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Home My WebLink AboutCity Council Packet 08-13-2002 SpecialAgenda City of Plymouth Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 13, 2002 5:30 p.m. Public Safety Training Room 1. Call to Order 2. Consider withdrawal from Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council 3. Schedule future study sessions 4. Adj ourn Agenda Number: 01 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Consider Withdrawal from Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council DATE: August 5, 2002, for City Council meeting of August 13, 2002 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Consider whether the City should withdraw from the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council joint powers organization. 2. BACKGROUND: Plymouth is a member city of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC), a human service research, planning, and coordinating agency. A copy of the joint powers agreement is attached. The following cities are members of the organization: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Corcoran, Crystal, Dayton, Golden Valley, Hanover, Hassan, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and Rogers. In June 2002, the City Council approved a one-half year payment of $6,350 to NWHHSC and directed staff to prepare documents for withdrawal from the joint powers organization for consideration by the Council. For many years, NWHHSC served the north and easterly portions of Plymouth, while West Hennepin Human Services Council, also known as Suburban Alliance, served the westerly area. Following financial management troubles, Suburban Alliance was dissolved by the member cities in the mid 1990's. City staff has not identified decreased services or planning in the area of the City previously served by Suburban Alliance since the dissolution. The joint powers agreement provides the method for withdrawal from the organization. The agreement states "Any member party may at any time give written notice of withdrawal from the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. A party withdrawing from membership at a time when such withdrawal does not result in dissolution of the organization shall forfeit its claim to any assets of the organization." The organization is considered dissolved when either aggregate withdrawals of member cities representing more than one-half of the NWHHSC area population occurs or by a two-thirds vote of all members of the Board. Plymouth's withdrawal would not result in dissolution_ of the organization; therefore, the City would forfeit any claim to assets of the organization. 3. ALTERNATIVES: 1) If the Council wishes to continue membership in NWHHSC, adopt the attached resolution approving payment of the remaining 2002 contribution. Sufficient funds are included in the 2002 budget for this purpose. 2) If the Council wants to withdraw from the NWHHSC joint powers organization, adopt the attached resolution of withdrawal. 3) Or, table the issue to an upcoming regular meeting. 4. DISCUSSION: Councilmember Sandy Hewitt has served as the City's representative to the NWHHSC Executive Committee since May 1, 2001. She has expressed a number of concerns about the organization and suggested that the City Council consider whether the City should continue its membership. Primarily, she has questioned the effectiveness of NWHHSC as a human services planning and coordinating agency and whether Plymouth residents are well served by this organization. She has expressed concerns in the following areas: Planning. In 2000, NWHHSC began a strategic planning process to assess human service needs for the next 3-5 years. The Community Dialogues Report was issued in September 2001, and included the top five human service needs for Plymouth: Affordable housing Transportation Youth Seniors Immigrants In reviewing the report in late 2001, Plymouth Councilmembers indicated that the results were not particularly valuable and no solutions were proposed. Plymouth has identified these issues as priorities and has been devoting resources toward these issues for several years. In July 2002, NWHHSC distributed the Strategic Plan Outline for 2002-2005, which does propose actions to address the priorities identified in the planning process. Coordination. There are many human service agencies serving Plymouth residents. Interfaith Outreach, PRISM, and Home Free provide a variety of emergency services to Plymouth residents. The City is served by at least three organizations assisting youth in crisis Teens Alone, Northwest YMCA Point Northwest, and Family Hope Services. There are additional agencies providing services related to mediation, housing, employment, transportation, daycare, multi -family housing issues, and senior issues. School district -based collaboratives have also recently formed to address some human service issues. Plymouth is currently involved with the Wayzata, Robbinsdale, and Hopkins collaboratives. There is significant opportunity for planning and coordination of services in Plymouth. The situation is, at best, confusing. Through its mission.. NWHHSC should have been the organization to initiate coordination of human services in Plymouth in order to determine the levels and types of need, effectiveness, and duplication of services. To date, they have not done so. There are ways other than through human service councils to coordinate services. The City of Edina recently decided to withdraw from its human service council and has chosen to use other avenues for coordination between social services. Role of NWHHSC in Regional Human Rights Coalition. The NWHHSC served as the vehicle to form the Regional Human Rights Coalition. The City Council previously received correspondence explaining this issue. The Plymouth Human Rights Commission withdrew from the coalition earlier this year noting that the coalition is largely a duplication of services already available through the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions and a substitute for local human rights commissions in several communities. Responsiveness. Some issues with respect to responsiveness have been noted. One example is that NWHHSC held a public meeting on precinct caucus night. Mayor Tierney, Councilmember Hewitt, and staff contacted NWHHSC about this conflict, but they refused to change the date of their meeting. Value of Services to Plymouth. NWHHSC appears to be adequately serving a need for some cities. The value of human service planning and coordination services for Plymouth residents must be determined by the City Council. A number of letters and e-mails have been sent to the City regarding NWHHSC. The general concern is that citizens of Plymouth would lose services if the City were to withdraw from the NWHHSC joint powers organization. We have attempted to analyze the impact on each of these services. Emergency Services Program. NWHHSC has indicated that Plymouth residents will lose emergency service funding if the City withdraws from membership. Attached is a letter from Hennepin County Senior Administrative Manager Rex Holzemer indicating that access to emergency service and Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program funds for Plymouth residents is not contingent on Plymouth being a member of the NWHHSC. Funding would continue because NWHHSC has a contract with Hennepin County to provide services in a specific geographic area that includes Plymouth. The providers of emergency services in Plymouth are Interfaith Outreach, PRISM, and Home Free. NWHHSC is not a direct provider of these services, but serves as the fiscal agent and retains the administrative fee provided by the County. The providers issue all of the emergency service dollars to residents in direct services and receive no administrative fee. Family Independence Network (Welfare to Work). Councilmember Hewitt advises that this program will be ending. Success by Six NW Program. No school districts in Plymouth participate in Success by Six. Each of Plymouth's four school districts offer a variation of this program: High 5 Hopkins District), Fives Alive (Robbinsdale District), Learning Readiness (Wayzata District), and Before 4 (Osseo District). Senior Leadership Council. This group of seniors meets monthly and hears a speaker on an issue of interest to seniors. The Plymouth members, in turn, invite some of the speakers to present information at a senior meeting in Plymouth. There are eight Plymouth residents active on this Council, which is the majority of the NNVHHSC Senior Leadership Council. Councilmember Hewitt has suggested that many of these sessions, such as a meeting with the City Council, area legislators, or service providers, could be accomplished directly by inviting the speakers to a meeting of Plymouth seniors. Plymouth seniors value this service, and we should plan how to offer a replacement. It could either be done at the City level with assistance provided by City staff, Senior Community Services, and area human service agencies providing assistance in identifying speakers. Or, if NWHHSC and Plymouth seniors feel it is important to continue the existing Senior Leadership Council, it may be possible for Plymouth to pay a fee ($1,000 per year?) for Plymouth seniors to participate without the City being a member of NWHHSC. Cadet Program. With the assistance of NWHHSC, the City put together the Police Cadet Program. Much of the work for this program was done by Plymouth Police Sergeant Bob Nesbitt. Plymouth left the NWHHSC program and continues with its own program because the NWHHSC program was not successful for Plymouth. Tobacco Compliance Grant. In 2001, Plymouth police partnered with NWHHSC in a grant to support tobacco compliance checks. Through this grant a training video was developed. This program has ended. Secondhand Smoke Research. NWHHSC helped research the effects of second-hand smoke. This information was presented to the City Council in a work session. Compliance Checks Grant — Pending. NWHHSC is currently working on a grant to be used to train checkers and officers in conducting compliance checks. This program will get other cities to the point where Plymouth already is. The police department does not believe that Plymouth will get a great deal of benefit from the grant. NWHHSC has asked Plymouth police to assist with planning this training for other cities. 5. BUDGET IMPACT: A list of the financial contributions made by cities to NWHHSC is attached. The current contribution rate is $.42 per capita, and Plymouth has traditionally paid one-half of its allocation for the half of the City served. NWHHSC has requested in recent years that the City pay its full allocation since some planning and services were expanded to the entire City after Suburban Alliance was dissolved. Staff has not recommended this increase because no increase in services or planning for Plymouth has been identified. The amount of $12,700 (half of the requested allocation) was included in the 2002 budget for NWHHSC. In June, the Council authorized payment of one-half of that amount, with the second half contingent on the Council's decision on continued membership in the NW-HHSC. 6. RECOMMENDATION: Withdraw from the NWHHSC joint powers organization. While planning and coordination of human services is important, staff has not identified significant benefits that NWHHSC membership has brought to Plymouth in recent years. City of Plymouth Resolution 2002 - WITHDRAWING FROM THE JOINT AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT, NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. WHEREAS, the City of Plymouth is a party to the Joint and Cooperative Agreement for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Inc.; and WHEREAS, the agreement provides that any member party may at any time give written notice of withdrawal from the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered its membership and participation in the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council and determined that it no longer wishes to be a party to the organization. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Plymouth City Council that it hereby withdraws from membership in the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, Inc., and that staff is directed to send a written notice of withdrawal effective September 1, 2002. Adopted by the Plymouth City Council on August 13, 2002. City of Plymouth Resolution 2002 - AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL INC. WHEREAS, the City Council authorized the payment of $6,350 to Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council for 2002 services; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires that the City remain a party to the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council joint and cooperative agreement. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the additional funding amount of $6,350 is authorized for 2002, for a total 2002 allocation to Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council of $12,700. Adopted by the Plymouth City Council on August 13, 2002. JOINT A.ND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. The parties to this Agreement are governmental units g'l the State of Minnesota. This agreement is made pursuant to Minnesota Statues, Section 471.59. ARTICLE I. GENERAL PURPOSE Section 1. The general purpose of this Agreement is to create an organization through which the parties may jointly and cooperatively coordinate the providing of human services, both publicly and privately, in the territory of the parties. Section 2. It is the intention of the parties that t h & organization created by means of this Agreement shall be the successor to the Northwest Human Services Council, presently existing and operating within the territory' of the parties, and that this Agreement shall provide for an orderly transition and transfer of the management, assets, and control of the Northwest Human Services Council. ARTICLE II. DEFINITION OF TERMS For the purposes of the Agreement, the terms defined in this Article shall have the meanings given them as follows: Section 1. "Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council" shall be the organization created pursuant to this Agreement and the successor to the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. Section 2. "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors cf the Northwest Hennepin Human Services CounciI- Section 3. "Governmental Unit" shall mean a city or tow -ship. Section 4. "Party" shall mean a governmental unit which enter=_ into this agreement. Section 5. "Human Services" shall include but not be limited tc services and facilities to deal with and serve human need=_ relating tc mental health and retardation, drug and alcohol abuse, family counseling, shelter, nursing and home health assistance, healt education, primary health care, daycare, and other related matters. Sec tiOn I. this Aoreement are: Brooklvn Center Brooklyn Park' Champ 1 in Corcnran Crvstal ARTICLE III. PARTIES The Governmental units eligible to become parties to Dayton Golden Valley Hanover Hassan Township Maple Greve New Hope Osseo Plvmouth(no.of 55) Robb i nsda l Rogers Section 2. Any o,/ernmental uni t desir ing to enter irate t i -- Aqreement may do so by the duly authorized execution of a copy of this Agreement by its proper officers. Thereupon, the clerk or other corresponding officer of the governmental unit shall file a duly executed copy of the Aoreement, together with a certified copy of the authorizin,a resolution or other action. with the Executive Direr -to- of the Mor thl-,est Human Services Council. The resolutlC!l author lZin tf}a E".-.eCl tion Or the Aoreement shall also designate the f _r=t director and alternate director for the member. ARTICLE I V . • BOARD OF DIRECTORS Section 1. The governing and policymaking responsibilities of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council shall be vested i!l its Board c'f Director=_, which shall control its property. be responsible for its fil'lanceS, and direct itS affairs. Each party Shall be entitlCd t,--- d, i!-ec for Wh,a shall have one vote_ for -ach l , OoCi or frac t ion: Cher-ei0' _:f the party's current population ss determined by the Met-.- "PC li1an Council or by Special census. Section 2. Each party shall also be entitled to one alternate" director- who shall be entitled to attend meetings of the Board and :jho may vote in the absence of the party's director. Section 3. Directors and alternate directors shall be appointee by t'ne governing body of each party. Parties should appoint as di!-ecto!-, persons who are interested in human services, and who can apt in be alf of the cities they represent. Directors and alternates shall without compensation from the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, but this shall not prevent a party from providing compensation for its director or alternate director if such compensatior is authorized by such governmental unit and by law. Section 4. There shall be no voting by proxy, but all votes :-.ust be cast in person at Board meetings by the director or his alternate. Section 5. Directors and alternate directors shall be appoint__ to serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Section b. When the governing body of a party appoints a dir`-tor or alternate director it shall give notice of such appointment to tl` page 2 Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council in writing. Sect ioil 7. Any director or alternate director- shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body of the appointing party. Section 8. A majority of the votes. attributable to the parties shall constitute a quorum of the Board. Section 9. The members of the Advisory Commission shall be entitled to attend Board meetings. ARTICLE V. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD Section 1. The powers and duties of the Board shall include the powers set forth in this Article. Section 2. It may employ a person to act as Executive Director of the Board and may employ such other persons as it deems necessary to accomplish its powers and responsibilities. Any such persons may be employed on a full-time, part-time, or consulting basis, as the Board may determine. Section 3. It may make such contracts as the Board deems necessary and advisable to make effective any power to be exercised by the Board pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. Section 4. It may provide for any of its employees to be rr.embers of the Public EmoIovees Retirement Association and may mak= anv required employer contributions to that oroanization and any other employer contributions which municipalities_ are authorized or required by law to make. Section S. It shall establish an annual budget for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. Section b. It may invest or reinvest funds not needed for current operating expenses, if any, in the manner applicable by law to cities. It shall not at any time incur obligations in excess of fund=_ then available to it. Section 7. It shall make a financial accounting and report to the parties at least once each year and its books and records shall be audited annually and be available for and open to examination by the parties at all reasonable times. Section 8. It may accept gifts, apply for and use grants or loans of money or other property from the State, Hennepin County, or any other governmental units or organizations and may enter into agre=-gents required in connection therewith and may hold, use, and dispose of such monies or property in accordance with the terms of the gift, Grant, loan or agreement relating thereto. Section 9. It may contact for space, materials, services, and supplies with a member party or elsewhere. page 3 Section to. It ahall appoint one of its members.to serve as liaison to the Advisory Commission. Section 11. It shall have the power to enter contracts with other agencies, companies, or individuals to provide services according to the recommendations found in its human services plan as comprehended herein. Section 12. It may provide, within its resources, for the indemnification of directors, officers, and employees against reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any of such persons in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director, officer, or employee, except amounts paid or payable to the Board itself, and except in relation to matters as to which he shall be finally adjudged in any action, suit, or proceeding to have been derelict in the performance of His duties as such director, officer, or employee. Such indemnification need not be exclusive of other rights to which any such person would otherwise be entitled as a matter of law. Section 13. It may conduct research and investigation rega-ding existing and possible future human services facilities and programs and may develop a proposed plan for the rendering of human services. Section 14. It may prepare an inventory of human services facilities, services, and agencies, both public and private, available to persons being or residing in the territory of the parties. It may make an evaluation of any existing or proposed human service programs, may call attention to human services need=_ and to redundant human services progn ams, and may undertake to stimulate, encourage, and coordinate human services programs, public and private, within tilt-' territory of the parties. Section 15. It may exercise any other power- necessary and incidential to the implementation of its powers and duties under the provisions of this agreement. ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS - ELECTION AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1. At the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council and at the annual meeting of the Board each even -numbered year thereafter, the Board shall elect from its members a chairman, a vice-chairman, and a secretary - treasurer. New officers shall take office at the adjournment of the annual meeting of the Board at which they are elected. Section 2. A vacancy shall immediately occur in the office of any officer upon his resignation, death, or otherwise upon his ceasing to be a representative of his governmental unit. Upon vacancy occurring in any office, the Executive Committee shall fill such position until the next meeting of the Board. page 4 Section 3. The three officers shall all be members of the Executive Committee. Section 4. The chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee. The vice-chairman shall act as chairman in the absence of the chairman. Section 5. The secretary -treasurer shall be responsibly 101- keeping a record of all the proceedings of the Board and the Executive Committee, for custody of all funds, for the keeping of all financial records of the organization and for such other matters as shall be delegated to him by the board. Any persons may be engaged to perform such services under his supervision and direction when authorized by the Board. He shall post a fidelity bond or other insurance against loss of organization funds in an amount approved by the Board at the expense of the organization. Section 6. At the or=ganizational meeting or as socn thereafter as it ma -y reasonably be done, the Board shall adopt bylaws governing its procedures, including the time, place, frequency and notice ot, its regular meetings and the manner of calling special meetings. Such bylaws shall provide for an annual meeting of the Board in Januar N, and at least one other meeting -of the Board in .July of each year. Such bylaws may be amended from time to time by a majority of the votes attributable to all parties. ARTICLE VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Section 1. Until such time that the Board of Directors rea=he=_ maximum membership of all eligible municipalities(14 members) the 5oard of Directors will act as the Executive Committee to conduct all regular business of the Northwest Hennepin Human Service=_ Council. Section 2. The Executive Committee shall exercise the power=_ and perform the duties delegated to it by the Board of Directors, subJect to such conditions and limitations as may be imposed by the Board. Section 3. The Executive Committee of the Board shall consist of the chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary -treasurer of the North::est Hennepin Human Services Council, plus two other Board members, and one member of this five person committee shall be from a mamber municipality having less than 7500 population, as determined by the Metropolitan Council or special census. Section 4. The chairman of the Advisory Commission, or his/her designee becomes a voting member of the Executive Committee at all regular and special meetings of that body. Section 5. The Executive Committee may adopt bylaws governing its own procedures, including the time, place, frequency, and notice of its regular meetings and the manner of calling special meetings, all of which shall be subject to this Agreement, bylaws of the Board, and any resolutions or other directives of the Board. page 5 Section 6. Members of the Executive Committee shall each have one Note. Section 7. The Executive Committee shall cause to be prepared a proposed annual budget each year which shall be submitter; to the Board of Directors for approval and adoption at the July meeting. ARTICLE VIII. FINANCIAL MATTERS Section 1 . The f i sca 1 •Near n f the Northwest Her inc=p i n Human Services Council shall be the calendar year. Section 2. An annual budget shall be adopted by the Board at its meeting in July of each year. Copies shall be mailed, promptly thereafter. to the chief administrative officer of each member party. Section 3. Organization funds may be expended by the Board P-. accordance with procedure established by laws for the expend:tu're or funds by statuory cities. Orders, checks, and drafts shall be signed by the chairman or vice-chairman and countersigned by the secretary - treasurer. Other legal instruments shall be executed on behalf •cf the Board by the chairman and secretary -treasurer. Section 4. Contracts shall be let and purchases made in conformance with the legal requirements applicable to contracts and purchases of statutory cities. ARTICLE K. WITHDRAWAL Section 1. Any member party may at any time give written notice of withdrawal from the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. A party withdrawing from membership at a time when such withdrawal does not result in dissolution of the organization shall forfeit its claim to any assets of the organization. ARTICLE X. DISSOLUTION Section 1. The organization shall be dissolved whenever (a) aggregate withdrawals of member parties representing more than one-hal= of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council area population occurs, or (b) by a two-thirds vote of all members of the Board. Section 2. Upon dissolution the remaining assets e= the organization, after payment of all obligations, shall be distributed among the then existing member parties in proportion to their contributions, as determined by the Board. If there have been no sucl contributions, the assets of the organization shall be returned to Hennepin County. page 6 ARTICLE XI. DURATION Section 1. This Agreement shall continue in effect indefinitely. until terminated in accordance with its terms. ARTICLE XII. EFFECTIVE DATE Section 1. This Agreement shall become effective upon its execution by parties representing 677. of the current total population embraced 'within the Northwest Hennepin Services Council area. ARTICLE XIII. ADVISOR`( COMMISSION Section 1. Upon the effective date of this Agreement there shall hereby be created _ Northwest Hennepin Human Services Advisor; - Commission. Section 2. The scope of activity of the Commission shall consist of advising the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council regarding human service=_ matters and performing various duties and assuming responsibilities -delegated by the Board of Directors. Section 3. In fullfillment of its purpose and as authorized by the Board of Directors. the general duties and responsibilities_ of the Commiss_i•n shall be to: 1) recommend service goals. policies, program priorities, objectives and standards for the service area. 2) promote area agency coordination, communication ant role clarification. 