HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-25 YMPC MinutesAPPROVED
Caldwell Youth Master Plan Co
Meeting Minutes, Thursday, February '.at22021 s\ 3(2s)z
Present: Miche Kirkman (AIC), Carol Mitchell (City Staff), Sheila Christensen (AIC), Fiona May (City Staff),
Denise Milburn (City Staff), Lisa Richard (Fire), Jose Martinez (Fire), Misty Peters (Mentoring Network),
Susan Kain (Deer Flat Refuge), Tricia Lofton (AAFV), Claudia Suastegui (YMCA), Jarom Wagoner (City
Council), Ron Bonneau (Youth Forum),McKenzie Bannister(3rd District CASA)
Meeting called to order at 10:02 am.
Special Presentations: McKenzie 3rd Dist Guardian CASA of SW Idaho
Volunteer program - Court-appointed advocate for children in foster care, at home, school, and court.
Represent a stable, safe place for children in foster care. CASA worker stays with the children until the
end of need.
There are almost 100 volunteers in Idaho, who undergo rigorous training, including shadowing of staff,
and guidance through first case. Goal is to serve 100% of children in Foster Care, not just those assigned
by the court. Most cases in this district are in Canyon County.
How to help: follow on social media,share information (especially promotion of the upcoming fundraiser
GALA),invite McKenzie to speak at community organization meetings,and spread the word.
APPROVE MINUTES: Fiona motioned and Jim seconded the motion to accept the minutes from the
10/22/2020 Youth Master Plan meeting. MOTION PASSED
Special recognition: A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Fiona May in recognition of her
valuable contributions to many YMPC programs and activities. We especially want to thank her for her
efforts in coordinating the We the Family subcommittee, including monitoring the website pages, the
Facebook page,and resources for families. We wish her well.
Committee Reports:
1. Caldwell Youth Forum Subcommittee - Ron Bonneau - Via virtual meetings, determined that the
2020 Youth Forum rescheduled for April 2021 will not take place, as school schedules have made
it so that only one school would have been able to participate. The committee is regrouping and is
now planning for an in-person Forum in September. Goal of Youth Forum: bring students from
local high schools to discuss the question: if you could change one thing- something that would
make a difference at your school - what would it be, and how would you address it? Partnering
with the College of Idaho as host of the event to also promote the`go-on'to college mindset.
2. Let's Move: - Debbie Geyer - Family Fun Day 2021. Last year had to cancel the event, so are
planning this year's event to involve low contact activities and social distancing. Will be held at
Wittenberger Park/Rotary Ponds on June 12, from gam - 12pm. Free event, with YMCA boot
camp and other activities that can spread out to encourage social distancing, lunch for children,
bikes to raffle off,sport equipment and passes to raffle off. Anticipating about 500.
3. Caldwell Saves 1st: Carol Mitchell- Nothing really to report. This is a financial training program
for parents/grandparents of young children (K-5th grade) to help `earn' funding for college for
their kids. COVID pretty much shut the fall program down. Challenges for upcoming season
involve where to host the classes, what events can the program coordinate with to achieve
participation,and what is the best way to roll out Caldwell Saves 1st at this time.
4. We the Family: Fiona May - Social media has been stretched for postings. Original intent was to
focus on free, local events to promote. Getting the word out about what is happening in Caldwell,
and resources available to families. Facebook was main social media, with occasional Instagram
posts. Other people have given information, which is very helpful, and there is a banner. Fiona
would like to pass on the information to anyone interested in taking this project over, as this
needs a person to monitor and direct information. Ellie Epperson will be YMPC contact for now.
Community Reports:
Mentoring Network-Misty Peters (filling in for Donna Shines). Program is alive and well,mentors are
doing the best they can with COVID restrictions,and facilitating with each school. Always looking for
volunteers. Involves one hour a week with a specific child in the schools. It can change the volunteer's
life,as well as the child being mentored.
YMCA - Claudia - Older youth can get up to 90% of financial assistance for YMCA membership/classes.
Spring Break camps are coming up,fitness activity will be offered during Spring Break.
Assistance League of Boise CC Branch - Debbie- In the midst of planning Operation School Bell where 40
students from each district-Vallivue School District, Caldwell School District, and Nampa School District
can spend $150 per student for clothing/shoes. Two Operation School Bell events at JC Penney are
coming up soon,and there is a need for volunteers.
Last fall, ALB Canyon County was able to give 120 backpacks to each school district for students -
backpacks included school supplies, some clothing and general items, and a backpack. Schools were very
thankful for the backpacks.
AAFV - Tricia - Received a grant for Teen Parenting classes. Kaylee is working on setting up youth
leadership activities/training for teen ladies. Currently attendance is low,but hoping it will pick up when
school is in person this fall. Event with COVID, AAFV saw almost 12,000 teens. Fire Dept developing
program for new parents,and may be able to connect with AAFV program.
Deer Flat- Susan Kain-wanting to connect with local agencies,build relationships. They have education
opportunities that are both wildlife related, and some that are non-wildlife related. Working of
identifying ways to connect with local community.
Recreation- Denise-classes at the Rec Center are full. Kids and parents are very eager to get involved in
classes. PAL funding help is available for all kids so that all who want to can get involved. Regular sports
in school gyms had to be cancelled because of COVID, so the focus is now to utilize facilities outside for
several sports programs. Ready to start on the new Parks and Rec Building soon and are very excited.
Construction beginning in September on a new pool facility after the current pool season ends. Opening
of the new facility is slated for the 2022 pool season.
Canyon County Spuds- Carol - Now that there are stadium lights at Wolfe Field,we have 'lit up Caldwell'.
A new team is now in town: the Canyon County Spuds have set up their base in Caldwell and are hoping
to kick off their season on May 25th.
ADJOURNMENT: Denise motioned, Fiona seconded the motion to adjourn at 11:17am. MOTION PASSED
The next meeting will be Thursday,April 22,2021 at 10am in the CPD Community Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Angie Point
Youth Master Plan Committee