the bill.  This item is closed.  
33. Kelly to send finalized budget to Monica to be included in documentation. (4/17/2006) Kelly finalized budget and sent it to be included in the paperwork to be presented to Haywood showing the work and money the Task Force has spent/done on Kendrick.  This item is closed. 
34. Meg to resell Kendrick’s textbooks at Durham Tech, give money to Barbara to be put back in the budget. (4/10/2006) Meg took books back to Durham Tech and sold them back for $60.50.  Will take money and receipt to Barbara Fletcher to add to Task Force budget.  This item is closed.
35. Meg to e-mail Nick to find about any type of disability services that Kendrick may be entitled to.  (3/26/06) Sent e-mail, if do not hear back by 3/29/06 will send a second e-mail.  (4/09/2006) Was supposed to call Nick back but this slipped through the cracks will follow up on it next week. This is linked to Action Item #1 from March 26, 2006 meeting.  Meg will try to get up with Nick this week to speak with him and set up a meeting.  Continue to follow. (4/17/2006) This item is also being followed by Action Item under meeting April 9, 2006.  It is now #30 in the closed items list.  This has been followed up by a phone conversation to Nick and will be covered at the meeting set up with Nick and Winnie on 4/21 @ 1:30.  This item is closed. 
36. Kirsten to set up a meeting with Nick and Winnie with Task Force about handing over Kendrick with Fuzzy at the end of May. (4/09/2006) Kirsten attempted to contact Nick by e-mail and phone several times with no response.  Meg has to call Nick about Kendrick’s disability issue so she will try to set up a meeting with him if she is able to get a hold of him.  Essential that we meet with Nick and Winnie to “hand off” Kendrick especially with Fuzzy coming home. (4/10/2006) This is being covered by Action Item #1 under meeting April 9, 2006.  Meg will follow up since she already has to follow up with a phone conversation with Nick.  This has been done.  Meeting set for 4/21.  This item is closed. 
37. Monica to wrap up Task Force document, adding budget, this week and send it to Haywood.  Ask him when he wants us to present our project to the Deacons. (4/10/2006) Meg went through document and made suggested revisions and sent to Monica by Monday at 5:00pm as agreed. (4/18/2006)  Monica made all revisions and sent document with Kelly’s updated budget to Haywood for review.  Haywood gave Monica a name to check to see if Deacons want a review.  Will ask Monica to follow up with request from Haywood. (4/21/2006) Elana Cleary let Monica know we could present at the Deacons 4/23 meeting.  This notice was too short for us to get everything together.  Will plan to present at the next Deaconate meeting.  This item is closed. 

38.  We need to follow up with Kendrick about his NC driver’s license test. (2/26/2006) Meg trying to get a hold of Kendrick to talk about this.  Will talk to him today about doing this. (3/12/06) This has been on hold while trying to get a job. (4/09/2006) Meg will make one more attempt to talk to Kendrick about getting this done this week.  If not done we will pass this on to Nick and Winnie as one of the things to follow up with Kendrick. (4/17/2006) Will speak to Kendrick about it this week and if needed will pass this on to Nick and Winnie. (4/21/2006) This was discussed with Nick and Winnie.  Since Kendrick has been unable to pass the written test, Nick feels he needs to go to Vocational Rehab before trying again.  There is nothing more the Task Force can do on this issue, Nick and Winnie will follow this.  This item is closed.

39.  Meg will follow up with Kendrick about getting a simple Will in place. (2/12/06)  Have talked with Kendrick to get the basic information, will proceed up with it as soon as possible, probably in the next month. (2/26/06) Still in process (3/11/06) On hold until other more pressing things in place such as job and taxes. (4/09/2006)  Meg will have this completed by the last meeting.  She will meet with Kendrick and get it notarized so it will stand up in court. (5/10/2006)  Unable to complete this because Kendrick does not have the necessary information.  Have asked him for it since February and have not received it.  This item is Closed.  

ADDENDUM B: NEXT STEP HOUSING REPORT FORM

Description 

Next Step Housing is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing decent, safe and affordable housing for adults with serious and persistent mental illness in Durham County.  It’s first major building project was a twelve-unit apartment building (the Shirley Strobel Apartments) located on the corner of Liberty and Raynor Streets in Durham, just a block from Threshold, a psychosocial clubhouse based on the Fountain House model.   An important feature of the current apartment project is on-site support services for its residents which are provided in cooperation with Threshold.  These support services help residents with medication, shopping, and transportation.  The Shirley Strobel apartments are the only living quarters in Durham County with regular on-site case management to provide needed support, teach skills and help prevent relapse.

Website:

WPC Connections

Sharon Barnes

Financial Analysis

Next Step Housing will always operate at a financial disadvantage.  When any organization is trying to provide housing for the poorest segment of the population, it is recognized that some fund raising will be needed to stay viable.  For the population served by Next Step, the luckier people receive a monthly SSI check of about $570.  Of that amount, Next Step receives 30% in rent – or about $171 monthly.  The bare bones financial model for our apartment building is based upon receiving $310 in rent per month per unit. In other words, our organization will likely always be in need of funds for rent subsidy to augment the modest rent our tenants can pay.

It is significant that the population Next Step serves has income that is about 16% of area median.  It has been our experience that only charitable organizations are interested in trying to address the housing needs of this population. Other than the governmental funding for the Shirley Strobel Apartments, Next Step has relied completely on contributions from churches, individuals and some charitable foundations.

Shirley Strobel Apartments are a start in supplying affordable housing for persons with serious and persistent mental illness but the need is great and Next Step Housing must plan and provide for future investment in more housing. While we currently have a pretty healthy balance on our financial reports, we fully recognize that this amount of money can, and likely will, be spent quickly in start up fees for our next housing project, whether Next Step buys an existing property or builds.

Next Step is at an important juncture in its forward planning.  We are working with CASA of Wake County on the possibility of merger.  Next Step has managed to operate so far without any paid staff. CASA has a staff of sixteen and has been in the business of developing special needs housing much longer than Next Step which has allowed  CASA to develop expertise in the areas of funding and governmental regulations.   As an aside, it should be noted that Alex Denson served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for CASA prior to moving to Durham.  Alex currently serves on the Board of Next Step.

Accomplishments

One year ago we opened the Shirley Strobel Apartments, a twelve-unit building.  Currently all twelve units are occupied.  We are working now to make a determination as to what project to pursue next.  Experience has shown us that finding a building site in the city of Durham is difficult; therefore, we are looking at suitable apartment buildings on the market.

The ongoing collaboration with Threshold to provide part-time, on-site support for the tenants, a necessary service for any living arrangement for persons with serious and persistent mental illness to be successful.

While talks are progressing, CASA has been hired to provide accounting and tenant screening services.

Nine of the sixteen members of the Next Step Board are members of WPC: Sharon Barnes, Dan Milam, Linda Hylander, Lucy Stokes, Barbara Rynerson, Doug Elvers, Alex Denson, Howard Pedersen and Nancye Bryan.  An even larger number of WPC members are direct contributors to the organization.