3) review program alternatives and recommend to the Board of Directors; 4) monitor and guide task forces appointed to provide in-depth study of specific programs or social problems. 5) advise the Board of Directors on the annual work plan and budget requirements. 6) publicize availability of services. Section 4. The Commission shall consist of two members az-.ointed by the governing body of each party having a current population of at least 7500 and one member from each of those parties having time less than 7500 population. Section 5. At its meeting in January, 1477, and at the =anuary meeting of the Commission each odd -numbered year thereafter, the page 7 f Commission shall elect from its membersandarec a chairman, a vice-chairman, ording secretary. The chairman shall preside over meetings oftheCommission, represent the Commission before the Council and provideliaisonwith other governmental and voluntee r organizations engaged inhumanservicesactivities. The chairman may be removed from Office bytheCouncilExecutiveCommitteesubjecttoconfirmation -by the CouncilBoard. The vice-chairman shallerformassignedbythechaimay bermanandshallassumethe uchaich ruinQthetiesaabsence of the chairman. The recording secretary shall record the minutes andmaintainotherrecordsoftheCommission. Section 6. Commissioners shall be appointed for terms of two yearsexcectthatanypersonappointedtofillavacancyoccurringpriortotheexpirationofthetermforwhichhispredehallbeappointedonlyfor _ cessor was appointedtheremainderofsuchterm. expiration of Uponhistermofofficeamembershallcontinuetcserveuntilhis = successor is appointed andshallservewithoutcompensation, shall have qualified. Commissioners Section 7. Commi=ssioners may res r ign voluntarily and other than thechairmanmayberemovedfromo, the governingthata fice by a majority vote ofbodyoftheappointingparty. Vacancies shall be filled i1ppointmentsweremade. n the mannerori.i,-..; pec t i on• B• Tn ap?o nting persons to the Commission, the pa!-t;_s should ei.:a cons: to tb a broad s y - an inter e=_t Pe_rum o individuals hibitin^ n human =_erv,`_s, including A -i r_. professional=_, __; health O,Ticers, healt h TeTbor or c . nior citi-=ns, youn- adult=_, law enforcement rth_ cleray, re r_2 of business and members, labor, e.c. S -ct - On Until _anuary 1 , 1977, the _ dConsstofmbar members and or yrs first Comm; =_=ion sh all C,=unc.I = cin=_ -,u= ic_ of the oto-t`Heie=_. Henne:in HumanonDecember3-1, _Z on I Ccu-c,l not i neonsi=lent n and Cub . r=C O EMP!-Cl/al h h t`1a : e Nlor hwest Henneo!!l , 1:m ar: c_:nm:==ion =-h 1 vi th th_ - a adcct Such rules and procedur==_ se Prov: __ i ons -s flay o D: . conduct O its business. I,I W 1 T'mESS WHEREOF, the under s i tinedt^ - jo be e:<ecu ad on their behalf. A. TE 3 Z -DI b C T BY BY page e parties have caused t`- i NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL MEMO TO: Executive Board Members MEMO FROM: Patricia S. Wilder MEMO DATE: March 27, 1989 v SUBJECT: PLYMOUTH MEMBERSHIP STATUS, Agenda Item 6. Attached you will find the last page of the amended Joint Powers Agreement, with Plymouth Council's signature. This is the final step in formalizing Plymouth's membership with Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. BOARD AC7T0N1 REQUIRED: Note membership. BROOKLYN CENTER CORCORAN GOLDEN VALLEY MAPLE GROVE PLYMOUTH BROOKLYN PARK CRYSTAL HANOVER NEW HOPE ROBBINSDALE CHAMPLIN DAYTON HASSAN OSSEO ROGERSi i 7601 Kentucky Avenue N. • Brookly_ n Park. MN 55428 612) 493-2802 Hennepin County Health Policy & Community Services Integration A-1702 Government Center Minneapolis, MN 55487-1702 July 10, 2002 Sandy Hewitt, Councilmember City of Plymouth 2800 Weston Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Ms. Hewitt, 612-348-2332, Phone 612-348-9077, Fax www.co.hennepin.mn.us My June 28, 2002 letter addressed to you regarding Plymouth's membership in the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC) summarized the County's administrative position related to a number of issues we discussed in our June 19th and 27th telephone conversations. The letter also stated that Plymouth residents would still be able to access Emergency Services and Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program (FHPAP) Funds in the future through the agencies currently serving your area even if Plymouth withdraws from the NWHHSC. Per your request, this letter is to reiterate the fact that our contracts with the NWHHSC to manage and administer Emergency Services and FHPAP funds are not linked to a given city's membership in the NWHHSC. Furthermore, these contracts specify the geographic area to be served by the NWHHSC and the geographic area includes Plymouth. As a result, access to these funds is not contingent on Plymouth or any other city being a member of the NWHHSC. Plymouth residents will still be able to receive Emergency Services and FHPAP funds even if the city of Plymouth withdraws its financial support of the NWHHSC. I hope this provides the clarification that you need on this issue. Please feel free to contact me with ffirther questions or requests for information. Sinc ely, Rex A. Holzemer F. Senior Administrative Manager c.!._ - j li 4 Cc: Dwight Johnson, City Manager, City of Plymouth Mike Opat, Chair, Hennepin County Board *: Penny Steele, Hennepin County Commissioner Sandra L. Vargas, Hennepin County Administrator . 01 U- " Dan Engstrom, Assistant County Administrator, Human Services '`1 David Sanders, Director, Children, Family and Adult Services Department Kathleen Roach, Executive Director, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Sue Zuidema, Director, Center for Health Policy and Community Services Integration Bob Olander, Children, Family and Adult Services Department Shirley Hendrickson, Children, Family and Adult Services Department Marge Wherley, Children, Family and Adult Services Department Patricia Phill, Children, Family and Adult Services Department Pamela Koens, Children, Family and Adult Services Department Tom Connoy, Center for Health Policy and Community Services Integration Rxi NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL Research. Planning. and Coordination of Nurnan Services June 11, 2002 Dwight Johnson City Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Road Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Dwight, On behalf of Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, I have enclosed a copy of the 2001 Annual Report. Also included, please find a three page document of NWHHSC Contributions to your city. It lays out the agency's mission, our work in regards to research. planning and coordinating, what NWHHSC provides to your city and what your city would lose if it no longer participates in the joint powers agreement. This document will be used when NWHHSC presents to your City Council our work as the regional research, planning and coordinating agency. Finally in the next two weeks, the 2002- 2005 NNVHHSC Strategic Plan will be mailed to you, the participants of November 2001 public official forum and all community residents and leaders who participated in the community dialogues. NWHHSC looks forward to our continued working relationship. If you have any questions regarding the annual report, the contribution document or the strategic plan, feel free to call me at 493-2802. Sincerely, Kathleen J. Roach, MPH, MBA Executive Director Broo'.-_ . Center • Brooklyn Park • Champlin • Corcoran • Crystal • Dayton • Golden l'_ Hano_-r • Hassam e Maple Grove • .Neru Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • Robbinsdafe • Rog_ 7601 KentuckL, Avenne North • Brooklyn Park, MN 55428-1284 • (763) 493-2802 • Fax (763) 493-2713 NWHHSC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENCY: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council MISSION: Research, Planning, and Coordinating Human Services for the 15 Northwest Hennepin cities BELIEVES: 1. Municipalities should share in the responsibility of seeing human services needs are met. 2. Residents and consumers should play a critical role in defining their own needs and problems, and in recommending appropriate solutions. 3. Suburban residents should have access to availability of human services within their own communities. City we serve: Plymouth and 14 other Northwest Suburbs Total Funding for 2002: $1,026,186 2002 Funding NWHHSC receives from Plymouth: $13,837 2002 Funding NWHHSC receives from Grants: $886,186 What NWHHSC provides Plymouth in regards to: RESEARCH PLANNING COORDINATING Region wide needs Strategic planning Communities Targeting assessment Success by Six Northwest Tobacco Youth survey Initiative 0 Family Independence Collection of secondary Senior Leadership Network- Welfare to Work data Committee 70,000) Community profile binders Advisory Commissioners Heritage Festival City demographic sheets 0 Planning for Immigrant 0 Regional Human Rights Transportation Directory Services Coalition Guide to Human Services Apartments Plus — 0 Emergency Services Developed Youth Tobacco planning expansion of Program ($41,485) Compliance Check services offered in rental 0 Regional Senior Forum Training Manual (received communities Children's Mental Health 6,400) 0 Staff liaison to the city who Collaborative works with city staff to 0 Planner's Group stream line human 0 Businesses in Plymouth services and share receive Working Toward regional information Success Packets (family friendly work environments) Senior Services Network Senior Leadership Committee Walk'N Roll (for children's mental health) Youth Tobacco Compliance Check 6,400) Northwest Faith Collaborative Forums and action groups Partners we Collaborate with: See attached. What NWHHSC provides to your city: 1. A way for citizens, providers and municipal representatives to be involved in Hennepin County human services decision-making. 2. A source of information about human service needs and programs. 3. Leadership in the community for the effective mobilization of community resources to meet human service needs. 4. Staffing assistance to the municipalities in areas of their involvement in human services, as they may request it. 5. A place to refer citizens with needs and/or problems relating to human services, (i.e. elderly, mentally ill, chemically dependent, youth, etc.) 6. Staffing assistance to community groups who want to organize a planning effort to meet specific needs or problems. 7. The capability to do research on human service issues and needs. 8. Planning staff to participate in regional and county planning activities, in behalf of the municipalities. 9. A way to bring county -wide services and programs into our local communities so that citizens can have better access to them. 10. Assurance that efforts are being made to coordinate the planning of human services and to deter the unnecessary duplication of services. 11. The ability to make presentations on and provide information about needs and services in the area. 12. The means to develop leadership and interest on the part of citizens to be involved in human services. 13. A way to communicate the concerns of the municipalities regarding human service issues to the providers and involved citizens of the area, and visa -versa. What Plymouth would lose if it no longer contributed to the Joint Powers Agreement: 1. NWHHSC leverages 85% of their budget in grants to support human service work in the Northwest Hennepin suburbs. 2. NWHHSC has successfully brought together partner agencies in a collaborative effort to better serve the residents of the entire Northwest Hennepin area, reducing duplication of service. 3. The expertise of NWHHSC in identifying historically unlikely groups to participate together collaboratively on projects and programs (i.e., members of the faith communities working together with social service providers on welfare reform programs). See partners list. 4. Coordinator of the Regional Human Rights Coalition and the Heritage Festival. 5. The consistent opportunity to hear what is happening to human services in neighboring cities, and the ways in which other cities are addressing issues. 6. A resource to turn to with requests for special projects (i.e., forums or research on a particular topic of interest to the city). 7. A networking agency to provide regional exposure for an individual city (publicity regarding projects, funding, etc.). 8. Specific attention given to building relationships with individual cities through the NWHHSC city liaison effort. 9. Residents lose access to the FIN (Family Independence Network) welfare to work program. 10. A public (i.e., visible and active) commitment to residents that the city is sharing responsibility for meeting human service needs. In other words, NWHHSC is the reason the city can tell the community that they are addressing human services issues. 11. An opportunity to serve their residents for little cost. 12. Emergency Services dollars that are coordinated by NWHHSC. 13. The opportunity to be included in effective strategies to prevent our youth from using tobacco, keeping in mind that tobacco use is the country's leading cause of death and illness. 14. A resource of best practices research in the field of human services. 15. The opportunity to be included in the Northwest Faith Collaborative or benefiting from the actions or outcomes of this collaborative or any funding opportunities through this collaborative. 16. Technical assistance through city demographic material information and referral resource. NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMANLS-E-RVICES COUNCIL I Letter From Executive Director zo Agency Evaluation Mission, Goals and Values zz 2001 Invest Northwest Award 24 Grants and Donations for 2001 RESEARCH 24 Budget/Financial Statement 3 Community Social Services Act Report 25 Executive Board of Directors, Staff Members, Advisory Commissioners, agency Votunteers COMMUNITY PLANNING 26 rrwrrasc Library of Resources 4 Social Connections 28 Organizational Chart 4 Advisory Commission 29 Committees, Networks, Volunteers COORDINATION 6 CO-OP Northwest 8 Community Health ro Success By 6' Northwest n Family Independence Network (F IN) i4 Mental Health 15 Senior Services t,- Northwest Community Law Enforcement Program i8 Apartments Plus 19 Emergency Services Program LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Twenty-nine years ago, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council was established as the result of a joint powers agreement among the 15 northwest Hennepin cities. The agency is unique in that it is the regional research, planning and coordinating agency, charged not with providing direct service but with assessing human service needs and facilitating collaboration with service agencies. In this capacity, NWHHse is able to accomplish the following: provide cost-effective, centralized assessment and planning ascertain and prioritize local needs forecast and identify emerging trends assess the ability of existing programs to meet regional needs minimize/avoid duplication of services act as a springboard for innovative programs that may otherwise lack financial and administrative support secure funding for research and planning that ben- efits residents of the northwest Hennepin region provide technical assistance to service providers, businesses, schools, government, health care and faith communities Never before has our work seemed more important than in the aftermath of September it. The tragedy that brought together the nation— indeed, the world—has driven home the value of social connectedness and the need to have strong community bonds. Research' has shown that bonds of social trust and community involvement offer vital' measures of the quality of life in our communities and of our personal happiness. In fact, social connect- edness tells more about the perceived quality of life in a community than do the community's income or educational leve;. Putnam, lfowlin., -Voce, ChL_pter zo, Health and Happiness With this in mind, NWHHsc is finalizing a strategic plan that responds to the concerns expressed to us in zoor by approximately Soo residents and leaders representing the 15 cities. Through a series of commu- nity dialogues, participants spoke candidly about what they found as the most pressing human service needs of their communities over the next 3-5 years. Analysis of the data has identified the top five issues common to all 15 cities as the following: affordable housing transportation youth issues immigrant issues senior issues We look forward to the challenges and opportuni- ties in the coming year as we bring the plan to fruition in fulfillment of the needs expressed by people like you and your neighbors. As always, our work could not be accomplished without the support of our partners. We would like to express our sincere appre- ciation for their thoughtful input and continued dedication to making the cities of northwest Hennepin healthy, safe places for all residents. Kathleen J. Roach, MPH, 9tBA Executive Director NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL Created in 1972, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC) is a joint powers organization of the northwest Hennepin munici- palities. NWHHSC is responsible for the overall research, planning and coordination of human services for the northwest Hennepin area, which represents 15 cities with great diversity in both rural and suburban settings. These cities include: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Corcoran, Crystal, Dayton, Golden Valley, Hanover, Hassan, Maple Grove, New Hopp-, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale and Rogers. Mission and Goals In carrying out its mission to provide research, planning and coordination of human services for people living in northwest Hennepin County. rrwxxsc believes: Municipalities should share in the responsibility of seeing that the human services needs of resi- dents are met. Residents and consumers should play a critical role in defining their own needs and problems, and in recommending appropriate solutions. Suburban residents should have access to h -_-man services within their own communities: Values Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council_ -taff has established a set of organizational values ir: order to provide innovative and quality work the northwest Hennepin region. We value advocati-: for human service needs, respecting diversity and different perspectives and collaborating a team approach. Apartments Plus, Halloween 1 x f i3.'.Z.- f 1 Lv sit.u. n c> -c .....1r, _ .. ..... .. a4`;. brdnvc>r Firint.:•: Nurnari Scrcicts _- ..af Y d,. WITH `AN IN PACT ' r : Research is a crucial element in.planntng.and r: coordinating effective human services delivery iri the northwest Hennepin County area Through numerous internal and external surveys and reports NWH- Hi Sc disseminates vital information to consumers, residents, businesses, and municipalities.-NWHHSc also assists policy makers, human services agencies, and community groups with survey design, implementa- tion, and analysis.. It is important for city decision -makers to rem' am aware of the needs and issues in their communities The Community Profiles, which NWHHSC compiles annually, is an effective strategy for cities to learn about the human services needs of their residents. The Community Profiles cover topics involving popu- lation, age, race, children, housing status, public assis- tance, and economic needs. Each city profile is a quick reference for decision -makers to the latest facts. The Community Profiles were updated in 2001 using data from the 2000 Census. The Community Social Services Act (cssA) in Minnesota requires that every county plan for the human services needs of the citizens and that citizen input be a part of the planning process. In 1981, NWHHSC was designated as the channel through which citizen input would be gathered from the northwest Hennepin area. The work of NWHHSC is more effective as a result of citizen input. Citizen input is defined as contribu- tion to or participation in planning efforts by community residents. -, WHHSC gathers citizen input in many ways both formally and informally. Informally the Council gathers citizen input through dialogues, working with other community partners and listening to people at community events and meetings. Formally, the Council gathers citizen input by coordinating surveys, focus groups, committees and the Advisory Commission. During 2001, NWHHSC Staff with the assistance from the Advisory Commission completed four stages of a northwest area -wide needs assessment which takes place every three years. The first stage in the needs assessment process was a review of secondary data about the area, county and state. The second stage was to gather city specific information through ANNUAL REPORT 2001 Public Official Forum, November community leaders dialogues held in 14 cities in the northwest Hennepin area. The third stage was to gather city specific information through residents dialogues in 13 cities. The final stage of the needs assessment engaged Council's partners in the community dialogue process. The Nominal Group Process was used during the dialogues where each group was asked the question, What do you think the human services needs of (city) will be three to five years from now? Each participant identified human service needs relevant to their city. The ideas were recorded, discussed for clarification and finally ranked. There were between five and 15 participants at most dialogues. The following human service areas were identified as priority categories within the northwest Hennepin area (in ranked order): 1 Affordable Housing z Transportation 3 Youth 4 Immigrant 5 Senior The results of the dialogues were presented to City, County and State Public Officials in late 2001. Strategies on how to affect change within the top five priorities were generated and discussed among the participants of the event. Finally, the Council staff has taken this information and begun developing a 3 -year strategic plan that will guide the agency's work. T+ F r r ' are tY x •, ; . PLANNING r '`NWHHsc defines community planning as a continuum Research has shown that bonds of social trust and f steps ,taken+to achieve a certain goal. Because of community involvement offer vital measures of the the Council's emphasis on the regional perspective, quality of life in our communities and of our personal NWHHSC is in a unique position to provide broad- happiness.* NWHHSC values community connections based human services planning to organizations, and believes in reaching out to people by getting to businesses, residents and municipalities. NWHHSC's know them in order to most effectively address their role in the community and its relationships with needs. Staff members connect with the residents by governmental entities, private agencies and non-profit community organizing, disseminating updated infor- organizations make this possible. mation and the Council's City Liaison Effort. The NWHF[se assists in the planning of many human Council also promotes community advocacy, aware - services programs representing a wide array of needs. ness and education through the publication and Several 2001 planning efforts included: dissemination of comprehensive human senices The development of the Council's web site directories, resource cards, and materials covering Planned diversity events such as Heritage Festival, specific needs. The City Liaison Effort was developed the FIN Faith Forum, and monthly cross-cultural to foster communication between each city and dialogues NwHHse. A staff person works with a city hosting The development of a user map and guidebook community dialogues, presenting information at city with northwest senior area transportation council meetings and participating in community providers events. Each staff person works hard to establish Constructed a 3 -year strategic plan in early 2002. meaningful relationships with each of the cities and other community partners. These relationships help to ensure that NWHHSC is providing appropriate plan- ning and coordinating efforts for the region. 