February KYLA Meeting Focuses On Social Services
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
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KYLA moderator Tony Ciriello opened the meeting by introducing Tim Nussbaum of the Bowen Center. Nussbaum used an interactive approach to speaking to the students regarding stress and mental illness. He discussed the history of the Bowen Center and the wide variety of programs offered by the organization, which include home-based service, employee and student assistance programs, inpatient units and more.
Executive Director Patricia Coy presented the impact United Way has in Kosciusko County and some background on fundraising efforts, receiving most contributions from workforce, individuals and corporations. She discussed their three basic focus areas: education, income and health. United Way is in partnership with Kindergarten Countdown, VITA, 211, Kids Smile Kosciusko, Serenity House and Baker Youth Club to increase the success of these programs. She discussed the annual Day of Caring event and how students could participate.
Cardinal Services Community Relations Manager Michelle Boxell discussed the multitude of services Cardinal offers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opportunities include Head Start, WIC, sheltered work options, supported living, group homes, day services, respite care and KABS. The service was founded in 1954 by families in need. The first program had six students in one of the family’s homes and was modeled after Logan in St. Joseph County. Today they serve more than 4,000 individuals a year and employee close to 500 employees.
Eric Lane, of Fellowship Missions, joined the meeting to discuss the homeless issue in Kosciusko County. He said they have two homes, one used as a men’s shelter and the other for women, but are building a mutual location in the old Ken Anderson’s film building near the YMCA.
The organization is fellowship and relationship focused which opened in 2010 with seven men and one woman with children for guests. In 2012, they provided shelter for 208 guests and in 2013 more than 170. They also provide an average of 20,000 meals per year. They hold a bi-monthly and ministry meal at the Center Lake Pavilion, The Gathering, which fed more than 4200. They also partner with local organizations such as United Way, Bowen Center, Grace College, YMCA and Baker Youth Club.
The last speaker for the social services meeting was Amanda Herendeen, of Child Protective Services. She talked about signs of abuse, suspicious areas for injuries, and neglect which includes failure to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, healthcare, shelter and education. She educated how to make a report by calling 800-800-5556, which can be anonymous. She said the specific timeline of response depends on the abuse.
Herendeen mentioned ways for people to help include foster parenting, CASA, and mentoring organization such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She concluded by saying their mission is always to protect and keep children safe while keeping families together.
Cindy Klusman closed the meeting by announcing the next meeting will be March 5 at the courthouse.
For more information about KYLA, visit www.kylaleadership.org[[In-content Ad]]
KYLA moderator Tony Ciriello opened the meeting by introducing Tim Nussbaum of the Bowen Center. Nussbaum used an interactive approach to speaking to the students regarding stress and mental illness. He discussed the history of the Bowen Center and the wide variety of programs offered by the organization, which include home-based service, employee and student assistance programs, inpatient units and more.
Executive Director Patricia Coy presented the impact United Way has in Kosciusko County and some background on fundraising efforts, receiving most contributions from workforce, individuals and corporations. She discussed their three basic focus areas: education, income and health. United Way is in partnership with Kindergarten Countdown, VITA, 211, Kids Smile Kosciusko, Serenity House and Baker Youth Club to increase the success of these programs. She discussed the annual Day of Caring event and how students could participate.
Cardinal Services Community Relations Manager Michelle Boxell discussed the multitude of services Cardinal offers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opportunities include Head Start, WIC, sheltered work options, supported living, group homes, day services, respite care and KABS. The service was founded in 1954 by families in need. The first program had six students in one of the family’s homes and was modeled after Logan in St. Joseph County. Today they serve more than 4,000 individuals a year and employee close to 500 employees.
Eric Lane, of Fellowship Missions, joined the meeting to discuss the homeless issue in Kosciusko County. He said they have two homes, one used as a men’s shelter and the other for women, but are building a mutual location in the old Ken Anderson’s film building near the YMCA.
The organization is fellowship and relationship focused which opened in 2010 with seven men and one woman with children for guests. In 2012, they provided shelter for 208 guests and in 2013 more than 170. They also provide an average of 20,000 meals per year. They hold a bi-monthly and ministry meal at the Center Lake Pavilion, The Gathering, which fed more than 4200. They also partner with local organizations such as United Way, Bowen Center, Grace College, YMCA and Baker Youth Club.
The last speaker for the social services meeting was Amanda Herendeen, of Child Protective Services. She talked about signs of abuse, suspicious areas for injuries, and neglect which includes failure to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, healthcare, shelter and education. She educated how to make a report by calling 800-800-5556, which can be anonymous. She said the specific timeline of response depends on the abuse.
Herendeen mentioned ways for people to help include foster parenting, CASA, and mentoring organization such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She concluded by saying their mission is always to protect and keep children safe while keeping families together.
Cindy Klusman closed the meeting by announcing the next meeting will be March 5 at the courthouse.
For more information about KYLA, visit www.kylaleadership.org[[In-content Ad]]
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