HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-28 YMPC MinutesCaldwell Youth Master Plan Committee
Minutes (Corrected)
October 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
ZOOM MEETING
PRESENT: Debbie Geyer, Carol Mitchell, Donna Shines (Mentoring Network), Ron Bonneau (Youth
Forum), Jarom Wagoner (Caldwell City Council), Kaylee Farrell (AAFV), Kate Weis (Idaho Office for
Refugees), Bianca Stevenson (City of Caldwell/MYAC), Lindsay McConnell (U of I Health Coalition
Initiative), Melissa and Anthony Calloway (Caldwell Boys & Girls Club), Savannah Swisher (Idaho Youth
Ranch), and Susan Kain (Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge).
Special Presentation – Kaylee Farrell of Advocates Against Family Violence:
Kaylee Farrell of Advocates Against Family Violence provided a PowerPoint presentation concerning the
Teen Outreach Program offered through AAFV. She outlined the many programs and community
outreaches that AAFV offers to parents and youth. More information may be obtained by contacting AAFV.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Sub-Committee Updates:
a. Youth Forum: Ron Bonneau reported on the status of the 2021 Youth Forum. He
explained that the event was put on hold in 2020 & 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. The
Committee is working to plan for a Youth Forum in the spring of 2022. Ron has contacted
the College of Idaho about the availability of the event returning to their campus.
b. Let’s Move Program: Debbie Geyer reported that the event for 2022 will be held on Free
Fishing Day – June 11, 2022 – at Whittenberger Park & Rotary Pond. Funding for the
event is again being sought through a grant offered by St. Luke’s. Marisa Erickson has
applied for the grant funding in behalf of the Youth Master Plan Committee/Family Fun
Day.
c. Caldwell Saves 1st: Carol Mitchell reported that no financial training sessions were
conducted in 2020 & 20211 due to the COVID pandemic. Two families who have
previously competed the program submitted the required paperwork in August 2020 and
2021 to receive the savings bonus for their children.
2. Community Youth & Family Organizations – Update Reports:
a. Mentoring Network: Donna Shines reported on alternative methods of communication that
have been implemented in the 2020 school year such as mail, FaceTime, etc. to keep the
mentoring program active for the students. Within the 2021 school year, an emphasis has
been placed on involving school staff as mentors with students. This outreach has been
successful.
b. University of Idaho – Community Health Coalition: Linsey McConnell provided an
overview of the goals and projects of the coalition since its existence.
c. Boys & Girls Club – Melissa and Anthony reported on the new Caldwell Boys & Girls Club,
which is currently located in the Indian Creek Academy facility on Fillmore Street. The
center was opened five weeks ago and has approximately 50 members – grades K-5.
Grant funding was awarded for operation of the program within the Caldwell elementary
schools. The cost is $25 per year/per child. Active schools are Washington, Van Buren,
and Wilson Elementary. Lincoln Elementary students will be included in the near future.
Students are being bussed to the site.
d. Idaho Youth Ranch – Savannah reported that the new Idaho Youth Ranch facility at Sand
Hollow would be completed and ready for occupancy of youth by 2023. She noted the
Youth Works program is active and geared for youth - ages 16-22.
e. Deer Flat Reserve – Susan Kain reported that the visitor’s center is currently closed to the
public. She is available to provide presentations to school-age students on site at local
schools.
f. Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council – Bianca Stevenson reported on upcoming programs and
outreaches involving students from the MYAC. Rake-Up Caldwell is being organized by
Sonda Boyum, Administrative Assistant in the Mayor’s Office, involving youth and adult
volunteers to rake up leaves for those needing assistance with this task.
She explained the efforts of the MYAC used throughout the year to raise funds for the
MYAC College Scholarship Program for students attending Caldwell and Vallivue Schools.
Funds are also raised for the annual trip to Washington, D.C. for MYAC members to meet
with Idaho congress leaders to present their White Paper and tour historical sites.
A great deal of discussion was held regarding potential partnerships among the various agencies and
organizations in attendance at today’s meetings. The YMP Committee rooster will be made available with
the minutes to promote future communications.
Next meeting will be held in February 24, 2022. (No meeting will be held in December due to the Christmas
holiday.)
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Geyer
Chair of the Youth Master Plan
EXHIBITS:
A. PowerPoint Presentation from Advocates Against Family Violence – Kaylee Farrell
B. Roster of YMP Committee Members