1 iamples of City Liaison efforts in 2001 include: Meeting with City Council Members Visiting local businesses Conducting Community Dialogues Joining a Civic Organization Submitting articles on NWHHSC to City Newsletters In order to be effective in our planning and coordina- tion efforts, it is important for NwxxsC to seek and use input from area citizens. The NWHHse AdNisorv, Commission consists of at least one citizen represen- tative from each of the 15 cities represented in north- Nvest Hennepin County. Advisory Commissioners responsibilities and tasks include: Identifying human services needs through citizen input and advisory commission representation; Providing recommendations to NWHHSC on Ways to address and meet those identified neem; Performing various duties and responsibilities delegated by the Board of Directors. Robert Putnam 4 .Northwest Hennepin Hnrnan Services Council COORDINATION OF PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES Once the Council has conducted or gathered research, planned with community partners on effective and efficient strategies to address human service needs, the final step is coordinating projects, programs and initiatives. The Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council coordinates several major collaborative efforts, which bring together people from health care, government, business, schools, faith communities, and other sectors to address specific needs. In 2001, the Council administered several major collaboratives, including: CO-OP (COMMUNITIES ORGANIZING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE) NORTHWEST, a collaborative effort addressing housing and related human services, job training and education needs and diversity issues in the Northwest Hennepin area. COMMUNITY HEALTH EFFORTS, collaborative efforts with Hennepin County Community Health Department to improve the health of citizens living in northwest Hennepin County. SUCCESS BY 6s NORTHWEST, a collaborative effort addressing the needs of children from concep- tion through age six in the northwest Hennepin area. Success By 6' Northwest is a localized effort of the United Way of Minneapolis Area Success By 6' initiative. NORTHWEST HENNEPIN FAMILY INDEPENDENCE NETWORK (FIN), WELFARE - TO -WORK INITIATIVE, a collaborative initiative funded by the McKnight Foundation in 1998 to build community partnerships to strengthen welfare reform. One of seven Hennepin County welfare -to - work initiatives, FIN is a collaboration between HIRED, CEAE, Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Hennepin Count-•, Brooklyn Center Family Resource Center, North Memorial Medical Center, the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, St. James Lutheran Church, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and other area churches. SENIOR SERVICES, Senior Leadership Committee is comprised of representatives who come together to learn and educate about senior issues. MENTAL HEALTH, the purpose of the Mental Health Program is to educate communities about the issues. APARTMENTS PLUS, a program designed to bring resident -based programs and services on-site to lower-income apartment communities to address residents' human services needs. EMERGENCY SERVICES PROGP.AM, a Hennepin County -funded program that assists northwest subur- ban area and West Suburban residents who are in a short-term financial crisis situation. One-time finan- cial assistance is available through vouchers for rent, food, clothing, transportation, shot -term shelter, and utility assistance. NORTHWEST COMMUN'TY LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM, a diversity effort that supports women and people of color in getting the on-the-job training and=ducation necessary to become police officers. The rograrn provides funding for education, individual ca_.e management, and peer support for participants who work as police cadets. ANNUAL REPOR'1 2001 5 CO-OP Northwest Formed in 1991, co -or (Communities Organizing Opportunities for People) Northwest is a collaborative initiative of Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. co-op Northwest primarily involves the coordinated efforts of the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale in developing creative solutions to common problems of housing, employment, and human services. Staff members work with the cities to strategize ways that initiatives, programs, and services can address the cities' common needs. In the past ten years, well over 3 million has been raised and distributed in the com- munity to support co-op Northwest efforts. Research 2001 NwHHsc staff designed and implemented the Citizen Workforce Survey to gauge the perceptions of city government as a potential employer and as a service provider. Results were used to design the Workforce Initiative, an effort to recruit and support diverse applicants for seasonal employment opportu- nities. Created a summary of nationwide best practices in regards to diversifying and strengthening the public workforce. Results were used to design strategies for the Workforce Initiatives Seasonal Employment Project. Reviewed Census z000 data to track demographic changes in the region. Information was used to help plan immigrant and refugee forums and to assist local_ Regional Human Rights Commission, Heritage Festival human rights commissions with their goals of public awareness. Began researching local service providers tha : provide culturally specific services. Providers include mutual assistance organizations, adult education programs, emergency and legal assistance pros ams, and local human service providers that are fo:used on immigrant populations. Information will he included in the next edition of the regional G,:i.'.e to Human Services. Began gathering information, to generate calendar highlighting cultural and religious ho;days and their significance. The calendar ..ill also ^e __sed to promote and advertise regional events and a:::. ities relating to heritage and culture. Planning 2001 r\vfet quarterly with CO-OP NW City to assess the direction and effectiveness of the c --ort. co-ov Nw City Managers provided staff wit*. -ec- tion and support for the project. Worked with representatives from the fi%: -oto SW cities Human Resources and Parks and Re: -cation Departments to design and implement the W_ --orce Initiative Seasonal Employee Proiect. The eft,-- generated ftsgeneratedajointapplicationforemploymec_ --__red by all five cities and administered by ,wlt ii Hosted monthly cross cultural dialogues relevant topics for residents in order to gath-- ---or- mation about diversity in the r.gion as well - _ --,vide an opportunity for residents to learn about e 6 .A"o r'tl. .._> Hcruit in Hu rmn Srrricrs _ _ - _. Regional Human Rights Commission, Art Contest Regional Human Rights Commission, Heritage Festival other and become familiar with new neighbors in the region. Met quarterly with regional human rights com- missions to plan regional events such as the Human Rights Art Contest, special events such as forums on welcoming immigrants and refugees, and opportuni- ties for local commissions to partner with each other. Led the event planning committee responsible for coordinating the entertainment, food, activities, fundraising, and overall program for the 9th annual celebration of heritage and culture in the NAS" Hennepin region. Coordination 2001 Coordination efforts in CO-OP Nw during 2ooi included the Work Force Initiative, the N%V Regional Human Rights Coalition, and the Heritage Festival. zoos Highlights: Heritage Festival 2oor was held in Nlarch and featured over Zoo students from school choirs. ethnic foods, and fun, family friendly activities. The completion of the CO-OP NW Citizen Workforce Survey provided information ahout how citizens in the region perceive local government both as a seraicc, and as a potential emplovment opportunity. The NNN' Regional I Inman Rights Coalitions 2nd Annual Art Contest awarded t; area students %, ith honors for winning entries in the poster contest. The art was displayed throughout the region at local city council meetings, in local libraries, and on the State Department of Human Rights Wfbsite. 7 Community Health During 2001, Northwest Human Services Council was involved in a variety of efforts focused on improving the health of our communities. HENNEPIN COUNTY SEAT BELT CHALLENGE This was a competition among Hennepin County high schools to determine which school had the most buckled" drivers. During the Seatbelt Challenge student coordinators worked with Hennepin County and NWHHse staff providing seat belt checks and several educational activities during the month of October at Brooklyn Center high school. Research 2001 Student coordinators tallied the number of students wearing and not wearing their seatbelts as they drove into the school's parking lot. The checks were held at the beginning and end of October. In 2001, the number of students wearing seatbelts was 67% at the beginning of October and 731'o at the end of October. Pla1n1ing2001 NwHHse staff was contacted by Hennepin County to assist in planning the Seat Belt Challenge at Brooklyn Center High School. C00rdillation zoo: The program was funded and coordinated by Hennepin County Brooklyn Center High School students assisted with tallying the number of drivers wearin" seatbelts. NNyHHsc staff worked with the high school and Hennepin County to make the Challenge happen. Students who participated were rewarded with a party and tickets to the Timberwok cs Basket- ball Game. YOUTH ACCESS ENFORCEMENT PROJECT NWHHsc received funding from the Minnesota Department of Health to work with regional polio departments on enforcement to reduce conunercial youth access to tobacco products. Research 2001 Eight police departments completed the Youth Access Enforcement Worksheet NwHHsc conducted focus groups with police departments and learned that several store employ ccs do not consistently check student I.D. when cigarettes are being purchased. Some police departments were paying students who assisted with compliance checks while other police departments were not paying. Police departments need more youth to assist with checks. There were no compliance check training matz-als for merchant owners and store employees. Secondary data was collected from the Depart!-- --:it of Public Safety and from tobacco compliance code and practices used by police departments. A data base was created for the names and addresses of students interested in assistin; with youth tobacco compliance checks. Plartlling 2001 NWHHse and the Police Departments p dnned a coordinated effort to add ---ss the abo%c concerns. NwHHse staff developed a training curc.uluc_ for police departments to implement duri_., tram:----.< with merchant owners. NwHHse and police deF_ rtments create app.. - tions for tobacco check positions. COordirarin92001 NwHHse staff coordinated a police - compensated youth for gis _ng their tin:e compliance checks for uncle --age sales. Tc to reduce competition amo..g departn,e-.- -,,r applicants. The training manual N .. Hsc Stam: r_ was distributed to police C--artmcnts rated the information into _heir train-,, merchant owners. NWHHsc staff publish. the result, .,r Tobacco Compliance Chec_-a in local -:e_ 8 Narrhn ,1 1-hrnau Sc-. _Council COMMUNITIES TARGETING TOBACCO Minnesota's historic settlement with the tobacco industry led to the creation of an endowment dedi- cated to reducing tobacco use among youth. Through a competitive grant process, Hennepin County Community Health Department was awarded a por- tion of these funds to support projects in the north- west Hennepin region. Communities Targeting Tobacco is a youth tobacco prevention proiect designed to reach every corner of Hennepin County through a community-based approach. Hennepin Count.- is divided into four regions, each represented by a partner organization: northwest Hennepin, represented by the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council; Minneapolis, represented by the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, South Hennepin, represented by the Bloomin,ton Health Department, and West Hennepin, represented by Hennepin County Community Health Department. The vision of Communities Targeting Tobacco is to lead and engage commu:-_itA, partnerships to reduce youth tobacco use. Goals are to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, promote school-based prevention, and eliminate youth access to tobacco, and support teens in efforts to prevent their peers from beginning to use tobacco. The project a committed to reducing youth tobacco use by 300,b the year 2005. In 2001, N1% HHsc staff b_gan a number of efforts that focused on reducing % uth tobacco use. Research 20 Secondan Data creates _-ne basis for developing strategies to res ,.ce youth - Dacco use. Some of the data that staff incorporatzc into the work included: Best Pra.tices for Co-_nrehensive Tobacco Control Frog:_ -s–Augus99, Centers for Disease Control and Pr:,ention. Teens an: Tobacco i- Minnesota -Results from the Minnesota `iouth Toba__o Survey–December 2000-1%1inneso-1-_ Departn-.=-t of Health and Minnesota C,r-t_r for Hea_:- Statistics. This survey provided data c-. the pre: _-_xe of tobacco use, sources of tob."o prociu,-_- attirudes and beliefs about tobacco and o;.-._- Topics. Quitting Smoking–Nicotine Addiction in Minnesota–July 2001, MPAAT, 66C6C and MDH. The objective of the research was to provide scientifically valid data on Minnesotans' knowledge attitudes, and behaviors concerning smoking to support policy development, advocacy, and program planning. Plamting2ool Staff developed and implemented a mini -grant process to provide money to the community. Staff began developing a secondhand smoke cam- paign. Smoke-free homes and cars was the message for the campaign directed at parents. Youth organizers planned community meetings to recruit youth to form Target Market crews and to encourage middle school students to participate in a Rip It Out Campaign. Staff participated in a planning process in Brooklyn Center and Maple Grove sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The end result was to prior- itize one of four cancers as a focus for a community action group. Formed a workgroup with members of Children's Physician Network to look at methods of incorporat- ing secondhand smoke messages into clinic settings. Coordination 2001 During 2001, a number of exciting activities occurred, including: Developed a brand name for the project Communities Targeting Tobacco (CTT). Provided mini -grants to community organizations to assist in the effort to prevent youth tobacco use. Built relationships within communities to support youth tobacco prevention efforts. Partnered with American Cancer Society to work together in select communities. Developed displays for community events to promote education on the dangers of secondhand smoke and youth prevention messages. i... AL R[P, IR1 9 Success By Six' Northwest Success By 6' Northwest is a community initiative launched by the United Way of Minneapolis Arca to address the barriers to early childhood development faced by many young children. Success By 6" is a community -wide effort made up of professionals from government, education, human services organizations, and citizens working together to carry out strategies to overcome barriers to health and early childhood development. In 1989, the United Way selected Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council for the first replication of Success By 6' due to the significant and increasing needs of northwest area residents. Its aim is to create a community sup- portive of all its children so that they will, by age six, have all the necessary mental, physical, social, and emotional skills before entering school. The key to the effort is the spirit of collaboration displayed by many dedicated partners. During 2001, Success By 6' Northwest was involved in several research, planning, coordinating efforts including: Reserarc{i 2001 Staff and Community partners met with represen- tatives of regional school districts in order to research the effect that proposed Minnesota state legislative budget cuts would have on early childhood family education programs. The meeting helped identify strategies for Success By 6' Northwest to support those programs. Collected information from state agencies and non-profit organizations to produce the Success By 6 Northwest Priorities for Children 2001—,102. The Priorities are used to help people communicate with their legislators about critical eat -I%, :hddhood development issues. PhItIlliNg 2001 NwIntsc Staff represented Success By 6' Northwest on regional initiatives, including the Thorson Conununity Partnership Council, Robbinsdale Area Schools Conununity Reach Out And Read, Robbinsdale Redesign's Helping Us Grow home visiting program, the Initiative for Violence Free Families, the Northwest Hennepin Family Services Collaborative Literacy Work Group, and the Domestic Violence Prevention Network. Participated with Success By 6' statewide effort to distribute brain development information. This included a public awareness campaign around the theme of"Read, Sing, Play." Hosted Representative Barbara Sykora and regional early childhood development professionals for conversation about Minnesota policy regarding earh, childhood education funding and programs. Committee members sought out mectings with legislators, non-profit leaders and educators in order to guide the focus for the Initiative. Represented northwest regional issues during the merger of United Way of the Minneapolis Area and United \Nay of St. Paul. 001-dination Coordinating efforts for 2001 included: Working Toward Success, a program that idu information on family -friendly policies and ,onunli- nity resources to local businesses to help sul^orL working families. Published monthly articles focused on eai childhood development issues in the Sun Poi:, Osseo -Maple Grove Press, Champlin Weekl ; nd Cro\N River News. Success By 6' Northwest Management. Childhood Development, and Public Aware- _- Committees. 10 Nor;lmr<r IIIBarna.: _ ,C_ Ca_, ucii Family Independence Network (FIN) Family Independence Network (FIN) is a one of seven welfare -to -work initiatives in Hennepin County supported by McKnight Foundation since 1998 and coordinated by Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. FIN has developed a unique collaboration between NwHusC, the county, human service providers repre- senting employment services, child care services, schools, emergency service providers, health care providers and area faith communities. FIN is a collab- oration between HIRED, cFAP, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association, Hennepin Countv, Brooklyn Center Family Resource Center, North Memorial Medical Center, the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, St. James Lutheran Church, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and other area churches. The goal is to make sure that families moving from welfare -to -work are supported by the community on their road to self-sufticiencv. Benefits to participants are evidenced by the higher rates of employment, higher wages, and greater degree of self-sufficiency demonstrated by network participants versus MFIP participants not involved in the welfare -to -work networks. During the last four years an effective network of collaborators was built. This productive coming together of diverse community has not only resulted in the network meeting its goals, but has resulted in the network surpassing its goals and has resulted in the creation of new initiatives and new strategies ben- efiting the community, such as the Northwest Faith Collaborative. The FIN initiative became the model that the other Hennepin County initiatives were asked to emulate. Research 2ooi During the fourth year of the FIN Collaborative much work went into strategic planning by partners regarding the transition oft McKnight support. The FIN Partners met five times to discuss FIN Phase III and the transition off reliance on McKnight funding. At the July 25, 2001 Partners Meeting the FIN strate- gies were prioritized and later revised accordingly. A strategic plan with a timeline was produced. Investigated appropriate grant opportunities for the FIN initiative. Staff wrote grant proposals to secure funding to continue the successful strategies identified by partners and participants. A timeline for grant proposals was developed and seven grant applications were submitted to Hennepin County f-ar care Saturday, Family Independence Net-ork L REPOR7'2001 I1 Training and Employment and other local and national foundations Applied for a car seat grant through the state Department of Public Safety with NW Metro Minneapolis SAFE KIDS Coalition to teach passenger safety classes and provide car seats to M Ft P families. Reviewed data from the U.S. Census 2000 and various state departments. Collected information from state agencies and non-profit organizations to find supporting fund raising data. Incorporated information and strategies learned from participating in the Learning labs. This informa- tion helped strengthen the FIN participant survey that was started and completed in 2001. Choua Vang, a student intern from the University of Minnesota completed 30 follow-up interviews over the telephone with FIN participants during the summer and fall of 2oo1. A preliminary report on the results was pre- sented at the FIN Partners meeting on November 28, 2ooi. A total of 3o randomly chosen program partici- pants were interviewed at intake and again 8-9 months later. The 30 survey participants represent approximately 36% of the new enrollees during the nine month period. The evaluation project attempted to show to what degree FIN services had been used and to what degree goats had been met, as well as get a better understanding of the barriers experienced by the FIN participants. Faith Forum, Family Independence Network 12 l'larmin, 2001 Planned the direct service activities for FIN. Planned the network coordination activities, Such as strategic planning meetings and partner meetings. Assisted the Faith Collaborative Committee in planning meetings, the Subcommittee structure and activities. Planned the Spring toot Faith Forum, with assi— tance from the Faith Collaborative partners. Planned the Faith Collaborative transportation events, the Car Give-Aways, the Car Care Saturda%s and the Passenger Safety Events with collaborati%e partners. Completed seven grant applications to foundat,onS and to Hennepin County whose funding criteria matched the goals and activities of the FIN 1111ti,16% In February, toot, FIN began a partnership %, ith the NW Metro Minneapolis SAFE Ki Ds Coalition to teach passenger safety classes and provide ca- s:.::S to stFIP families. Together the partnership applies for a car seat grant through the state Departnc:'a of Public Safety, receiving 114 car seats in Au;uSt tO distribute only to low-income families. Coordinntiorl 2001 The second Northwest Hennepin Faith Community Forum was held on April 25, 2001 the Living Word Christian Center in Brookh, n ? The Faith Community Forum "Immigrants ,1 welfare Reform" brought together 114 area fait.- e munities for a luncheon and a day of present:: =a FaithFOMM Car Care Saturday, Family Independence Network and discussions on ho-.%- welfare reform impacts the immigrant refugee communities. There were 19 agen- ies displaying information for anyone interested in Helping families in transition. A panel of representa- ives from the Russian. Hmong and Liberian commu- nities in the Northwes- Hennepin area discussed ethnic-spe,:_-,c issues around self-sufficiency and com- munity SLI— ,Or t. The Fortim closed with an invitation o continue :he dialo,ie. The tra--:,ortatio-_ strategy is the faith commu- ity's resp,--,,f to the _:i-sufficient public transit in he North est Hennepin area. The collaboratives t cognize hnanclally demanding it is for many our FIS articipar.-s to purchase and maintain a lam the FIN _ articipants drive unsafe vehicles d expo_: -=eir chili-en to dangerous commutes. his puts -ilies an,- obs in jeopardy. Through St. roes Lute zn CIILI.__71, Motorhead Ministry, a tota! tour ca-- rets--- hcd and donated in 2001. lames ? __-a.eran C._-ch and St. Alphnnsus itholic P_-__ . ser%c_ c families ifl 2001 through the ar Care S'_---da%s through North \Iemori,,i a tot.__ -` 46 car seas %vere distributed families. For the fourth year, since its inception, the Northwest Hennepin Discover Program opened its doors in September 2001 for moms in transition and their children. A total of 14 moms and 29 kids have been meeting weekly in 2001 with a facilitator pro- vided by Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches at Brooklyn Center Family Corner. Roxanne Smith, St. Joseph the Worker Church staff member, has coordi- nated the support program throughout the four years. In February, 2001, a partnership was formed with the NW Metro Minneapolis SAFE KIDS Coalition began to provide passenger safety classes and car seats to these families. FIN applied for a car seat _rant through the state Department of Public Satet%-, receiving 114 car seats in August to distribute only to low-income families. In 2oo1 two Buckle-Cp events and two educational car seat distribution classes were held and were successfully received. A total of 62 car seats were distributed to MFIP families - 1: Al &PP.;= - _ - 13 Mental Health The purpose of the Mental Health program is to educate Communities about the issues affecting Mental Health consumers and their families and to work together with consumers and providers for the enhancement and improvement of services. Ultimately, the, goal is to eliminate the stigma of mental health diagnosis within Communities and to bring about systemic Change to improve and enhance collaborative and efficient access to mental health services. During 2001, the Mental Health program used secondary data to assist in planning and coordinating efforts among collaborative partners. Research 2oo1—Secondary data Citizens League Report 2000 Attorney General Report on Mental Health Consumer Survivors Network suryeY of Minnesota mental health consumers (2001) Hennepin County Data (who they serve, how many, diagnosis trends) Children's Mental Health Collaborative data Kids Count data (statewide data broken down by county about children) The Wrapper (newsletter of the Collaborative) MACstH (Minnesota Association of Children's Mental Health) Research of grants for Respite Care, Parent Mobilization support group, CHANCr. Children's Mental Health Collaborative, CHANCE Children's Mental Health Collaborative, Walk 'n' Roll CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH COLLA[30i' _' TN Consumers, families, community agencies, organizations, and Hennepin COtmt1' coming to support children with mental illness. PInlnlin1 2001 Board Member for Children's Mental Heat-,:- Meetings and Agendas Yearly goals and workplan Walk 'n' Roll Button Contest Community Art Display Day on the Hill for Mental Health Coordill0ti0112001 Board Member for Children's Mclit.,l Hea: Walk 'n' Re.!I Kids Fair We Care Ahout Kid., Day 14 V'o rthu'ut ilrnncpin firs in Scrria5 G:na.