Voice

Attending the March 5, 2008 V. o. H. meeting a Dizzy D’s Thrift Shop were:

Bernie Vervin, Maggie Tarrant (Caroline County DSS), Marie Perkins, Hilbert Watson, Jim Bradley, Mary Ellen Snively, Tamara Weishaupt (Mid-Shore Community Mediation Center) John Hobson, Doris Sheets, Deloris Reep, Sue Saathoff, Evelyn Sedlack, Julie Lowe

Mr. Hilbert Watson opened the meeting with a prayer.

Ms. Tamara Weishaupt introduced herself and related information about the Mid Shore Mediation Center offers free services in all types of mediation, but she especially works with people to reconnect family ties in situations where someone is at risk of being evicted so they will have resources to turn to until they can find another place to live.
Hilbert Watson inquired as to their modes of advertisement to the community and Tamara responded that they have ads in the Caroline Review, through community outreach, and they had a spot at the Strawberry Festival last year. Mr. Watson asked if they had spoken with churches in the area and Ms. Weishaupt responded that they hadn’t yet, but that it was a good idea; that they did present to area schools.
Their scope of mediation is wide—Parent-Teen, Neighbor-neighbor, Families, Divorce, Workplace disputes…

Bernie suggested that we should have info on our website to link our visitors with their services. He also told the group to check out the website, if they hadn’t lately, to see what’s new. He asked for notification of any gaps in services; if there were any ambassadors that we were missing.
Bernie reported that the 501c3 is still being worked on. He was asked about the Federalsburg Cold Weather Shelter and stated that he had had roughly 2 calls per week, and had redirected those folks to services better suited to their needs. The question was posed as to how the folks in need get transportation to places that can help them, and Bernie answered that he did, personally, many times, and that case manager did so also, but that there was only 1 case manager for 5 counties.
Bernie suggested that one thing there was a strong need for was for people to be advocates for folks who were emotionally distraught, or mentally challenged, to assist them in working through the process necessary for them to obtain assistance. Things like filling out forms, being a proxy address, helping them to get a photo ID—all things necessary for people requesting assistance to be able to receive it. Bernie mentioned that in the past, these folks were treated somewhat like criminals, but things have improved in the process, and folks are treated with more dignity. This being said, it was still an intimidating process, especially for someone who’s spirit is broken. Maggie Tarrant, of the Caroline Dept. of Social Services agreed, and mentioned she would speak with Linda Webb, of the same organization, to see if it were possible to set up a training for volunteers for the ‘advocate program’ to learn the ropes so they could be informed to the process, and better be of assistance in these matters. Bernie mentioned that he had found a way to aquire a photo ID for folks—to have them register to vote, and take that registration card to the MVA and get an ID with that information. You must have a mailing address though, and John Hobson suggested that VoH could possibly provide a PO Box for this purpose. Bernie said that he had used his own address in the past.

Bernie works with a group (MSCMC) that goes into jails and mediates/advocates for prisoners soon to be released so that they can more smoothly re-enter society. Some of them need medications; all of them need a little money; and assistance for to them get work. He is working on legislation that will set people up with a Rehabilitation Certificate to help possible employers, etc. to be more likely to hire them.

There was discussion among the group about people, especially women with young children, who were terrified that if they gave out too much information, their children would be removed from them…that it was a delicate situation needing special touch or these folks might ‘go underground’, and we wouldn’t be able to find them to help them.

Bernie noted that there are audio conferences given by NAEH (National Alliance to End Homelessness) each month on such topics as: How to create a Local Housing Subsidy Program (March 13); Emergency Prevention Programs (May 8th); and Family preservation and youth issues (June 12). These resources are mentioned on the VoH website on the Educational Resources page. Bernie asked those present to email him with any other resources they may be aware of that could be posted on the website.

Jim reported on the ‘Rebuilding Together ‘ group who’s mission is to provide free services to low-income homeowners in Caroline County who are facing necessary but unaffordable home repairs. He passed out a few brochures and asked for referrals, if we knew of anybody having this need.

The meeting came to an official close around 8:20, with many small discussions between our dedicated and caring members taking place afterwards.

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 V. o. H. Minutes, Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 7:30 am,

(Many thanks to Doris and Deloris for hosting our meeting. What a great space, with a great Spirit presence!)

 

In attendance:

Bernie Vervin, Jim Bradley, Billy Reep, Marie Perkins, Evelyn Sedlack, Julie Lowe, Jean Peterson, John Hobson, Sue Saathoff, Doris Sheets

 

Bernie opened with a prayer and let us know that the by-laws are still in the revision process, and once that is completed, we should be close to becoming a 501c3 corporation.

 

He mentioned the VOH website; that it has been well received and Bernie has gotten many calls because of it. He turned the floor over to Julie Lowe who is assisting Bernie with editing and adding information to the website. She reported that the list of facilities providing assistance has been updated, that she posted the Star Democrat article printed regarding the town of Federalsburg turning Bernie down for a cold-weather shelter in the community center, etc.

 

Bernie listed several activities in progress at present:

 

1)Point-in-Time Survey of Homeless in the area was held on Jan. 29, 2008. There were 6 people counted in Caroline County. It will take a little time to gather all the data from all participating counties. Evelyn Sedlack reported there is to be a meeting for the people involved in the Survey on Friday, Feb. 8.

 

2) Although Bernie's proposal for Federalsburg was voted down by the Town Commissioners, the Federalsburg Ministerial Association has picked up the cold weather shelter, located at the Park Lane Church of God. The coordinator is Sue Dunn, and there are currently 32 volunteers. Bernie passed around an information booklet which included copies of the shelter's intake form, volunteer application and data base, etc. Bernie mentioned that although it hasn't really been cold since its inception, he did open it for an 18 yr-old man to reduce the chances of him becoming 'at risk', but he declined to use it.

 

3) Sue Saathoff hosts an 'immediate need' food pantry and clothes closet in 'The Basement'. Available items include blankets, shoes, hats, gloves, a few coats, as well as food. She takes referrals from Case Managers, etc, and can provide assistance in short order.

 

Marie Perkins reported there is a clothes closet at the Ridgely-Marydel Charge in Greensboro, and that she could be contacted, or Rev. Watson, at the church.