-il CHANCE A game night for kids and their friends and siblings with severe emotional disorders. Planning 2001 Annual Reporting Forms and brochures Goal setting Grant to the Jade Foundation for funding an additional game night in Brooklyn Park Coordination 2001 Brochure Annual Report for 2000 Kick -Off Event Year -End Event Community Presentations ADULT MENTAL HEALTH Plannin; 2001 Newsletter for community partners. Monthly meeting in Crystal. Meetings with Henne-in County to talk about the combination of children's mental health and adult mental health. Day on the Hill for \'ental Health. PARENT MOBILIZATIO'! A northwest parent sup; ort group that supports families and also works -o advocate on behalf of the issues of children's men-,---'_ health. Planninc tow Speakers Brochure Goal setting Respite Care Facihtti Grant for Respite Cl---- Facility C001Y1i N11t 1011 2001 Respite Care Facilit% ?_anning Committee, Community Partners ars,- Board Brochure Speakers for meeting Button Contest Senior Services Research—Secondary Dahl 2001 203o Report (includes studies for social security, jobs, housing, transportation, medical needs, and voting). Census data Hennepin County studies of: a. Vulnerable Adults b. Falls c. Fraud d. Long Term Care Facilities Medicare Newsletters from the Senior Centers in the NW Hennepin Senior Federation AARP Senior Seryi.es Network dialogue Grant to Hennepin County for Safety in the Home for Seniors who Irish to age in their home. SENIOR LEADERSHIP COi.1MITT_E According to a Minnesota Board on. -\gin, 2030 Report," by the v ear 2030 the -e will be one person employed in the state of Nlinnesota to ever%' z persons who are retired. The effect of this rano will drastically change the present access and availability of social security. Medicare and Medicaid. N%rHHSC has seen these _-;_anaes coniine and began in the late seventies to ad_ --,-ss the importance ; ,f planning for these future nc__`s. The Senior --.adership Commit;-,- of the Nwxxsc is comprised o.-epresentati es of senior citizens from each of the citi.s in northwes_ Henn., -pin county. Committee m-:bers have e._t mor-nly since 1989 to hear preset_-_ ions on top__-, tha:._re relevant to seniors. Memb_-s report ba,-_: to their clubs, organiza- tions and cities _;,out the needs, and informa- tion they recer.,-.:An area -,.. __-e sen` : forum is held annually, spot. ---.d by Nwt_-sc ars - the Senior Leadership Cr--_ r ince to the :-cost important issues to senio-< in the area. _-, er seniors attend this senior fo-__--. Monthk r.__-ings and arty gna.- -:d workpl._- Dialogue Jenior ,:onm-,ittee senior Spr-:_ Forum iediaire r -.'m UALREPOR] 111011 15 Senior Leadership Committee xmdinati0n 2001 This group is in its 14th year, comprised of the senior leaders from each of the 15 cities of northwest Hennepin. The Senior Leadership Committee meets monthly, hears speakers, brings forward the issues o' middle class seniors in the northwest area and sponsors the Spring Forum. This year, because of the changes to medicare coverage, the committee also s,,onsored a Medicare Forum. Coordination of monthly meetings, agendas and minutes Data base and mailings to members Yearly election of chair Senior Spring Forum Medicare Forum Speakers for meetings and forums Correspondence and communication between members and with community SENIOR SERVICES NETWORK The Senior Services Network is a network of --oviders of northwest Hennepin who meet every oth:.- --ionth to hear topics of interest to this group, to sh_ infor- mation and collaborate between their differ:-- >ervice areas. Our agency acts as the liaison between. -.-se service providers and our senior citizens. Thirty of the Senior Services Providers F._ :ables at the annual Spring Forum and snake their .--:. rma- tion available to the seniors there. A4any of - come to speak to our Senior Leadership Commit--- throughout ommit.- throughout the year. Plalttling 2001 Quarterly meetings, agenda— and speak-- Yearly workplan Coorditultion 2001 The group is comprised of all azencics and _-iiza- tions who serve senior citizen- in the nort Hennepin. They share information, netwo-: ices, hear speakers and work together at events _-_ arca Quarterly meetings Agendas and speakers for meetings Database and mailings to .gin:bens Yearly appointment of Seni,r Jervicc Network facilitator tF \,mtlnvtst Hennrp,,! Human >',- i,C, - I_.. Northwest Community Law Enforcement Program The Northwest Community Law Enforcement Program (NWCLEP) is a collaborative effort involving police departments, colleges, and NWHHSC. It is dedicated to diversifying law enforcement including northwest Hennepin County police departments. In toot, the Cadet Law Enforcement Program came to a close after eight years of service. Research zoos Council staff studied and evaluated the programs performance and outcomes. This was accomplished in two phases that began in the fall of 20oo and was completed by the fall of toot. The first phase was to count the number of minorities and women that participated in NWCLEP opportunities, the number that became officers, the number that became officers in northwest Hennepin County, and the total number of minority and women officers represented at northwest Hennepin Police Departments. The second phase required an assessment of factors that prohibited minorities and women from participating in NWCLEP and from becoming police officers in northwest Hennepin County, and in the State of Minnesota. In addition to the studies, NWHIISC staff also monitored the progress of four minority NWCLEP participants in toot. Conclusions Many positive things resulted from the NWCLEP program: r 64% of minorities and women from the program are police officers today. 2 Four in eight cities have at least tv.o minority officers on staff. Most were trained b%' NWCLEP. 3 NwCLEP officers faired well in other cities, especially Coon Rapids—the only cit}' that hired 3 NWCLEP participants. 4 Thirteen NwCLEP participants became police officers in Northwest Hennepin County. 5 The most common reason why more NwCLEP participants did not become police officers in north- west Hennepin County was a lack of iob openings. 6 Three additional reasons for not becoming officers in the region were limited training (and/or time to complete) probation, and eligible background requirements. Non -Northwest Hennepin Police Departments hired 75% of participar.ts facing these two problems. 7 SLC NWCLEP participants became officers from Winter iggg to the present. Four of sLx participants were hired in Northwest Hennepin County. Though 5400 of women have not faired well in N'WCLE P, North Hennepin Police De,artments have done a very good job of finding and airing women police officers. Staff estimated that t r. even- S regional police hires has been a Wo n,zn. Apartments Plus The Apartments Plus program strives to make services easily accessible to apartment residents by bringing programs on site into apartment communities. Apartments Plus began as the Enhanced Housing Initiative pilot project in 1993 through a McKnight Foundation grant. In March of 1998 the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency began funding a three-year demonstration project allowing for the implementa- tion of the Apartments Plus program at DoverHill Apartments in Golden Valley. Goals of the Apartments Plus program are to build a more supportive community for residents, to pro- vide a link between human service providers and apartment residents, and to create more cost-effective management. If children are involved in constructive activities they are less likely to display destructive behavior, and are likely to benefit from individual attention and mentoring. Residents who feel positively about their community are likely to stay longer, and likely to take better care of the community. Residents want activities and services that are easy to access, and appreciate renting from management companies that care about the quality of life of residents. These goals and benefits of the Apartments Plus program mirror the goals of Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. Residents and consumers play a critical role in defining their own needs and problems, and in recommending appropriate solu- tions. Apartments Plus serves suburban residents, and provides access to human services within their own communities. The agencies values of advocating for human service needs, respecting diversity and differ - cut perspectives, and collaborating using a team approach are all evident tenets of the Apartments Plus program. rwHHsc brought programs and service providers to residents through effective collaborations with community partners; this was done based upon results of resident surveys, and now the established programming can continue at DoverHill Apartments due to the foundation established by Apartments Plus. The three-year grant with DoveHill Apartments came to an end in April of zoos. NWHHse staff believed many of the successes that occurred Apartments Plus at DoverHill could also happen at other Apartment Apartments Plus complexes. T;trough Research, planning and coordi- nating, nwxxsc received a two-year grant through the Department of Children, Family and Learning to have Apartments Plus at Eden Park in Brooklyn Park. 18 Northh-csf flnu crt. Hunnat Scrri::e-__:^.cil K2 Rcscarch 2001 Met with apartment managers and owners at five different complexes in four cities to market the Apartments Plus Program and gauge their interest in bringing it on-site. Investigated appropriate grant opportunities for a new Apartments Plus Program at a new site. Researched curriculums to use in after-school enrichment programs for youth, in order to choose the most appropriate curriculum in the Apartments Plus Program Reviewed, as best practices for after school enrich- ment programs, a Wilder Foundation research report done on an apartment complex in Ramsey County. This report helped guide planning for the new Apartments Plus Program. Planning 2: 01 Completed grant applications to foundations and state agencies whose funding criteria matched the goals and activities of the Apartments Plus Program. Secured a n%o-year grant ($40,000) from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning for the Apartments Plus Program for 2002-2003. Coordina:: ,rt 2001 Apartments Plus is an on-site, resident -driven program, bringing variou_ human services into lo -.,-income , =artment communities. After school p-ogrammin- or children, and youth, family work- shops, learnin, e perienc:, and greater access to human ser. ices providers are the strengths of the p-ogram. Be~_eats to residents, apartment managers and cities are evidenced bv more supportive a; arunent co:--Imunities, ''better attendance and p:rformancc school, fe.+er police calls, less andalisna, c-- ne and dra_ abuse. Facilitate :he apartments Plus Program at DoverHill A,-_rtments in Golden Valley until the e=:Diration o _he grant-te-m in April 2001. Coordina--d the schec_ling of various human ice provi.-yrs to go to _he apartment complex conduct --_miles works:-opS, educational presenta- t_o-Is for yoc<_-. and train. -_g to the apartment n_._nagenren: :aff. cured site aril— :-iew funding for the p-o ram to 'r in in 200:. Emergency Services Program Since 1982, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council has administered the Emergency Services Program. This program, funded by Hennepin County, provides one-time financial assistance to area residents in need of emergency food, shelter, clothing, transportation and utility assistance. This Program works with ten Service Providers who conduct client intakes. The Council tracks all clients and completes required reports. If this service was not available, the societal costs would include increases in crime, unemployment, homelessness, and the loss of human potential. Research 2001 Researched topics and speakers for the monthly service provider's meetings. Plawring 2001 Based on funding from Hennepin County. deter- mined expenditures for each sen -ice agency. Coordinating 2001 The Emergency Services Program is designed to help clients in need of food, clothing, shelter and transportation who are not able to receive help from Hennepin County directly. This Program coordinates four different funds that are utilized by the ten service agencies from Northwest and West Hennepin County. Service Providers meet monthly to network and sup- port each other's efforts to assist clients. Domestic Abuse 101— Workshop for all Providers and staff to learn about Domestic Violence Shelter Tour—Toured several Homeless Shelters and Economic Assistance to learn the process clients must go through to receive assistance. Thorson Tour— Participated in a tour at T.-orsen Family Resource Center. Dr. Ami.' Krupp conc_cted a diversity training for the service providers. Smoking— Nwxxsc staff provided a Second Hand Smoking Presentation to all staff from the E,? Agencies. Justice—Had the Emergerw- Ser%ice Provleer meeting at the %Iavle Grove Go%ernment C, -- look a Guided Tour with the Cin Manager - Police Officer who demonstrate" the arrest 19 NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL 2001 AGENCY EVALUATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY History of Evaluation at Nwrrnsc Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council strives to hold itself accountable by establishing a systematic means of measuring outcomes of the agency's efforts as a whole, in addition to outcomes of individual programs. The aim is to develop a sys- tem for evaluation that is realistic and that produces meaningful information that can be used to guide future efforts of NwHHse, its collaborating agencies, and the 15 municipalities served by NwHHse. By incorporating an evaluation process, the agency can demonstrate outcomes that stimulate community action to address areas of need and thereby improve the lives of people. For example, the outcome of the zoos community needs assessment indicated that the top of five issues are affordable housing, trans- portation, youth, immigrant and senior issues. These five issues have been the basis for the Councils strategic planning. In late 1998, NwHHse staff made a decision to take a proactive approach in e%aluating the %cork done and hold ourselves accountable to the residents served, collaborative partners wit- and the ft:-ders who support the work. The sta_ strongly believes that it is important to understand hat works and improve program effectiveness whe-e needed. This focu_ began in ea.;y 1999 «'i' an internal committee discussing the -, glue of ou_-ome nreasure- ments and the logic mode_. The Logi; --lodel is a too, that staff used to indicate Drogram rrs-)urces, activi- ties, product as well as in._tial, inter .-.ediate and lo-. term outcomes. The logi. -model was -`1e first step i.- guiding stat[ to better uu erstand h(_ to use outcome measurements in their In the %Inter of 2000. >'WffIIsc L --ed an eyalua.10n consultant Pat Splett, to-:-.ect with f and devel, recommendations for tl-.- overall ag. _-v, programs and project :oordinator,. 'additio-...'its. n Splett designed an evaluation c-_ trix that :-_,,rpornted t. - logic model. evaluation_estions,e _:ence of SLI:. -,S, ho judges and the cva!_:-:ion n1eti- _ . In the Spring of toot, the agency's internal evalua- tion committee took the matrix and developea'_ a form that placed the 26 evaluation questions that Pa- Splett determined into categories of importance and what level they were currently being addressed. Throagh a consensus process the committee chose 9 pc.uities to measure. The nine priorities were: t Quality Work z Innovative Work 3 Planning for Human Services 4 Municipalities share in the responsibility o meeting the human service needs of residents 5 Residents and consumers play a role in de__-ing needs. 6 Researching human service heeds Advocating for human service needs 8 How do community organizations beneh- _-,m NwHHSC research, planning and :oordinatin_ -_iman services 9 Does research, planning and :oordinatio:- kc a difference by resulting in higher quality ser% The committee developed a series of yes or questions for each priority. Staff responded yes or no and explained their answer based --,eir work durine the past 12 months. The finals_ of questions asked staff to indi:---e how to the process. The Age -:y -wide evaluation_ .00l was p-_ _ _ :;; to staff at the August .5, 2001 stat,-etreat. ON month period a team approach -•-,-as used to _ staf- in th_ agencv-wide evaluation r-ocess. Ear`.= member me- with an evaluatie_= ruddy tea--_ _ completed -,'-e evaluation form. =ior to the tion meetin=. Staff and their on team and went o.r staf's responses. -he team staff membe- in determining i-.1ere evidence to -,,arrant a "yes" ans- er to clues- he tams _`so he ped staff b% staff %%ere u ---sure about. After :..-.e evaluati _.._ meet; ngea, staf, member til:__ out a pr, chez-_ respo:.din , -o ho%% the e.--'_i,tion p worked an-- :pow i_ could be i:-:-oyed. (c- committee -.,ill co^cider this c--jrmation refining fu:._ -e e%aivation for s. 20 AJc-re;l Fi: _D u: c:.mnri _C r.i.a _ .c_ii The information gathered from all staff evaluation forms was compiled into a comprehensive list and themes were identified by evaluation committee members. Areas that needed to be refined were also identified. The evaluation committee then met with the consultant, and received ideas on how to improve the evaluation document. Process Evaluation Input frown Staff An important part of the results of this evaluation effort included staffs evaluation of the process and tool we used. Each staff member was asked to answer a series of questions about their experience of the process. The questions were designed to provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on the entire process, and their role in that process, to create an agency wide evaluation. These questions also gave an opportunity for staff to express their opinions about the process, the tool, and what the Evaluation Committee should look at next - Evalu ation Learnings What is done well Objectives for each program are being met. NwHHSc organizational values were developed internally, are introduced at new employee orienta- tions, are reviewed regularly and are adhered to by staff. There arc initiatives at NWHHSC that have been recognized for significant achievement. One example is when the FIN Network in NW was recognized as a model McKnight initiative in Hennepin County. fn phase ll of the initiative, the other networks had W use the I IN model to be considered for McKnight/County support. Another example occurred schen the St. Louis County Human Service Conterence planning committee requested the assis- tant and exe, utive director of Nwxxsc to present at their annual conference the agency's iourney towards incorporating evaluation and outcome measurements into their work and becoming a learning organization. 13y listening to the voices of community residents and identified conununiri needs. N CHHJc coordinates many collaborative efforts that include schools, local govenm:nent entities, service prov iders and faith communities. The work of NWt{HSC seeks to be innovative with programs or ideas that are brand new, updated or refined. For example, Communities Targeting Tobacco that addresses youth tobacco prevention. Once needs are identified, NWHHSC seeks to offer creative strategies to address needs. NWHHSC staff, board members and advisory com- missioners Work in conjunction with one another to set agency priorities, objectives and future focus regarding human services initiatives. NWHHSC successfully communicates with resi- dents, municipalities and community partners by using various conuru nication methods such as press releases to local media, annual reports, agency brochures and website. NWHHSC, through its programs, services, and Advisory Commission, provides opportunities for res- idents to contribute information about the needs of the community. Human service needs are researched through vari- ous means such as community dialogues, surveys and partner discussions. NwHHSC is committed to providing education to the region about issues and needs that have been identified as critical to the well being of the commu- nity. NWIMSC provides community organizations with information identified through research, planning and coordination NWHHSC resources such as city data profiles, needs assessment, surveys, staff time and expertise, are sought by co:--munity partners. What needs to be worked on NWHHSC reeds to incorporate best practices into programs at -,c initiatives in order to achieve greater results. Continue orking on tools we use to evaluate ency pro, -,r_ to more effectively measure out- comes. Addition _ _` Orts will be made to include more diverse and '-esenta'ive people to participate in the ork of the Nwuusc examine opportunities for the Advisory Co-__nission to participate in the work of the agencv. 11. 1I_I'111 i 21)(11 21 4 , 2001 INVEST NORTHWEST AWARD The Invest Northwest Award was established in 1993 by the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. The award honors those who consistently demand the best in themselves and celebrates the contributions of outstanding individuals in their efforts to make a genuine difference in northwest Hennepin County. The Council is pleased to recognize these people and celebrate their contributions. JANELL FELKER of Crystal: By serving as the Chair of a neighborhood group in Crystal's Cavanagh Oak's neighborhood, Janell has been the catalyst for a wide variety of good things. Through Janell's leadership, outreach and encouragement, people of all ages in the Cavanagh Oak's neighborhood have become an active and vital part of the Neighborhood Initiatives Program. This is a program encouraged by the Crystal City Council as a way to hear from the residents of the City. The neighborhood group has been meeting monthly since fall of iggg. Janell has done an excellent job of finding outside resources to help the neighborhood group achieve its goals. Activities of the group have included litter clean-ups, flower gardens, potlucks, parties, and guest speakers. Additional ways in which Janell has been involved in helping others include: Founded an annual plant exchange in the northwest Hennepin area Holloween parade Formed a resource library for Adventure Club Active participant in We Care About Kids Member of Program/Resource Committee for the Mosaic Youth Center Encouraged teenagers to conduct an annual Toes for Tots 22 MARTY GATES of Crystal: Marty was the t0under and Director of People Responding In Social Minfsiry i,aisM) which is a vital resource for the north%,cst Hennepin Community. Marty has served foi mam years on numerous commissions and committees including the Friends of mzisM board and the ,%, Hllsc Advisory Commission. Marty has also done %olmucer work for Catholic Charities and Sacred Hurt C i,urch. Additional ways in which Marty has been wi%A%cd in helping others include: Senior Federation member Chair, Medicare Justice Coalition Serves on the Governor's Health Care Co-chairs the Prescription Drug Task For., Co-founder National Second Harvest 17110d Network Co-founder of Hennepin County Food Co-founder Lake Country Food Bank Mosaic Youth Center Development Pro;r.;t: youth in School District 281 Co-chair of Social Justice Conunittee at Saar__: Heart Church Sowers for Justice, archdiocesan or'_'.!:. ai'):-. r social justice Four Seasons of Common Bond, m" BILL GAVARAS of Plymouth: Bill h_ of the NWHHsc, Senior Leadership prised of leaders of the 15 cities in uor::,:a:: i- epin County. He leads the Committee in the subjects and the recruitment of speake-s cate on senior issues. This informatio::.< on to community leaders. He leads t:i_ formation of an educational pro,ra:r pini Seniors, for over 400 people as well connected with senior issues. Additional ways in which Bill h:a helping others include: Volunteer support in Story Theat-_ SchoolDistrict#2btintergen.ra~_:.- gram to school children Volunteer support in Plymouth Served as Chair of the Sen:ur A,'. . i>. School District #281 Plymouth Care and Share Served as Chair of the Plymouth Served as Chair of Plvmouth Sem; - Northwest Hennepin Hunan Scrn icc, Gna:a.` CARMEN HAWKINS of Rogers: Carmen often volunteers for community events and committees especially those that help individuals with special needs or the elderly. Carmen volunteers at Guardian Angels Care Center where she reads, visits and is a friend to many of the residents. Her reading is especially appreciated and important to those residents who have poor eyesight or whose disabilities keep them from holdung onto a paper, book or maga- zine. The residents cnioy reminiscing about the stories that Carmen reads them. Additional ways in which Carmen has been involved in helping others include: Being a Volunteer Coordinator at Carina and Sharing Hands Board President at Pleasant Place, Senior Housing EXeCUti%e Board \Iember at Northwest Hennepin Human Services Co lincil Volunteer support including visitor, baking group and ice creaan days at Wellstad Alzheimer's Memory Care Variety of volunteer positions at St. Martins Catholic Church HELEN AND EARL RICHTER of Minneapolis: the volunteer efforts of Helen and Earl have benefited all age groups. Their dedication to volunteering has pro- vided one-to-one mentoring with many young people to help build their self-esteem. They have spent numerous hours instal:iing Lifeline units (a personal response service) for c:tints who are frail or elderly so they ma} continue to ` e in the comfort of their home with a stronger sense of security. Their support to the Domestic Abuse program has helped to raise the confidence of those who are struggling with abuse issues. Helen's quilts h warmed and comforted patients %, ho may be c•-ing or have covered someone who has slept out in tcold. Helen and Earl ha•._ combined over 3800 hours of service as volunteers ; - North Memorial Medical Center. They voluntee- in the Patient Care Center and the Lifeline program. 1-. the Patient Care Center they work collaborate. :v with physicians, employees and have direct intera__ion with patients. They will greet famly member =ad offer comfort for them while the'. are waitinz r their loved one to come out of surges.: Additional ways in hich Helen and Earl have been inyo:•ed in help:--: othe-s include: Tutori:gig of first g __e students at Loring Eleme-tan Schon Fundr_ising for t; _- MS Fo!ndation Fundr_ising for th_ Domes-ic Abuse Program of the T... -n Cities V011 -17--f el suppo_:': the alvation Army Assis:_:tg patients _ _he Fhenezer Long Term Care facilit- with their _ :x Di-.ing"volunteer program Earl _as pro% idec:. _ _untee- support for the Hen:_= yin Count. _ .bat'. n Office for adult felon:_s Hele-_ _'ta, bcea a at the NorthRidge Care _enter 3NL,U,i_ RI, run 23 Grants and Donations for 2001 196,516 McKnight Foundation for Welfare to Work Initiative for northwest Hennepin area. 122,268 15 cities in the Northwest Hennepin area that com- prise the joint powers entity of northwest Hennepin Human Services Council—for community planning, research and coordination of human services. 119,470 Hennepin County for a Homelessness Prevention Program in the Northwest Hennepin area. 114,323 Hennepin County for the Emergency Services Program to help residents of the northwest Hennepin area. 95,611 Hennepin County for Community Planning, Research and Coordination in the northwest Hennepin area. 95,000 McKnight Foundation Grant for Cooperative Programming in Agency Operations. 77,102 Hennepin County for an Emergency Services Program to help residents of the .-est Hennepin area, which our agency administers. 72,762 The State of Minnesota/ Dept. of Health for the lo -::h Tobacco Prevention Initiative. REVENUE 2001 Hennepin County Community Planning s96,61t.00 Emergency Services 5_23,780.00 POINT Northwest 700.00 Member Cities s-5.-,-55.00 State, and other grants 5=04,229.00 Other Revenues 7o_,280.00 TOTAL $1,216,855.00 62,000 United Way of Minneapolis for the Success B•: 6` Northwest Program. 50,000 The State of Minnesota for the Northwest Community Law Enforcement Program to a—minister and support cadets. 46,440 Minnesota Department of Health Tobacco Compliance Check Grant. 34,988 Five of the 15 cities of the Northwest Henne^_- area for the CO-OP NW Program. 32,700 Hennepin County to administer a Homeless- Prevention Program through the POINT No--= , est Program of the Nw YMCA. 7,500 MHFA Final Payment of Grant for Apartme--s Flus. 7,500 Otto Bremer for NW Regional Human Rigl.-_ Coalition. 750 Donors to the NW Children's MMntal Health Collaborative: NW Fami_. Services Collaborative,Volunteers of Am,-ica, Norte Familv & Childrens, U -Care JL-nesota, The StoreFront Group, and Wa_'-_burn Chile Guidance Center. EXPEJSES 2001 Salaries & Benefits sy09,13S.00 Coordinated Services 5-63,982.00 Contracted Services 6,470.00 Supplies 5-,;,507-00 Other Expenses 5,6,334.00 Deferred Revenue 771424.00 TOTAL 51,216,855.00 24 Nor,::. -.est Udineprn I-lurnan Semices '_- . :1 2001 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS/ALTERNATE Jane Chambers (Brooklyn Center) Sharon Feess, chair (Brooklyn Park) Deb Sturdevant (Champlin) Dixie Lindsley (Corcoran) Anne Norris (Crystal) Shirley Slater (Dayton) Jeanne Andre (Golden Valley) Sharol Tyra (Hanover) Carmen Hawkins (Rogers/Hassan) Ann Marie Shandley (Maple Grove) Dan Donahue (New Hope) LeAnn Larson (Osseo) Sandy Hewitt (Plymouth) Russ Fawbush (Robbinsdale) Gary Eitel (Rogers) 2001 STAFF Gunilla Bjorkman-Bobb, Senior Project Coordinator Lorenzo Davis, Senior Project Coordinator Beth Becker, Senior Pro iect Coordinator Bruce Hoheisel, Community Planner Valerie Jones, Senior Project Coordinator Jennifer Kearin, Senior Project Coordinator Kathryn Langva, Office Manager LeeAnn Mortensen, Senior Project Coordinator Jessica Ness, Senior Project Coordinator Kathleen Roach, Executive Director Anita Shoemaker, Senior Project Coordinator Yvonne Shoemaker, Secretary/Receptionist Beth Williams, Secretary/Receptionist 2001 ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS Kathleen Ganter and Elizabeth Davis Brookhvn Center; Bette Rosse and Bettie Williams ( Brooklyn Park) Paul Williams (Champlin) Mart), Gates and Bob Schon (Crestal) Elaine Houser and Paula Murph% Watkins Golden Valley) Joann Anton and Shirlev Foltz Homan (Maple Grove) Dorothy Clarke (Osseoi Dana Essex Cruzen and Pam Nolan(Plymouth) Nan Corliss ( Hassan ; Vacant positions: Corcoran, Hanover) Hassan, New Hope, Robbinsdale znd Rogers 2001 OFFICE VOLUNTEER Gertrude Hoebcn Executive Board, standing, left to right Deb Sturdevant, Sharol Tyra, Shirley Slater, Gary Link, Anne Norris, Russ fawbush, Sandy Hewitt; sitting, left to right Jane Chambers, LeAnn Larson, Sharon feess, Ann Marie Shandley. Absent Jeanne Andre, Carmen Hawkins, Dixie Lindsley Staff, top row: Kathleen Roach, LeeAnn Mortensen, Valerie Jones; third row: Beth Becker, Gunilla Bobb; second row: Lorenzo Davis, Jennifer Kearin, Bruce Hoheisel; first row: Beth Williams, Anita Shoemaker, Kathy Langva o IF Advisory Commission, standing left = right: Nan Corliss. Bertie Williams. Nicole Bauerschmidt, Samantha Dewall-Per_son, Marty Gates, Chris Carriero, Kathleen canter. John Hoffman; seated left to right: E. --o Schon, Elaine Houser. Absent: Paula Murphy Watkins, Dana Essex Cruzen Gertrude Hoeben NNU'1. REP'': '001 25 CHILDREN Chapin Hall Center for Children Projects and Publications, 2001-2002 Domestic Violence and Children: Creating a Public Response" by Open Society Institute Head Start in Minnesota -1999" by Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning Kids Count Data Book 2000" by The Annie E. Casey Foundation Minnesota Kids Count: A Closer Look" 1996 by Children's Defense Fund & Congregations Concerned for Children COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 1999 Hennepin County Indicators of Community Stability" by Hennepin County Office of Planning & Development and the United Way Guidebook on Smart Gromh: Planning More Livable Communities with Transit -Oriented Development" by Metropolitan Council Metro Trend Watch 2oo1" by Wilder Research Center DIVERSITY Agin` Initiative Project: 2030 Data Report" on popu- lations of African American, American Indian, Asian American & Hispanic Elders, 1998 Language Diversity & Culturally Responsive Childcare" by Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning Raci2l and Ethnic Tensions: What Should We Do?" by Nasional Issues Forum (Book & Video) Speal-ing for Themselves: A Survey of Hispanic, Hmonz, Russian & Somali Immigrants in Minneapolis — St. Paul" by Wilder Research Center 2002 FAMILIES The Minnesota Family Strengths Project Research Report" by Family & Children's Service, 1999 HEALTH Closing The Gap: A Public Health Report on Health Disparities" by Twin Cities Metro Minority Health Assessment Project, June 2001 Hennepin County Health Disparities Data Brief" December 2oo1 Breast & Cervical Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Child & Adult Immunizations Diabetes HIV/Alas and Sexually Transmitted Infections Infant Mortality Teen Pregnancy Violence Lifestyles and Health: Physical Activity, Body Weight & Nutrition in Hennepin County" by Hennepin County Community Health Department. December 2001 Logic Health Care Data Report" by Medica, 2000 Shape 1993" by Hennepin County Health Department Overall Comparison Report Initial Findings Cigarette Use Among Adults in Hennepin CoG-- Area Specific Report for Crystal, Golden Valle.. New Hope & Robbinsdale Area Specific Report for Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park & Osseo Area Specific Report for Champlin. Dayton, Grove, Plymouth Area Specific Report for Corcoran, Hanover, Hassan & Rogers The State o the Safety Net in Hennepin Count-. - Phval & Dental Health" b) Hennepin Count% - Center for Health Policy & Communir Service Integration 26 "lor, .._' t Hr- -tin Hunan qtr.:_r: (;nu nci! HOUSING Affordable Rental Housing: Opening Doors for Private Development & Preserving Existing Housing Stock" by the Affordable Rental Housing Taskforce, January 2000 Family Housing Fund Public Education Initiative— affordable housing educational materials A Shoebox on the River" by Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (video) Local Officials & Affordable Housing: Profiles in Leadership" (video) HUMAN RIGHTS Children Who Care: Educating Your Child About Human Rights" By the Human Rights Commission of the City of Shoreview, Minnesota, 1998 LEGAL ISSUES Addressing Gun Violence in Minnesota: Strategies for Regulation S& Local Action" workshop on February 7, aoo1 sponsored by Minnesota Institute of Public Health Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect: A Resource Guide ror Mandated Reporters" by Minnesota Department of Human Services, December 1999 WHHSC RESEARCH REPORTS Consolidation of Transportation Services" Executive ummary and Full Report, 1998 co-op Northwest Sub -Regional Housing Plan" co -or Northwest Work Force Initiative: Citizen V.-ork Force Survey Final Report" August 2001 Dol Community Dialogue Reports on the Future uman Service Needs of each of the region's 15 cities PREVENTION A Review of the Research on Gun Research on Gun Injuries: Promising Prevention Strategies for Health Care" by Minnesota Health Care Coalition on Violence, May 2000 A Strategic Analysis of U.S. Tobacco Control Advocacy" by the Advocacy Institute, March 1999 PROFESSIONAL/ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOP- MENT Collaboration Handbook: Creating, Sustaining, & Enjoying the Journey" by the Amherst H. WUder Foundation, 1997 Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence" by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits,1998 Social Capital resources WOMEN Listening to Women for a Change: A Report on the Listening Tour" by the Womens Foundation of Minnesota, 2002 YOUTH Growing Absolutely Fantastic Youth: A Guide to Best Practices in youth Development" by the Konopka Institute for Best Practices in Adolescent Health, 2000 Maple Grove Youth Task Force Final Report," 1995 1, OR 27 PROGRAMS / PROJECTS Emergency Services Apartments Plus Northwest Community Law Enforcement Program Administration Support Book Keeping Secretarial Support Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Organizational Chart 2000 28 COLLABORATIVES AND INITIATIVES CO-OP Northwest Cultural Diversity Legislation NW Human Rights Coalition Heritage Festival Coordination Communities Targeting Tobacco -NW Working to reduce youth tobacco use by 3o4,o by year 2005 Family Investment Network Welfare to work initiative Success By 6® NW Farb' Childhood Public Awareness Management NETWORKS / COMMITTEES Senior Leadership Committee Senior Services Network Domestic Violence Prevention Program Local Mental Health Committee Other Subcommittees RESEARCH AND PLANNING Research: surveys, focus groups, interviewing, data analysis Community Planning Citizens Input, CSSA Program Evaluation Technical Assistance CSSA Citizens Input Community Awareness and Participation Task Forces Subcommit-,ees Research Northtirest Human Service= Co,mcd Committees, Networks, and Volunteers Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council has taken every measure to ensure the accuracy of the lists printed in this annual report. We apologize if we may have overlooked any organizations or individuals. COMMUNITIES TARGETING TOBACCO Patty Bowler Janel Brakke Judy Brown Rosalind Johnson Lara Jones Jill Ness Becca Olson Eileen O'Connell Jodell O'Connell Jennifer Schuster Cathy Stahl John Thiede Marsha Unze Janelle Waldeck Michelle Wall CO-OP NORTHWEST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Curt Boganey Dan Donahue Dennis Kraft Mike McCauley Anne Norris CO-OP NW WORK FORCE INITIATIVE Sherry Draper Steve Ellingson Jan Ficken Cathy Flescher Gene Hackett Diane Krogh Kav McAloney Angie Nalezny Pam Schmitz KAIi Wick f:AY REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHT S COALITION AR- CONTEST SJBCOMMIT?== Diane Bolter s Moleski Debbie Sibbet Lois Wendt HERITAGE FESTIVAL PLANNING COMMITTEE Jane Chambers LeAnne Christiansen Dale Greenwald Louisa Greenwald Susan Kelm Dave Kiser Ron Lamers Betty Larson Leatha Lemmer Alyssa Malinski Jonette Zuercher NORTHWEST COMMUNITY LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM zoos Cadets Landen Beard Anthijuan Beeks Police Departments New Hope and Robbinsdale Schools North Hennepin Community College Minneapolis Community and Technical College Hamline University Alumni Tara Arel Ken Banks Dawn Berglund Lanese Brown Doug Brunner Adan Casas Phoung Chung Marshall Collier IT Cross anon Gator Rich Jackson Ryan LeClair Dou, I eslin Ciirietine %lack Anton Mark Laurel Mewhinney Duv Ngo S"'no Phillips Dan Rangel Pierre Roddy c%'%ia Schindler Ron Toi.nsend Alan Watt tarty Williams e Williams Greg Williams Carlos Wong xiong SUCCESS BY 6e NORTHWEST COMMITTEES 2001 Mary Anderson Roz Anderson Adele Bauer Larry Brauch Anita Burt Pat Cannon Phil Cohen Connie Crawford Carrie Crook George Eaton Lois Engstrom Anne Fautsch Mike Fitterman Rev. Deborah Fortel Kerry Froehlich Pat Gan Makeba Giles Sally Ginn Connie Haigh Beth Hansen Kari Hitchcock John Jacobson Nancy Jost Senator Ember Reichgott lunge Dave Kaiser George Krasean Jeanne Kumlin Byron Laher Sandy Lenthe Representative Peggy Leppik Mary Levens-Jenkins Lynn Lewis Nancy Miller Gail Mueller -Schultz Rev. AI Negstad Linda Nelson Commissioner Mike Opat Michelle Orcutt Cynthia Peterson Laurie Possin Mary Anette Quinnell Nancy Reed Michelle Sahar Kathy Schaaf Senator Linda Scheid Tami Severson Gayle Southwell Sigurd Vikse Mary Washburn Denise Welch SENIOR LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Curt Carlson Dorothy Clarke John Devine Bill Gavaras Robert Gavigan Marjorie Geer Marty Guritz Mary & Cliff Johnson Doris Kemp Dick Kloos Marion Koch Betty Larson Kris Orluck Gen Pacyga Shirley & Bob Schon Dorothy Schutte Dick Smith Mable Swanson Audrey Williams Doris Wood La Verne Zack Mary Joy Zawislak NORTHWEST LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Sandy' Accola Sue Anderson June Audette (co-chair) Rachel Awes Becky Barnes Norma Berg Marlys Blomquist Liz Boyle Susan Chenoweth Dorothy Clarke Steve Cook Kathy Demo Atha Mae Flood Germaine Freese Glenn Goski Jody Grande Bonnie Haberle Karen Hovland Daniel Johnson Kim Kassler Michael Kearney Colleen Knipfcr June McKinney Janet Nelson Jan Nelson -Schwartz Merrilee North Dell Oberg Frances Olson Mariory Peterson Duane Reynolds Tami Schafer Beaty Linda Schumm Merci Mueller 1 hei,en Linda A'an Zele Chris \'orhes (co -hair) CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE Nancy Kay Petrie Paul Cunningham Cathy Gibney Sue Esterbrooks Mike & Linda Stern Tiny Eckman Bitsey Kreamer Mary Kay Talbot John & Mary Lucchesi Chris Harnack Lynn Anderson Micky Henry Wendy Berghurst Chris Cork -Brazelton Merle Cavier Jeanne Lenertz Harvey Lindner Jan Onnasa Joe Petrie Jose Santos Jr. Veronica Schulz Claire Vincent Lonnie Grablam JoAnn Gonzalez Jonette Zuercher FIN PARTNERS and FIN FAITH COMMUNITY COLLABORATION COMMITTEE Eileen Bashel Julie Danzl Jarrell Felker Richard Fischer Sunny Fuller Jackson George Lonnie Grabham Daniel Gutierrez Larry Hackett Rev. Victor E. Helb Sr. Rex Holzemer Nancy James Shawn James Liz Johnson Kate Kiemcn Stephen Klein Aleksecia Kolov Amy Krupp Brenda Lloyd Alyssa Malinski Estela Manancem Margaret McGuckion Tatah Mentan Nancy Miller Geri Moti Mary Beth Moze Allan Negstad ohn Newman lerry O'Neill Sharlene Obembe Barbara Olson Christina Perez James Price Bishop Alfred Reeves Danial Resuk Laurene Rick Gloria Roach Thomas Dora Robinson Igor Rybakov Virginia Shunkwiler Betsy Smith Roxanne Smith Lisa Stordahl Ann Strong -Schmitz Tami Swenson John Tarley Valerie Tchiiik Tanchica Terry Marlynn Thompson Saida Troyah Choua Vang Debra Wells Barb Williamson Sampson Wilson Doris Wittier Laxa Yabandith APARTMENTS PLUS PROGRAM PARTNERS Maggie Demco Susan Farmer Mary Fixsen Lucinda Gavere Kate Haw Alyssa Malinski Terry Troy INVEST NORTHWEST AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE Dorothy Clarke BI ucc Hohcisel Bob Schon Anita Shoemak.r NORTHWEST HENNEPIN EMERGENCY SERVICE PROVIDERS Community Fmerencv Assistance Pro_ram CEAP Christians Rest ondin, In Social Ministn CROSS North SUberb 7.. Emergence Assistance Response NEAR People Respoa':n_ i Social Ntinistry - PRISM HomeFree Family Resource Center Crystal WEST HENNE= EMERGENC`' SERVICES PRC _-__RS Hopkins Area Resource Ce: -ar Intercongre,,_ a . Communir,es Association ICA Interfaith Ou: =-- a._. Comnium-.: _--'_- loci, Sojourner P.c St. Louis Part Emergency_ -.- STEP Westonka C,----:- Action Ne',.. - cCan NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL 7601 Kentucky Avenue North, Suite 101 Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428 763 49 3 -2802 763 493-2713 fax www.m,i:-hsc.com Community Dialogues Report on the Future Human Service Needs Regarding The City of Plymouth Prepared for: The City of Plymouth Prepared by: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council September 10, 2001 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE......................................................3 COMMUNITY LEADERS AND RESIDENTS DIALOGUES KEY STUDY FINDINGS...................................................................5 PRIORITY ISSUES AND OTHER THEMES OF THE COMMUNITY LEADERS DIALOGUE.................................................7 COMMUNITY LEADERS DIALOGUE SUMMARY................................10 PRIORITY ISSUES AND OTHER THEMES OF THE RESIDENTS DIALOGUE, GROUP ONE.................................11 PRIORITY ISSUES AND OTHER THEMES OF THE RESIDENTS DIALOGUE, GROUP TWO................................12 RESIDENT DIALOGUES SUMMARY, GROUPS ONE AND TWO........... 13 COMPARING AND CONTRASTING THE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND RESIDENTS DIALOGUES GROUPS ONE AND TWO) RESULTS..............................................14 APPENDICES...............................................................................16 Appendix A: Copy of Script Appendix B: Copy of Recruitment Guide Appendix C: Community Leaders Dialogue Responses Appendix D: Resident Dialogues Responses Appendix E: Cumulative Results for the Community Leaders and Residents Dialogues in 14 Northwest Hennepin Municipalities 2 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Since 1972, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC) has served as the human services research, planning and coordinating agency representing the 15 cities of northwest Hennepin County. During the summer of 2000, NWHHSC embarked on an area -wide needs assessment planning process using a private consultant. It was decided that dialogues would be the most appropriate method to use to collect information from community leaders, residents and agency committees and partners. During the fall of 2000 through the summer of 2001, the Advisory Commission and the council completed four stages of a northwest area -wide needs assessment. The first stage in the needs assessment process was a review of the secondary data about the area, county and state. The second and third stages were to gather city specific information through community leaders and residents dialogues (respectively) held in each of the 15 cities in the northwest Hennepin area. The final and fourth stage of the needs assessment was to gather information by holding dialogues with NWHHSC committees and partners. Dialogues were held to engage city leaders, residents and partners in a dialogue about the needs of their communities. The process used during the dialogues was the Nominal Group Process where each group was asked the question, "What do you think the human services needs of (city) will be three to five years from now? Each participant identified human service needs relevant to their city. The ideas were recorded in the order given, discussed for clarification and finally ranked. The groups also considered combining ideas that were duplicative. There were between five and 15 participants at most dialogues. At the Community Leaders and Residents Dialogues each person in the group chose the top five issues that he or she felt were the greatest priority and assigned each item a points value — one being the lowest priority and five being the highest priority. The points were added and the top five priorities for each group were identified (See Appendix A for ranking process). Plymouth Dialogues The Plymouth Community Leaders Dialogue was held on December 20, 2000 at the Plymouth Creek Center. The Plymouth Residents Dialogue was held on April 6, 2001 at the Plymouth Creek Center also. All Community Leaders Dialogue participants were selected and recruited by NWHHSC through referrals given by a NWHHSC Executive Board Member, NWHHSC Advisory Commissioners and Staff. NWHHSC recruited Resident Dialogue participants by asking for referrals from the Plymouth Community Leaders Dialogue participants, a NWHHSC Executive Board Member, NWHHSC Advisory Commissioners and NWHHSC Staff. NWHHSC also worked with another private non-profit organization to do a large mailing of invitations to certain Plymouth residents. 3 For the Residents Dialogue all participants met the criteria for inclusion in a residents dialogue (resident of Plymouth and were within one of the categories of the recruitment guide). The recruitment guide used to recruit participants to the Residents Dialogue was developed by the NWHHSC Advisory Commission (See Appendix B for recruitment guide). The dialogues lasted approximately 2 hours each, and were conducted by NWHHSC staff working from a pre -approved script. The Community Leaders Dialogue was comprised of 13 persons. The Residents Dialogue was comprised of 28 persons. Pat Splett, consultant, gave some ideas on how to synthesize and compile the data received from the dialogues. Results from the Community Leaders Dialogue were reviewed independently and reported on by Dana Essex Cruzen, a NWHHSC Advisory Commissioner from Plymouth who assisted with the dialogue. Dana's interpretations and conclusions were then compared to Staff's interpretations and conclusions. This was done to limit any biases that might have occurred if only one person had reviewed the results. This report summarizes the findings from the Plymouth Community Leaders Dialogue and the Plymouth Residents Dialogue. This information will be distributed to group participants and other leaders in the community. The city specific information will be folded into a 15 city, regional report that will be distributed widely including to participants in all of the 15 city dialogues. The information will be used to help formulate strategies for addressing the needs. If you have any questions about this process, please call Bruce Hoheisel, NWHHSC Community Planner/Researcher at (763) 493-2802. rd KEY STUDY FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND RESIDENTS DIALOGUES The five issues that the City of Plymouth Community Leaders Dialogue participants felt were the greatest priority are as follows, in ranked order with scores on the right in parentheses. 5 1. Providing adequate affordable housing (low cost) scattered site (26 points) 4 2. Planning and funding for expanded public transit facilities and services 22 points) 3 3. Making county human services user friendly (16 points) 2 4. Increased collaboration for schools and families and human services 12 points) 1. 5. Ethnic minority as valued members of the community (12 points) The Plymouth Resident Dialogue was divided into two groups and each group was facilitated separately because of the large number of participants. The five issues that the City of Plymouth Residents Dialogue, Group One, participants felt were the greatest priority are as follows (in ranked order with scores on the right in parentheses). 5 1. Bus transportation 2-3 times in the afternoon, Regency Pointe to downtown 18) 4 2. Affordable housing (17) 3 3. Build music center for children (15) 2 4. Senior needs over all, more senior facilities (13) 2 4. Fix roads, parking lot (13) The five issues that the City of Plymouth Residents Dialogue, Group Two, participants felt were the greatest priority are as follows (in ranked order with scores on the right in parentheses). 5 1. Community center with a pool, gym, classes for -all ages, gender, etc. (14) 4 2. Affordable housing (13) 3 3. Reasonable regulated energy rates for Plymouth to prevent skyrocketing future increases in cost (10) 2 4. Home -buying assistance (9) 1 5. Assistance with purchasing prescription medication (8) 1 5. Subsidized Section 8 housing (8) In order to combine the two Plymouth Resident Dialogue results, each human service area in each of the two categories was assigned a points value — one being the least priority and five being the highest priority (numbers on the far left). The points were then added and the combined top six priorities for the two groups were the result. For example, affordable housing received 4 points in each category so the combined score is eight (numbers on the right). 5 Combined Results of the two Plymouth Residents Dialogues 5 -Affordable Housing. 8 4 -Community center with a pool, gym, classes for all ages, gender, etc. 5 4 -Bus transportation 2-3 times in the afternoon, Regency Pointe to downtown. 5 3 -Senior needs over all, more senior facilities. 3 3 -Reasonable regulated energy rates for Plymouth to prevent skyrocketing future increases in cost. 3 3 -Build music center for children. 3 In order to combine the community leaders and residents dialogue results, each human service area in each of the two categories (community leaders and combined two resident groups) was assigned a points value — one being the least priority and five being the highest priority (numbers on the far left). The points were then added and the combined top six priorities for the two groups were the result. For example, affordable housing received five points in each category so the combined score is ten. Combined Results of the Community Leaders and Residents Dialogues Affordable Housing 10 Transportation, expanded public transit services. 8 Community Center with a pool, gym, etc. 4 Services for seniors. 3 Reasonable energy rates. Making county human services user friendly. Build music center for children A PRIORITY ISSUES AND OTHER THEMES OF THE COMMUNITY LEADERS DIALOGUE In consultation with the NWHHSC Advisory Commissioner who was present at the dialogue more grouping was done of issues and themes discussed at the Community Leaders Dialogue. Also, during the dialogue, participants grouped certain responses into several categories but then decided against it when it was time to rank the responses. Affordable Housing was the group's number one priority and there were many other affordable housing related responses. Affordable housing was one of the categories that the participants grouped related responses under. The following reflects the wishes of the participants to group certain responses under the heading of affordable housing. The numbers on the left indicates the order in which the responses were given during the dialogue and the numbers on the right in parentheses indicates the scores the responses received. 5. Affordable rental housing (3) 8. Affordable property for construction of homes for disabled people (4) 3 8. Accessible housing for individuals with special needs, both homeowner and renter 17. Supportive services and emergency assistance for low income home owners such as foreclosure prevention 49. Supportive services for elderly homeowners (8) 31. Renter education to prevent the need for emergency assistance for renters 3 3. Growing need with aging population — need 1 and 2 member household housing 39. Affordable housing that accommodates large families/immigrant families 50. Supportive services for families in rental housing 22. Increasing housing maintenance programs (2) 29. Emergency assistance for renters to prevent homelessness, such as rent and utility payments 64. Providing adequate affordable housing (low cost) scattered site (26) Transportation was the group's number two priority and was another category that the participants grouped related responses under. The following reflects the wishes of the participants to group certain responses under the heading of transportation. 4. Roads and highway development and improvement 6. Public transportation that is accessible to low income families to other suburbs and downtown (6) 3. Meeting increasing transportation needs of senior population (3) 46. Expanding transportation for people with mental and physical disabilities 44. Transportation assistance and car programs for working families (1) 37. Meeting transportation needs of the disabled community (3) 7 27. Expanded coordination between human service transportation service providers and public transit 61. Planning and funding for expanded transit facilities and services (22) Coun related responses included "Making county human services user friendly" and Get the county more involved". The first response was weighted heavily by the group and was their number three priority. During the group discussion it was mentioned that MFIP participants who are required to see an employment worker are required to go downtown. Also clients have to go through a lengthy process in order to receive services and county workers do not have much authority to give the client what they need. Community -Based Collaborations was a priority for the group. The response Increased collaboration for schools and families and human services" was tied for the fourth highest priority. There were a number of responses that fell into this category and they were weighted significantly. The attendees came from a variety of agencies and organizations that have worked together before. One weakness of the group was the absence of business leaders given the discussion of business — human services collaborations. There were several responses that expressed a need for public, private and nonprofit organizations to partner in order to enhance each other's capacity to achieve a common purpose. They include the following. 43. Increasing business participation in meeting human service needs — volunteerism, financial, donations, philanthropy, and expertise. (6) 47. Greater efforts toward joint ventures. 57. Connecting employers with human services and employment training agencies. 3) 60. Collaboration with faith communities with all these topics. (1) Cultural Diversity was a major theme and a related response was tied for the fourth highest priority for the group. This category also received a significant number of responses. Cultural diversity related responses were as follows. 25. Policies and programs, which encourage and support greater integration of racial and ethnic minorities as valued members of the community — human rights advocacy, people with disabilities. (12) 30. Comprehensive and effective ESL classes. 39. Affordable housing that accommodates large families/immigrant families. 40. Programs that teach socialization skills, being respectful of cultural differences and class differences. 54. Undoing racism in the community and public schools. (3) 55. Family advocacy for children of color in the public schools. Seniors was a major theme and rela*ed responses included affordable drugs for the elderly, supportive services for elderly homeowners, and meeting increasing transportation needs of the senior population. Senior related responses also included the following. 0 11. Whole series of programs that would allow seniors to maintain independent living. (8) 12. New and interesting opportunities for retired persons to participate in the community. Education was another category that participants grouped related responses under. The following reflects the wishes of the participants to group certain responses under the heading of education. 1. - Increased early childhood education opportunities 7. Enhancement of parenting skills (4) 20. Special education programs that are inclusive 41. Programs that teach socialization skills, being respectful of cultural differences and class differences 16. After school programs (3) 21. Maintain the quality of the public schools (2) 30. Comprehensive and effective ESL classes Families was a category that received a large number of related responses. Family related responses included the need for: family stability assistance for long term solutions, enhancement of parenting skills, increased battered women's services, greater utilization of mediation services, improved daycare options, effective programs to address dysfunctional families and individuals, mental health care for children and families, supportive services for families in rental housing, and transportation assistance and car programs for working families. Resources: Employment/Volunteers related responses included; better pay for service jobs, expanding volunteerism, and the need to work with businesses to increase employment opportunities for hard to employ individuals. People with Mental and Physical Disabilities was a theme that received a significant amount of related responses. The group felt that people with mental and physical disabilities would need for more; leisure opportunities, accessibility to all public space, mental health care for children and families, accessible housing, transportation, school involvement in health and mental health. Poverty/Income Issues related responses included the following. 6. Public transportation that is accessible to low-income families to other suburbs and downtown. (6) 45. With the coming of MFIP time limits, increased suburban employment services. 52. Provision of basic needs such as food shelf and clothing. 53. Post high school training for underemployed and unemployed individuals. 7 Health Care related responses included increasing the role of schools in health and mental health, affordable health care for low-income people, and affordable drugs for the elderly. Communication related responses included the need for a comprehensive plan about communication of human services in the community, information referral services, and connecting employers with human service and employment training agencies. At -Risk Youth related responses included better scholarship/more inclusive sports/activities to include underprivileged kids, and programs for at -risk juveniles. An Issue Mentioned Once included greater creativity in developing funding support for all programs. COMMUNITY LEADERS DIALOGUE SUMMARY The Plymouth Community Leaders Dialogue participants created an extensive list of issues which is much longer if the multiple issues contained in many of the responses were counted. During the discussion part of the dialogue participants talked about specifically addressing the need for affordable housing in the community. One of the strategies mentioned to accomplish this would be to provide low-cost housing at scattered sites. Other affordable housing issues presented were that there is a need for it for medium - income families. More parents are returning to Plymouth to be closer to their children but the cost of homes are a concern. Plymouth needs to increase the Home program so many more seniors can remain in their own home knowing that there is a service to do all maintenance work which the senior can no longer do. Another issue discussed by the group was mass transportation needs to be looked at for the whole area and how it is inconvenient to have to go to downto«m Minneapolis in order to catch the bus one needs. As the senior population increases transportation will become an even greater concern. More and more seniors are in need of transportation because the other agencies that provide transportation services cannot go beyond their restricted area or even pick up clients. Diversity issues presented were that they need to be considered now more than ever before. We need to make sure all ethnic groups are welcomed and that there are activities and programs for them. Senior issues presented included that one needs to adjust to the fact that there are actually three groups of seniors — young old (35-54), mid -old (55-74) and the older group (75- 100). There is a need to make sure each group is offered service, programs, and activities to their liking. Now that Plymouth has Plymouth Creek Center seniors of all age groups are participating. There is a need to locate isolated seniors and to address the safety of 10 seniors and also abuse. Other issues are on the national level, such as prescription drugs, Medicare, Social Security, etc. The Plymouth Community Leaders Dialogue participants chose 1) affordable housing, 2) transportation, 3) making the county human services user friendly, 4) increased collaboration for schools and families and human services, and 4) ethnic minorities as valued members of the community (in ranked order) as their top five human service needs 3-5 years from now. "Increased collaboration for schools and families and human services" and "ethnic minorities as valued members of the community" were tied for the fourth highest priority. The themes identified were; seniors, education, families, resources: employment/volunteers, people with mental and physical disabilities, poverty/income issues, health care, communication, and at -risk youth. The responses for the Community Leaders Dialogue are presented in Appendix C. PRIORITY ISSUES AND OTHER THEMES OF THE RESIDENTS DIALOGUE, GROUP ONE Because of the large number of residents that attended the dialogue the group was divided into two smaller groups and each one was facilitated separately. Transportation was the group's number one priority and there were several transportation related responses which included better means for transportation, more bus trips per route, bus service to all of Plymouth about every two hours, and bus transportation in the afternoon from Regency Pointe to downtown, 2-3 times per day. Affordable Housing was the group's number two priority and included that 1% to 2% loans should be made available to people with children to build housing. Youth related responses included the group's number three priority which was to "build a music center for children. Also included in the category was a "teen center where high school and college students can go for homework, (help with family like sex issues), etc. not recreation. Seniors was tied with city services as the group's fourth highest priority. Related responses included more; space for seniors, senior needs over all and facilities, and nursing care in the homes and upkeep of the home if the seniors are staying in their homes. Citv Services was tied for fourth and the category received a fair amount of responses tha: were weighted fairly heavily. Related responses included the need to fix roads and parking lot, clean the bottom of Medicine Lake, and reconstruct Plymouth Boulevard. Also the need for more parks, updated police and fire protection, sidewalks, entertainment in the Plymouth Creek Center, and better lighting outside Regency Point. 11 Cultural Diversity was a theme that received two responses that included more ESL classes, money and hours and more conversation classes in the Plymouth Creek Center. Issue Mentioned Once included the following; certain elected officials are not performing satisfactorily, need more people willing to volunteer, and build Russian Church in Plymouth in five years. The Plymouth residents of group one chose (in ranked order) 1) bus transportation 2-3 times in the afternoons, Regency Pointe to downtown, 2) affordable housing, 3) build a music center for children, 4) senior needs, and 4) fix roads and parking lot, as their top five human service needs 3-5 years from now. "Senior needs" and "fix roads and parking lot" were tied for the fourth highest priority. The themes identified were transportation, affordable housing, youth, seniors, city services, and cultural diversity. PRIORITY ISSUES AND OTHER THEMES OF THE RESIDENTS DIALOGUE, GROUP TWO City Services was a major theme and received a significant amount of related responses which included the groups highest rated priority, "community center with pool, gym, classes for all ages, gender, etc." Other city services related responses included repair roads, parks open for the summer, expanded parks and trails, additional outdoor tennis courts 6-8 courts per location, recreational center for indoor youth programs and hobby classes, recreational facility for women, rooms or buildings for renting — like party rooms, and camping outings for reasonable cost on weekends. Affordable Housin' was the .group's number two priority but there were several other related responses including "home buying assistance", which was the group's fourth highest ranked priority and "subsidized Section 8 housing" which was tied for the fifth. Other affordable housing related responses included the need for more home repairs for seniors, incentives for contractors to build more apartments, services to help with rental deposits and down payments, and rental incentives from companies for worker housing within the city. Seniors was a major theme with related responses including employment services for seniors, assistance with purchasing prescription medicine, and income tax help for seniors. Mentally and Physically Disabled was another major theme with related responses including low cost financing — no interest loans for the disabled, and free tickets for Hennepin Parks for low income or disabled. Families were another major theme and related responses included affordable childcare, single parent support, and early childhood development. Transportation related responses included mid-day bus service to and from downtown, and lightrail downtown to Wayzata. 12 County related responses included financial assistance for a health disaster and forget about other income in the household, and a regional office is needed with services available instead of having to go downtown to get help with forms, interpreters, assistance and finding out what is available. Poverty/Income Issues related responses included free tickets for Hennepin Parks for low income or disabled, and assistance with heating/fuel. Education related responses included drug resistance programs, sewing class, computer services, and services for education (tutors). Cultural Diversity related responses included the need for class for adults English as a second language, and social service agencies that are in support of other cultures (non- English). Issue Mentioned Once included the need for more human services to help meet people, opportunities for more citizens to be on planning boards in Plymouth, possibilities for churches to help individual families. The Plymouth Residents Dialogue, Group Two participants chose (in ranked order) 1) community center with a pool, gym, classes for all ages, gender, etc. 2) affordable housing, 3) reasonable regulated energy rates for Plymouth to prevent skyrocketing future increases in cost 4) home -buying assistance, 5) assistance with purchasing prescription medication 5) subsidized section 8 housing, as their top six human service needs 3-5 years from now. "Assistance with purchasing prescription medication" and "subsidized Section 8 Housing" was tied for the fifth highest priority. The themes identified were city services, affordable housing, seniors, mentally and physically disabled, families, transportation, county, poverty/income issues, education and cultural diversity. RESIDENT DIALOGUES SUMMARY, GROUPS ONE AND TWO After the two resident groups ranked their top five priorities they were brought back together to review the results. They were asked if they wanted to come to some consensus on a ranking that merged the two lists. They did not express an interest in merging the two lists. Some participants wondered if the participants who voted for more ESL classes knew that there were some already available. Another participant commented that there were not a lot of ESL classes available. A participant also wondered if the participants who wanted more music taught in the schools realized that it was already being taught in schools and another participant commented that music was being cut or had been cut from a school. A comment was made that there is a need for more food at the food shelf. 13 There was a discussion on transportation and that there needed to be more routes and greater bus frequencies. The comment was made that Plymouth's Dial -A -Ride does not go outside the City and if one needs to go outside the City one takes the Flyer. One person suggested that there was some talk that the Flyer might be discontinued. The question was also raised who was going to pay for the additional transportation services? There were a number of residents that attended the dialogue who spoke Russian. There were also several seniors who participated. At least several participants, who represented groups suggested in the recruitment guide, could have been considered community leaders. There were many similarities between the two groups. Both groups had affordable housing as their number two priority. Transportation was the number one priority of Group One and a major theme of Group Two. Additional bus trips per route seemed to be a common need. Senior related responses were in the top five priorities for both groups. City Services was a major theme for both groups. Group Two had a city services related response as their number one priority and Group One had a city services related response as their fourth highest priority. Both Groups had the need to have more parks and to repair roads. The responses for the Resident Dialogues are presented in Appendix D. COMPARING AND CONTRASTING THE COMMUNITY LEADER AND RESIDENT DIALOGUES (GROUPS 1 AND 2) RESULTS Affordable housing was the number one priority for the Community Leaders Dialogue Participants and it was the second highest priority for both of the Resident groups. Other affordable housing related needs that the Community Leaders had in common with at least one on the Resident groups were "increasing housing maintenance programs" and services to help with rental deposits and down payments". Transportation was the Community Leaders number two priority and the number one priority of Resident Group One and a major theme of Resident Group Two. All three groups had the need for expanded transit services especially to other cities and downtown. The Resident Dialogue participants seemed to see a greater need to increase transportation services along certain routes. Community Leaders Dialogue participants' fourth highest priority was a cultural diversity related response and it was also a major theme. It was a theme for each of the two Resident Groups also. More ESL classes were a need for all three groups. Seniors was a main theme for the Community Leaders Dialogue participants and a seniors related response was tied for the fourth highest priority of Group One and tied for the fifth highest priority in Group 2. Both the Community Leaders Dialogue participants and Residents Dialogue, Group Two participants had the need for "affordable drugs for the 14 elderly" and also "supportive services for elderly homeowners". The Community Leaders Dialogue participants and Resident Dialogue, Group One participants had in common the need for a "whole series of programs that would allow seniors to maintain independent living". The Community Leaders Dialogue participants seemed more interested in community based collaborations including getting the County more involved and making County human services more user friendly whereas the Resident Dialogue participants seemed more interested in city services. Certain responses of the Community Leaders Dialogue participants and Resident Dialogue participants seemed to reflect a genuine interest in the needs of certain groups including people with mental and physical disabilities, low- income, individuals with special needs, elderly, immigrants, homeless and at -risk youth. The cumulative results for the Community Leader and Resident Dialogues in 14 northwest Hennepin municipalities are presented in Appendix E. 15 APPENDICES IN APPENDIX A: COPY OF SCRIPT 17 Dialogue Script Introduction Good morning. Thank you all very much for being here to participate in this important activity. My name is Bruce Hoheisel and I am the Community Planner/Researcher for Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. The agency pis the research, planning, and coordinating agency for the 15 NW Hennepin Cities. There are three people with me today; Dana Essex Cruzen and Pamela Nolan who are residents of Plymouth and both serve on the Agency's Advisory Commission and Yvonne Shoemaker who is a Secretary/Receptionist at NWHHSC and a colleague of mine. NWHHSC is in the process of a needs assessment of the communities we serve. The first step in the needs assessment was a review of secondary data about the area, county, and state. The second step is gathering city specific information through these community dialogues. Each group member's contribution is unique and a very important part of the process. This community gathering is meant to engage Golden Valley residents in a dialogue about the needs of the Golden Valley community. The agency will be conducting similar dialogues in the other 14 cities served by Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. This information will be used to determine the direction for future human services initiatives and assist the individual cities in meeting the needs of their residents. A third round of community dialogues will begin in May. These dialogues will bring together committees or partners of NWHHSC. After each dialogue a report will be made with the findings. A final report will be made at the end of the entire process. Each of you will receive these reports. Any follow-up questions you have may be directed to me. The process we will be using today is called the nominal group process. The first step in this process is a silent brainstorming of ideas in writing. We will then record each of your ideas, discuss them for clarification, and finally rank the ideas. Does anyone have any questions? Is everyone all right with including your name and organization in the city report and the final report? Let's start by going around the table and introducing yourself with first names. Brainstorming The question I would like you to address today is: "What do you think the human services needs of Plymouth will be three to five years from now?" Because we are facing an important challenge I want you to take some time (about 5-10 minutes) to think about it. W Silently and independently please list everything that comes to mind in brief phrases or statements about seven words or less. Now think even harder — are there other points, possibly some that aren't so obvious? Round Robin Let's go around the table with each person sharing an idea/point on their paper. Our recorder will list the ideas so we will have them all to consider later. If the idea is already up there go to the next one on your list. You may pass, but you are welcome to jump in later if you get another idea. After two or so rounds: Look down on the bottom of your list; do you have any that are different that we should be sure to get up there? Write the answers verbatim on a flip chart. Discussion and Clarification Let's look at the ideas up here. Does everyone have a clear idea of what is meant by each one? Now is the time for us to discuss and clarify the ideas that are up there. The point is simply to understand them, not to judge them—that «gill come later. Discussion with Evaluation and Comparison Allowed Now you are free to examine these ideas with greater scrutiny. What makes any of these ideas significant? What do you see as the pros and cons? Are any of the ideas similar and can be clumped -together? Edit statements and group them as it reflects the will of the group.] Voting Now which of these points/issues/recommendations do you think are most important? Look the list over and write each of your top 5 choices on a separate piece of paper. Use the "rocker method" to rank the 5 ideas and assi 7n each one a score Least of 5 (1), Top of remaining 4 (5), Least of last 3 (2), 19 Best of the 2 left (4), and the Last (3) Write your score beside the idea on the posted pages. Posting of Results and Reflection The facilitator adds up the numbers and makes a new list of the top scoring ideas. Ask: What do you think? Are there any surprises? Do you feel this prioritization reflects the discussion tonight? Thanks and Appreciation of the Participants Input Thank you all very much for your time today, your input is greatly appreciated. 20 APPENDIX B: COPY OF RECRUITMENT GUIDE 21 RECRUITMENT GUIDE Suggested Groups to be Represented at the Resident Dialogues Elderly Youth Single Parent Working Parent Church Community Disabled Person Cross -Section from Socio -Economic Groups Public Transportation User Renter Business Owner Unemployed Medical Field Representative Day Care User School System User Homeless English as a Second Language Veteran Minority Emergency Services User Young Stay -at -Home Mom Middle Age 22 APPENDIX C: Community Leaders Dialogue Responses 23 Plymouth Community Leader Dialogue December 20, 2000 Participants: Liz Johnson, PRISM; Benita Schlotthauer, ARK Counseling; Ed Goldsmith, City of Plymouth HRA; Rebecca Stoen, City of Plymouth HRA; Joy Tierney, City of Plymouth Mayor; Ginny Clark, Wayzata Public School — District 284; Carol Bergenstal, Communities in Collaboration Council; George Bentley, Plymouth Metrolink; Eric Blank, City of Plymouth; Richard Zierdt, Community Action for Suburban Hennepin CASH); Debra Riel, TRAILS/Employment Action Center; Tim Nelson, Hammer Residences; Ben Withhart, Senior Community Services. Facilitators and Helpers: Bruce Hoheisel, NWHHSC; Yvonne Shoemaker, NV«iHSC; Dana Cruzen, NWHHSC Advisory Board. What do you think the human services needs will be in Plymouth 3-5 years from now? 1. Increased early childhood education opportunities 2. Family stability assistance, long term solutions 3. Meeting increasing transportation needs of senior population 4. Roads and highway development and improvement 5. Affordable rental housing 6. Public transportation that is accessible to low income families to other suburbs and downtown 7. Enhancement of parenting skills 8. Affordable property for construction of homes for disabled people 9. Mental health care for children and families 10. Increasing role for schools in health and mental health 11. Whole series of programs that would allow seniors to maintain independent living 12. Increased collaboration for schools, families and human services 13. New and interesting opportunities for retired persons to participate in the community 14. Better scholarship/more inclusive sports/activities to include underprivileged kids 15. Working with businesses to increase employment opportunities for hard to employ individuals 16. After school programs 17. Supportive services and emergency assistance for low income home owners such as foreclosure prevention 18. Maintain or increase battered women's services 19. Greater utilization of mediation services 20. Special education programs that are inclusive 21. Maintain the quality of the public schools 22. Increasing housing maintenance prcgrams 23. Better pay for service jobs 24. Comprehensive plan about communication of human services in the community 24 25. Policies and programs which encourage and support greater integration of racial and ethnic minorities as valued members of the community - human rights advocacy, people with disabilities 26. Neighborhood organization for better socialization 27. Expanded coordination between human service transportation service providers and public transit 28. Volunteerism - expanding 29. Emergency assistance for renters to prevent homelessness, such as rent and utility payments 30. Comprehensive and effective ESL classes 31. Renter education to prevent the need for emergency assistance for renters 32. Affordable healthcare for low income people 33. Growing need with aging population - need 1 and 2 member household housing 34. Affordable drugs for elderly 35. Making county human services user friendly 36. Greater creativity in developing funding support for all programs 37. Meeting transportation needs of the disabled community 38. Accessible housing for individuals with special needs, both homeowner and renter 39. Affordable housing that accommodates large families/immigrant families 40. Programs that teach socialization skills, being respectful of cultural differences and class differences 41. More leisure opportunities for handicapped and mentally challenged individuals 42. Improve accessibility to all public space 43. Increasing business participation in meeting human service needs - volunteerism, financial, donations, philanthropy, expertise 44. Transportation assistance and car programs for working families 45. With the coming of the MFIP time limits, increased suburban employment services 46. Expanding transportation for people with mental and physical disabilities 47. Improved day care options 48. Greater efforts towards joint ventures 49. Supportive services for elderly homeowners 50. Supportive services for families in rental housing 51. Information referral services 52. Provision of basic needs such as food shelf and clothing 53. More -effective programs to address dysfunctional families and individuals 54. Undoing racism in the community and public schools 55. Family advocacy for children of color in the public schools 56. Post high school training for underemployed and unemployed individuals 57. Connecting employers with human service and employment training agencies 58. Increase alcohol and drug awareness in schools and employment 59. Alternatives to 12 -step programs for behavior change 60. Collaboration with faith communities with all these topics 61. Planning and funding for expanded transit facilities and services 62. Programs for at risk juveniles 63. Get the county involved 64. Providing adequate affordable housing (low cost) scattered site 25 Grouped Items: The following represents the wishes of participants to group certain items into categories, and did not effect scoring: 1. Transportation - #4, 6, 3, 46, 44, 37, 27, 61 2. Housing - #5, 8, 38, 17, 49 ,31, 33, 39, 50, 22, 29, 64 3. Education - #1, 7, 20, 40, 16, 21, 30 26 APPENDIX D: Resident Dialogues Responses 27 Plymouth Residents Dialogue April 6, 2001 Group One Participants: Roza Nudler, Solomon Shklyarov, Alla Mironenko, Frances Bruer, Borukh Plotkin, Pauline Milner, Joe Strait, Era Kirzon, Rafail Rubakh, Ladema Miller, Polina Shklyarova, Judie Evans, Lefin Korabelnikov, Mickhail Lasinker, Svetlana Vinokur, Yefin Dair, Fainer Star, John Schwartz, Mary Sheehy, Nadia Kohistani, Crystal Kohistani, Kristine Aritt, Mikhalevich Emma, Jessica Higgins, John B. Palmer, Mike Cagley, Valerly Lelyukh, Vera Lelyukh. Facilitators and Helpers: Bruce Hoheisel, NWHHSC; Yvonne Shoemaker, NWHHSC; Dana Essex Cruzen, NWHHSC Advisory Commissioner; Pamela Nolan, NWHHSC Advisory Commissioner. What do you think the human services needs will be in Plymouth three to five years from now? 1. More space for Senior activities 2. Affordable housing 3. Better means for transportation, dial -a -ride 4. Teen center where high school and college students can go for homework, (help '"rith family life) sex issues, etc. not recreation 5. Seniors needs over all more senior facilities 6. Certain elected officials are not performing satisfactorily 7. Buses that go 2-3 times a day 8. ESL classes, more money, more hours 9. Fix roads, parking lot 10. Clean the bottom of medicine Lake 11. Bus transportation in afternoon Regency Pointe to downtown, 2-3 times per day 12. Bus to all of Plymouth around every 2 hours 13. Plymouth Boulevard Reconstruction 14. Nursing Care in the homes, upkeep of the home if the seniors are staying in their homes 15. Need more parks 16. Updated police and fire protection 17. More people willing to volunteer, more volunteer opportunities 18. Conversation classes in the building 19. More entertainment in this building — movie tickets for $.25 20. Sidewalks for people who want to walk 21. Better electric light outside Regency Point. 22. People with children build housing with 1% to 2% loans 23. Build Russian Church in Plymouth in 5 years 24. Build music center for children W Plymouth Community Resident Dialogue April 6, 2001 Group Two What do you think the human services needs of Plymouth will be three to five years from now? 1. Repair roads 2. Parks open for summer 3. Mid-day bus service to and from downtown 4. Subsidized Section 8 housing 5. Affordable housing 6. Affordable childcare 7. Home repairs services for seniors 8. Financial assistance for a health disaster, forget about other income in the household 9. More contractors incentive to build apartments with a better tax base. 10. Reasonable regulated energy rates for Plymouth to prevent skyrocketing future increases in cost. 11. Free tickets for Hennepin Parks for low income or disabled 12. Human services to help meet people 13. Expanded parks & trails 14. Class for adults English as a 2"d language 15. Drug resistance programs 16. Social service agencies that are in support of other cultures (non-English) 17. Employment services for seniors 18. Assistance with heating/fuel (agencies) 19. Opportunity for more citizens to be on planning boards in Plymouth. 20. Additional outdoor tennis courts 6-8 courts per location 21. Sewing class 22. Computer services 23. Single parent support 24. Community center with facilities pool, gym 25. Possible for churches to help individual families. 26. Expand services to help with rental deposits, down payments 27. Recreational center for indoor youth programs and hobby classes 28. Recreational facility for women 29. Rooms or buildings for renting - like party rooms 30. Home buying assistance 31. Early childhood development services 32. Assistance Nvith purchasing prescription medicine 33. Regional office with services available instead of having to go downtown - help with forms, interpreters, assistance - what is available 34. Camping outings for reasonable cost on weekends 35. Services for education (tutors) 29 36. Income tax help for seniors 37. Rental incentives from companies for workers housing within the city 38. Light -rail -downtown to Wayzata 39. Low cost financing -no interest loans for disabled Combinations: 24, 27, 28, 35 we, APPENDIX E: Cumulative Results for the Community Leaders and Residents Dialogues in 14 Northwest Hennepin Municipalities 31 Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Cumulative Results for the Community Leaders and Residents Dialogues in 14 Northwest Hennepin Municipalities Community Leaders Dialogues were held in 14 cities and one was held with the NWHHSC Advisory Commission for a total of 15. Residents Dialogues were held in 13 cities. Cumulative results of the 15 Community Leaders Dialogues and 13 Residents Dialogues are below. The numbers in parentheses are the number of times the human service area appeared in the top five priorities in all of the dialogues within the category. For example, under Community Leaders Dialogues, affordable housing appeared in the top five responses in 13 of 15 dialogues. For the Residents Dialogues, affordable housing appeared in the top five responses in 11 of 13 dialogues and services for seniors appeared in the top five responses in seven of 13 dialogues. In order to combine the -Community Leaders and Residents Dialogues results, each human service area in each of the two categories was assigned a points value — one being the least priority and five being the highest priority. The points were then added and the combined top seven ranked priorities for the two groups were the result. For example, affordable housing received five points in each category so the combined score is ten. Communitv Leaders Dialogues 5 (13) Affordable Housing 4 (11) Transportation 3 (9) Youth Services 2 (7) Immigrant Services 1 (5) Childcare Residents Dialogues 5 (11) Affordable Housing 4 (9) Youth Services 3 (7) Senior Services 3 (7) Immigrant Services 2 (5) Transportation Combined Leaders and Residents Dialogues Affordable Housing 10 Youth Services 7 Transportation 6 Immigrant Services 5 Senior Services 3 Childcare 1 Newer City Infrastructure 1 Roads and sewers, etc.) 32 MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NWHHSC TOTALS 332,120(299,173) $ 125,653 (excludes half of Plymouth) 1 Estimated Population as of June 30, 2000; Source: Metropolitan Council 2 The City of Plymouth has historically contributed funding to both NWHHSC and WHHSPB and so has provided half of the total request to NWHHSC. Municipal Contributions for 2000 2000 1 2002 2002 CITY Census Population Contributions Per Capita Requests Brooklyn Center 29,172 12,252 0.42 Brooklyn Park 67,388 20,302 0.42 Champlin 22,193 9,321 0.42 Corcoran 5,630 2,364 0.42 Crystal 22,698 9,533 0.42 Dayton 4,686 1,968 0.42 Golden Valley 20,281 8,518 0.42 Hanover 332 139 0.42 Hassan 2,463 1,034 0.42 Maple Grove 50,365 21,153 0.42 New Hope 20,873 8,767 0.42 Osseo 2,434 1,022 0.42 Plymouth 65,894 (32,947) 13,837 0.42 Robbinsdale 14,123 5,931 0.42 Rogers 3,588 1,507 0.42 TOTALS 332,120(299,173) $ 125,653 (excludes half of Plymouth) 1 Estimated Population as of June 30, 2000; Source: Metropolitan Council 2 The City of Plymouth has historically contributed funding to both NWHHSC and WHHSPB and so has provided half of the total request to NWHHSC. Municipal Contributions for 2000 NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL Research, Planning, and Coordination of Human Services July 10, 2002 Dear Community Resident, Leader and Public Official, Eighteen months ago, North Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC) embarked on a strategic planning process that engaged you and your community in assessing the human service needs for the next 3-5 years. This assessment provided an opportunity to gather information and reflect upon the recent demographic changes and current quality of life issues faced by each individual community as well as the Northwest region as a whole. The most recent census reflects these changes in many ways, the most clear of which is population growth. The 15 cities in Northwest Hennepin County recorded a 1999 population of 332,120, a 13% increase from the 1990 census. Along with shifting populations each city faces expanding infrastructure concerns as well as increasing needs for human services. Human service concerns address quality of life issues for all citizens and affect how people feel about their community. What NWHHSC learned about your city and the region through your participation in the community dialogues, are that the top five human service needs for the northwest Hennepin region include affordable housing, transportation, youth issues, immigrants and senior issues. The attached strategic plan is a result of this community participation. It is also the result of the last 18 months of planning and gathering opinions and information from you and others about the future human service needs. This long-range plan is a road map to the future; it directs us to research, plan and collaborate our efforts and focus our attention on community-based initiatives to ensure that we are responding to the human service priorities in the region. N-%VHHSC staff thanks you for your input and interest in human services. If you have questions regarding the strategic plan or would be interested in assisting with any of the strategies, please call us at 763-493- 2802. Respectfully, Kathleen J. Roach, MPH, MBA Executive Director, NWHHSC 44Z Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Champlin • Corcoran • Crystal • Dayton • GNA fanouer • Hassan • Maple Groue • New Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • Robbinsdale - 2 7Z 7601 Kentucky Ave N • Brooklyn Park, MN 55428-1284 • (763) 493-2802 • Fax (763) 493-2713 • www.nwhhsc.com NWHHSC Strategic Plan Outline 2002-2005 I. Affordable Housing A. Advocating 1. Conduct an inventory of each city's current level of affordable housing, current resources and ability to develop affordable housing. 2. Support members of the community in advocating for policies and programs to address the affordable housing shortage such as inclusionary housing, accessibility, funding for affordable housing, reducing the property tax rate on rental housing for low-income people, increasing earned income tax credits for low wage workers and universal housing construction. 3. Pursue possible income generating research projects related to affordable housing. 4. Advocate for stabilizing people that don't have housing or are at risk of losing their housing by advocating for additional Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) funds. B. Apartments Plus 1. Support increased levels of resident services in rental communities. C. Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) 1. Examine the feasibility of developing another CHDO outside the Northwest Community Revitalization Corporation's (NCRC) service area. 2. Continue to participate with the Northwest Community Revitalization Corporation (NCRC). D. Educating Residents and Communities 1. Continue to research and compile best practices related to the development of affordable housing. 2. Attend state, county, and city meetings about affordable housing. 3. Provide education about affordable housing to the Advisory Commission, the Success by 6 NW Management Committee, and other community groups as appropriate. 4. Collaborate with other organizations, businesses and faith communities to support the development of affordable housing. 5. Coordinate training opportunities for renters. 6. Coordinate Emergency Service Provider (ESP) meetings. 7. Support the establishment of a furniture warehouse in the region coordinated by the Living Word Christian Center. E. Working With Cities 1. Discuss options with cities to offer incentives to develop affordable housing, such as density bonuses, assistance with land acquisition, fee waivers, assessment abatements, and tax credits to employers who provide affordable housing for their workers. U. Transportation A. Advocating for Transportation Needs 1. Review secondary data relevant to regional transportation issues. 2. Advocate for the ex ansion of metro bus service, hubs, routes, and hours of service to 2nd and 3' ring suburbs to create better accessibility to transportation services. 3. Participate in the planning of County Road 81 improvements. 4. Plan activities advocating responsible driving and pedestrian safety. 5. Coordinate Directory of Transportation Service/Providers. 6. Coordinate a regional transportation planning committee charged with conducting an inventory of demand for service compared with actual service and implementing solutions to alleviate demand/service disparities. B. Collaboration with Existing Transit Providers and Activities 1. Participate with PRISM in their On the Road Again Project. 2. Work with grassroots programs such as Motor Head Ministry and Car -Care Saturdays. C. Legalizing Immigrant Drivers 1. Research Northwest Hennepin Police Departments' efforts to teach basic drivers' education to immigrants. D. Volunteer Program 1. Research ability of current volunteer driver programs to expand or add additional programs. III. Priorities for Youth A. Apartments Plus 1. Research the feasibility of creating a network of service providers focused on teens. 2. Conduct an initial needs assessment of Eden Park Apartments to act as a baseline satisfaction survey. 3. Expand Apartments Plus into the region so that more children and youth benefit from on site services. 4. Coordinate on-site educational programs, such as parent workshops and homework club at Eden Park Apartments. B. Mentoring 1. Pursue collaborative to create an e -mentoring program that links adult mentors and youth on-line. 2. Research information needed to determine what mentoring efforts are in place for teen parents in the region. 3. Research tutoring programs serving youth in the northwest region. 4. Plan the collaboration of an e -mentoring program. 5. Collaborate with interested partners to implement a teen parent mentoring program. C. Networking with Groups and Partners 1. Use data & resources from Hennepin County's African American Men's Project to identify and remove barriers for African American youth. 2. Work with District 287 to explore creating a regional alternative high school for older immigrant youth who have not succeeded in mainstream school (this has been started by District 287). 3. Utilize data and research about the 40 assets from Search Institute, Healthy Community/Health Youth, Community Ahead, and Tobacco and Drug Prevention in order to incorporate the information into NWHHSC programming. 4. Continue to have staff presence on the Mosaic Advisory Council to facilitate the exchange of information between youth and NWHHSC. 5. Connect with youth service providers such as Target Market, Point NW, and Annex Teen Clinic in order to share resources and information. 6. Coordinate the Success By 6 NW early childhood development initiative. 7. Reduce exposure to second hand smoke (SHS). 8. Build a movement of citizens to advocate for changes in secondhand smoke policy. 9. Reduce youth access to tobacco products. 10. Coordinate youth compliance check program. D. Resources 1. Include youth specific programs in the Guide to Human Services. 2. Utilize NWHHSC website for posting resources for youth and providing city specific resources. 3. Provide technical assistance on Communities Targeting Tobacco (CTT) to grantees (including mini -grantees and micro -grantees). 4. Partner with American Cancer Society (ACS) to promote clean air in northwest Hennepin County. E. Youth Inclusion 1. Develop a mechanism for including youth opinions into agency planning efforts. 2. Encourage youth leadership and involvement in Communities Targeting Tobacco CTT). IV. Priorities for Immigrants A. Advocacy 1. Increase the representation of immigrants and diversity on NWHHSC committees and groups. . 2. Advocate for immigrant services including services for families with young children. 3. Strengthen local human rights commissions through the Northwest Regional Human Rights Coalition. 4. Promote and include diverse representation (for both the planning committee and event participants) in the coordination of the Heritage Festival. B. Education and Workshops 1. Investigate the potential for a training opportunity for immigrants to help them understand rules and laws related to city services. 2. Help sponsor Undoing Racism Workshops in the area. 3. Locate and distribute cultural tipsheets and information about trainings for employers who hire immigrant employees. 4. Work with police and city staff on multi -cultural and sensitivity training. 5. Assist in providing training for rental managers on immigrants and multi- culturalism. 6. Facilitate monthly cross-cultural dialogues. C. Information Gathering 1. Research best practices for teaching acceptance to use in training and programming. 2. Include section on service for immigrants in the next edition of Guide to Human Services. 3. Complete 2003 regional diversity calendar. 4. Investigate and write grants to support NWHHSC immigrant initiatives. D. Regional Collaboration 1. Plan culturally specific workshops in partnership with other organizations. 2. Partner and participate in planning for area welcome centers. 3. Work with the African Non -Profit Network to develop non-profit capacity and community leadership. 4. Coordinate culturally specific workshops in partnership with other organizations. 5. Partner with schools on their diversity efforts. 6. Continue coordinating the CO-OP NW Work Force Initiative. V. Priorities for Seniors A. Advocacy 1. Attend relevant meetings of Department of Human Services, AARP, Senior Federation, Health Department, etc. for state and Hennepin County. 2. Research availability and range of services for seniors who are aging in place. 3. Work with Senior Federation to develop a group in the northwest Hennepin area. 4. Coordinate training for seniors to advocate for issues. B. Informational 1. Design an evaluation tool to assist families in assessing the overall health and well-being of the seniors in their lives. 2. Create opportunities for seniors to volunteer in the community. 3. Create employment opportunities for seniors in the community. 4. Plan the annual Senior Forum. 5. Update senior resources in the Guide to Human Services. 6. Market and distribute an evaluation tool (following the research above) to families to help assess the seniors in their lives. 7. Create and mail the Widowed Persons Newsletter. 8. Coordinate the Senior Leadership Committee. 9. Coordinate the Senior Services Network. A O 511r, NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL Remrcb, Planning, and Coordination of Human Serulon J 1 elJune11, 2002 To: Senior Leadership Committee Members in Plymouth Ciff & Mary Johnson, Marty Guritz, Marion Koch, Mable Swanson, Gen Pacyga, Marjorie Geer From: Beth Becker, Senior Projects Coordinator NW Hennepin Human Services Council Our agency has been informed by the City of Plymouth that it is their intention to withdraw from the cooperative cities agreement that uses our agency to provide human services for Plymouth. You have all been a part of this agency for many years and you most certainly have opinions about our role on behalf of seniors. Attached to this note to you is a copy of the contributions that come to the City of Plymouth through their association with the NW Hennepin Human Services Council. Will you help us? If you will write a letter of support for the agency, and/or contact the City of Plymouth to speak on our behalf we believe that the City Council might be persuaded to see the benefits they currently receive through this partnership. The truth is, for less than the cost of a part-time employee (and none of the headaches!) they receive more in emergency aid and services to Plymouth residents alone. If only a small part of the work done here at the agency is duplicated at the city, they will have increased their expenses dramatically. In addition they will lose the support of all of the agency benefits (ie: community networks and committees, emergency services dollars, NW Hennepin participation with other cities and events, including the Senior Leadership Committee). It is hard to put a dollar figure on the research, planning and coordination done here at the agency on your behalf. The City Council will be addressing this possible cut at their first meeting in July. Thank you for your support. I love working with you all, whatever you can do to help will be great! Contact me if you have questions, ideas or suggestions for us, or if I can assist you in any way. NWHHSC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENCY: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council MISSION: Research, Planning, and Coordinating Human Services for the 15 Northwest Hennepin cities BELIEVES: 1. Municipalities should share in the responsibility of seeing human services needs are met. 2. Residents and consumers should play a critical role in defining their own needs and problems, and in recommending appropriate solutions. 3. Suburban residents should have access to availability of human services within their own communities. City we serve: Plymouth and 14 other Northwest Suburbs Total Funding for 2002: $1,026,186 2002 Funding NWHHSC receives from Plymouth: $13,837 2002 Funding NWHHSC receives from Grants: $886,186 What NWHHSC provides Plymouth in regards to: RESEARCH Region wide needs assessment Youth survey Collection of secondary data Community profile binders City demographic sheets Transportation Directory uide to Human Services Developed Youth Tobacco Compliance Check Training Manual (received 6,400) a PLANNING Strategic planning Success by Six Northwest Initiative -- Senior Leadership Committee visory oners Planning for Immigrant Services Apartments Plus — planning expansion of services offered in rental communities Staff liaison to the city who works with city staff to stream line human services and share regional information COORDINATING Communities Targeting Tobacco Family Independence Network- Welfare to Work I70,000) Heritage Festival Regional Human Rights Coalition Emergency Services Program ($41,485) Regional Senior Forum Children's Mental Health Collaborative Planner's Group Businesses in Plymouth receive Working Toward iSuccessPackets (family friendly work environments) Senior Services Network F_ enior a ers ip Committee Walk'N Roll (for children's mental health) Distributed Youth Tobacco Compliance Check Training Manual Northwest Faith Collaborative Forums and action groups Partners we Collaborate with: See attached. What NWHHSC provides to your city: 1. A way for citizens, providers and municipal representatives to be involved in Hennepin County human services decision-making. 2. A source of information about human service needs and programs. 3. Leadership in the community for the effective mobilization of community resources to meet human service needs. 4. Staffing assistance to the municipalities in areas of their involvement in human services, as they may request it. 5. A place to refer citizens with needs and/or problems relating to human services, (i.e. elderly, mentally ill, chemically dependent, youth, etc.) 6. Staffing assistance to community groups who want to organize a planning effort to meet specific needs or problems. 7. The capability to do research on human service issues and needs. 8. Planning staff to participate in regional and county planning activities, in behalf of the municipalities. 9. A way to bring county -wide services and programs into our local communities so that citizens can have better access to them. 10. Assurance that efforts are being made to coordinate the planning of human services and to deter the unnecessary duplication of services. 11. The ability to make presentations on and provide information about needs and services in the area. 12. The means to develop leadership and interest on the part of citizens to be involved in human services. 13. A way to communicate the concerns of the municipalities regarding human service issues to the providers and involved citizens of the area, and visa -versa. What Plymouth would lose if it no longer contributed to the Joint Powers Agreement: 1. NWHHSC leverages 85% of their budget in grants to support human service work in the Northwest Hennepin suburbs. 2. NWHHSC has successfully brought together partner agencies in a collaborative effort to better serve the residents of the entire Northwest Hennepin area, reducing duplication of service. 3. The expertise of NWHHSC in identifying historically unlikely groups to participate together collaboratively on projects and programs (i.e., members of the faith communities working together with social service providers on welfare reform programs). See partners list. 4. Coordinator of the Regional Human Rights Coalition and the Heritage Festival. 5. The consistent opportunity to hear what is happening to human services in neighboring cities, and the ways in which other cities are addressing issues. 6. A resource to turn to with requests for special projects (i.e., forums or research on a particular topic of interest to the city). 7. A networking agency to provide regional exposure for an individual city (publicity regarding projects, funding, etc.). 8. Specific attention given to building relationships with individual cities through the NWHHSC city liaison effort. 9. Residents lose access to the FIN (Family Independence Network) welfare to work program. 10. A public (i.e., visible and active) commitment to residents that the city is sharing responsibility for meeting human service needs. In other words, NWHHSC is the reason the city can tell the community that they are addressing human services issues. 11. An opportunity to serve their residents for little cost. 12. Emergency Services dollars that are coordinated by NWHHSC. 13. The opportunity to be included in effective strategies to prevent our youth from using tobacco, keeping in mind that tobacco use is the country's leading cause of death and illness. 14. A resource of best practices research in the field of human services. 15. The opportunity to be included in the Northwest Faith Collaborative or benefiting from the actions or outcomes of this collaborative or any funding opportunities through this collaborative. 16. Technical assistance through city demographic material information and referral resource. CV ri N guise /9, 2002 7v: 21. outh Ci -4 r 340m:I-ymou,-h mem6e c& o4 Seni.vah.lp Committee iponao/Lea' 6, A'. V, Human Se&vi.ce4 CounciJ Pe: v4 Cay v i Lcymvutltiwm N. a! Hunan Senvi cea Cvunci.L Ve aice e4pecixd4 conce-&ned a4 mem6eiA v4 Seni..v.c LeadeiAAilp Cvmmi ttee that the Ci.tcy of Tlymouth may uu.thdw&, jwm .the coopeAattve ci.ti.e4 apAeement cf therce4oze .LymvatA aeru:oai u -vu, d no , ongerc 6e part o4 the committee, fight veng active and contici6ut.ing i'l-ymouth mem6eicA L:A.ted on page 2 19J -ay an cmpvntant wle uJhe2e use adAeA4 i/,Aue4 v4 apeci.a.L cvncenn4 to aen,i..oAA. Ah a Aeaul-t o a May 5, 1989, mee-,- n v /5 communities -cn vu l N.' Azea uhi.ch uru attended 6y aLL mayoai, city manage A, city counca mem6elL,, as cuel.0 ai Mate o4 ci.a and ienilo t p,,w ., i.t ua. cvnc.Luded that uZi-A 4Ae- exp.Loding pvpulaiZon o4 aeni..oui in ouic area, city o4riIci.a. 4 wuLd 6e 6ettet a6Le to adcLce/iA the4e Z&Auea w to the a4&1..:Ennce vl a committee 46.nmed tv zeaea cch the pno6Lem and di4Aemtnate. the tn/oAmai-iorz. rut committee ha i a apeahen. uaua.L.Lg at everug mvnth.Ly meeting peicta -ni.no to aenioa i/iAue4, IUCA a& "',edica&e, pteaciu:pti.vn d4u i, i-poA&4on, ienioz a6u c, 4a Z4 cf i.njc&u pzeventi..on, 4aaud, hoipi.ce, Zn cZaL and i.naa/Lan.ce a/jAiltance, cane -given auppoAi, etc. .7Ai, tn4o-nmation 4E4 then .Zven to f.Lymvuth Ileni_viA ei.the2 6y the apecJ e& and/va uru:.tten mate, , a.L at CZC meeting oz apecixL pnvgnama. '('e have 4eJl teal nnvgice,4 i-4 being made a4 nosed 6y the c.ncze7Ae Zn the in6e2e4t and attendance o our annua,L /oaum4 where we adAe14 aLl ilAueh o ierzioz concenA. Ve had oven 500 a;endee4 at ou-c ApA,U 2002 on.wn Aom the N. V. azea. continued) rage 2 rL mvutf: raLtAAeu, AOM tAj.' e440Af, use neo,2e} the LvvA o Dole vena active /aalc icipanth wAo Aave contni.buted 4o muck "'Ie neapect1uulu nee-ueit you tv take ours contni.60ivnA into cvnAidenativn. Ve 4ee.6 the need AaA not dimi. i 4Aed uAUtA ours oAou)ing. aq.inq population and ane 44Encene y dedica 'ed tv MZ4 evict. .'ire have anpneciated youA aanpont and 4ee.l thio AaA been a wen u'i.n Ijituafivn vn a.Ll o " Pn the. miM.ivn intended - hank you. iLcmouth membe/tA v Senivn Leczde/cihip Committee: Bi.0 CavaAna ^1a/tilon KOCn Raney (ri'oAnaone_n acyaa, C.Li. 1 nohrvion Ma e. Sueutlon I aAjonie CP eA l')al,. cy Cunit, cc - Beth Becher, SeniorsnoJ.ec tai Cvondinatvn A%'I Re-rrne,oin 11uman Service i Council Laurie Ahrens From: Sandy Hewitt Sent: Monday, July 01, 2002 9:47 AM To: Alyssa Malinski' Cc: Council Subject: RE: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Thank you for your email. Plymouth will continue to receive the money from the Emergency assistance funding. Hennepin County contracts with Northwest hennepin Human Services Council to disperse the funds within our community. Hennepin County also pays them money to administer this funding. The funding is then dispersed to agencies within our community. I have spoken with Rex Holzemer, associate director of human services,(I believe that is his title, although it recently had changed) and he has assured me that we will not lose our funding if we no longer were part of the council. He will be writing a letter to that effect that we should receive in the next week. I have been on the board of the council for the past year and a half, and do not feel that the city of Plymouth receives enough benefit from them for the amount of money that we pay. There are many agencies within our cc=unity that work hard for our citizens, such as Home Free, PRIZM, Interfaith Outreach, and I feel do a much better job of planning and implementation of services that are needed within our community. Again, thanks for your email, and I hope I have addressed your concern. If you would like to talk to me further about this, please e7,ail me again at shewitt@ci.plymouth.mn.us or call me at 763-509-5001. Sandy Hewitt Councilmember Ward 1 Original Message ----- From: Alyssa Malinski To: council@ci.plymouth.mn.us Sent: 6/30/2002 9:50 PM Subject: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Dear Mayor and Council Members of Plymouth, I am writing to urge to you continue to fund Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. I am a ?_ymouth resident and I think the residents of Ply.cuth will be losing a lot of helpful services from this agency. The Emergency Assistance that they provide is crucial to residents who need immediate assistance- how will these citizens get their assistance in the future if NWHHSC is not involved? Concerned Plymouth Resident, Alyssa Malinski 4650 Ranchview Lane Plymouth, MN 55446 Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA Wor-d Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com Laurie Ahrens From: Sandy Hewitt Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2002 10:43 AM To: Joy Tierney Cc: Council Subject: RE: NWHHSC Contribution I spoke with Penny Steele about the situation, and she did agree that the NWHHSC is beneficial for Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal,Robbinsdale, and New Hope. She did acknowledge the fact that NWHHSC does not necessarily benefit Plymouth. When I spoke with Rex last week, he also noted that Edina is chosing to no longer work with their human service council, and is chosing to use other avenues for coordination between social services. The county has continually overlooked social services in the suburban areas, and does need to look at what they are doing, but that should not prohibit us from looking at the situation and discussing it at a study session. Sandy Hewitt Original Message ----- From: Joy Tierney To: D..ight Johnson Cc: Council Sent: 7/5/2002 1:50 PM Subject: FW: NWHHSC Contribution Dwigh" Could we get the County/County Commission's viewpoint of this issue? I somehow believe that the County is to be the chief overseer of this socia- service planning/delivery program but that they have displayed an extracrdinarily lack of interest. Either Plymouth has a big hole in socia_ service planning because the NW program is so successful that we should not stop at half of Plymouth or we are paying for a system that canno= be wholly justified. It is time we get a final answer on this, and I am not sure our Council should be making the decision on anecdotal infor-.ation alone. Joy Original Message ----- From: LINDA L. WOLD[mailto:Linda.Wold@worldnet.att.net] Sent: _Monday, July 01, 2002 2:27 PM To: council@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subje--t: NWHHSC Contribution Linda L. Wold Attor-ey at Law 9909 - 108th Place North Maple 73rove, MN 55369-2740 763-425-4217 July 1, 2002 Dear '•'ayor Tierney & Councilmembers: I am family law attorney who serves many clients from Plymouth. Many of these clients are women with small children. I provide my legal services to them on a pro bono basis. A great number of these clients are in need of & :ave used the very human services provided for through your contr_bution to the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. I have seen -:-nese families benefit greatly from your monies & the specific servi:cs or programs. One such program is "Success by Six Northwest 1 Initiative. My clients in Plymouth have been able to obtain educational services for their children that will allow those children to be in step with their peers at the time they enter school. Another example is the Emergency Service Program. My Plymouth clients have been able to obtain and or maintain their rent & utilities when they have had to flee their homes in Plymouth due to their abusive husbands harming them or their children. I now ask you to consider the women & children that will not be served if you cut the approximate $13, 000 to Northwest Hennepin Human Service Council. Their needs are so great for relief & assistance and your contribution would produce such admirable human services, worth far more than your city's initial contribution. Please remain committed to women and children in your community. Please contact me with any questions. Very Truly yours, Linda L. Wold Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Dwight Johnson Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 8:32 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: NWHHSC Original Message ----- From: WBodette@aol.com [mailto:WBodette@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 4:57 PM To: council@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: NWHHSC We are members of Valley Community Presbyterian Church, where we have a strong outreach and advocacy program. We just learned you will be voting tonight on continued funding for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. As residents of Plymouth, we are very much in favor of continuing Plymouth's funding to this council, and urge you to think carefully before voting. We hope Plymuth won't let down the many people who need the NWHHSC services. Sincerely, William & JacLyn Bodette 1144 Trenton Cir N Plymouth, MN 55441 7/10/2002 Laurie Ahrens From: Ginny Black Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 4:38 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: NWHHSC FYI GB Original Message ----- From: WBodette@aol.com To: gblack@ci.plymouth.mn.us Sent: 7/11/2002 5:07 PM Subject: NWHHSC We are a little surprised that we were the only one to reply, evidently it was not widely publicized . In a List of various services that are provided Plymouth residents by NWHHSC, most of which were research, planning and coordinating, there were two items that listed specific amounts, they were: Emergency Services Program $41485 for a wide list of monetary needs, vouchers and most women at the Home Free Shelter receive some of this assistance - the other was Youth Tobacco Compliance Check $6400. Both of these combined exceed the amount that Plymouth funds to this organization. We are leaving tomorrow AM for a weeks vaca-ion, after our return on 7/22, will respond with further social services that they provide. Sincerely, William and JacLyn Bodette 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Sandy Hewitt Sent: Monday, July 08, 2002 3:57 PM To: 'Barbara Johnston' Cc: Council Subject: RE: Funding for Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Thank you for your email. I definately can understand your concern about funding for social services. I worked at the county in social services for many years, and am aware of many of the issues involved. If Plymouth were no longer a member of the Northwest hennepin Human Services Council, I have been assured by Rex Holzemer at the county, that no funds would be cut for the city of Plymouth. What the city of Plymouth is trying to determine is how best we can spend the taxpayers money. At the present time, we fund many agencies (such as Interfaith outreach, Homefree, PRIZM) and collaboratives, and NWHHSC does not appear to be bringing all of these organizations together. We as a city need to figure out what each are doing, and what would be the best way to collaborate between these agencies in our city. NWHHSC does great work for Crystal, Robbinsdale, New Hope, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. The city of Plymouth needs to look at what works best for our citizens. Thanks for your email. I appreciate your concerns and hopefully we can find out what is best for all those in need. Sandy Hewitt Councilmember Ward 1 Original Message ----- From: Barbara Johnston To: council@ci.plymouth.mn.us Sent: 7/7/2002 6:18 PM Subject: Funding for Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council My name is Barbara Johnston, and I've been teaching Sociology at North Hennepin Community College for the past 20 years. Though I'm not a resident of Plymouth (I reside in Crystal), I felt compelled to write to you concerning your apparent decision to defund the above services. Students come to North Hennepin from all over the Northwest suburban area, and many of those students depend on the kinds of services offered by NWHHSC. I have students who are single parents, former battered women, displaced workers, immigrants, working to get off welfare, poor, homeless, and I could go on. One woman's husband lost his job because of an injury, and they recently lost their home because they couldn't pay the mortgage. Many, like this woman, come to North Hennepin to try to get back on their feet, and the kinds of services you are considering cutting are exactly what they need. Programs and services are being cut everywhere. Please don't take away any more of the safety net these people need. I respectfully request that you consider your decision with creat care and empathy. I think if you look carefully at what you are getting for what you pay, you'll find it's the best buy in town. Thank you for listening. A concerned citizen. 1 Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Dwight Johnson Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 1:46 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: FW: Your voting on support of safety -net services Original Message ----- From: Mary Strandness[mailto:cherokeemaryl3@worldnet.att.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 2:46 PM To: council@ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: Your voting on support of safety -net services To the Mayor & All Plymouth City Council Members: It is very important in this day and age of greed & money -first values that human relationships & realities be considered. I have heard about what you are up to these days and thankfully your vote was postponed last night I am a physically challenged widow over 80 years old and fortunately have been able to make ends meet on a very limited budget. I came to Minnesota in 1983 and have lived here at 7600 Golden Valley ever since then. I am a Connecticut Yankee who was brought as a bride to North Dakota where we were on the Jamestown College Faculty for 31 years (under 10 presidents). I was shocked to learn you folks of Plymouth are considering voting out a program of services which is the BEST BUY in 15 communities. My church supports the work of Home Free, and Families Moving Forward, etc. BUT there is NO WAY we or any other faith institutions working together can amass the monies you now receive to underwrite the services provided to women, children, elderly immigrants, homeless families, etc. who NEED the SAFETY NET YOU are wanting to abolish. PLEASE come to a halt & quietly consider what a drastic move you are proposing. There will surely be no stars in your heavenly crowns if you vote out all that you have accomplished through the past years. GOD BLESS YOU & THANK YOU for listening. Mary Dunbar Strandness 763 545-7514 7/10/2002 Home Free 3405 East Medicine Lake Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55441 June 20, 2002 Mayor Joy Tierney City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, IMN 55447-1402 Dear Mayor Tierney: Business: (763) 559-9008 Crisis Line: (763) 559-4945 Fax: (763) 559-6315 We are writing in support of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council and their programs. Plymouth battered women and their children who come to Home Free use many services provided by NHWWSC. Their Emergency Services Program is particularly important to women who are trying to leave an abusive situation and start a new life. Our residents from Plymouth have also used the Family Independence Network (Welfare to Work) and the Success by Six Program. We really would have no way to help battered women from Plymouth with emergency money for transportation and housing. And, there is simply no other group in our community that provides those services. It can mean the difference between a battered woman returning to her abuser or being able to choose an alternative to living with violence. For that reason, Home Free sincerely hopes that Plymouth will continue to participate in and support the Northwest Human Services Council. Thank you for your consideration. Sincereiy, Eleneta (Nita) Quinn Home Free Development Mgr. cc: NWHHSC Mary Monteon JUN 24 D,331 r•A January 4, 2002 CITY OF Kathleen Roach, Executive Director PUMOUTR Regional Human Rights Coalition Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council 7601 Kentucky Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Dear Ms. Roach: The Plymouth Human Rights Commission recently discussed its participation in the Regional Human Rights Coalition. We understand that the Coalition was established three years ago by the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council to "provide an opportunity for sharing resources; an impetus for human rights work on an individual commission and regional group level; and to work on joint regional projects." We support a regional human rights coalition for purposes of idea sharing, conducting joint projects between local human rights commissions, and advocating for local human rights commissions to be established. However, we have a number of concerns with the Coalition. The Coalition duplicates work being done by local commissions and by the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission. The Coalition also blurs the boundaries between human services and human rights. Our biggest concern is from a global perspective. Several cities involved in the Coalition do not have a local human rights commission and use this Coalition as their commission". We believe that this practice actually discourages a human rights commission from being formed in a community. Local human rights commissions are needed to work with police departments on training and other issues, to conduct hate crime response, and to address human rights issues unique to that community. The Plymouth Human Rights Commission will not be continuing its involvement in the Regional Human Rights Coalition at this time. We support efforts to further human rights and are not discouraging other cities from participating in the Coalition if they find value in it. We are always willing to share resources with other cities and other local commissions, but we feel that our efforts can better be spent locally given the current activities of the Coalition. We would request that the Coalition consider amending its role so that: 1) The Coalition serves as a place for local commissions to share ideas and problems with each other and conduct joint projects if feasible. 2) The Coalition advocates, along with the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions, for cities to establish a local human rights commission. The Coalition actively discourages cities from using the Coalition as a "commission" for their city. 3) The Coalition provides supportive research, serves as a clearinghouse for information on human rights, and provides activities and resource lists to all commissions. PLYMOUTH A'Bcauti%u[Placc'To Livc 1,100 PI VNAnI ITL -4 Rill It C\IA Mn ni veer. , ... .,rn T. --. _,.__ If the role of the Coalition is changed, we would reconsider our involvement. Sincerely, Joan Jensen Chairperson cc: Plymouth City Council NWHHSC Executive Board Member cities League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Oily 0f ley City Hall January 10, 2002 7800 Golden Valley Road workplan. The Coalition will compile the information and send this GoldenVaUcyMN 554214588 Valerie A. Jones 763) 593-8000 Senior Projects Coordinator FAX (763) 593-8109 Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council TO (763) 593-3968 7601 Kentucky Avenue N. Mayor and Council Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 763) 593-8006 Dear Valerie Jones: City Manager and helpful the HRCs are by providing supportive research and an activitie-s 763) 593-8002 The Golden Valley Human Rights Commissioners agreed at their December 13 PubGcSafety meeting to support recommendations for the Northwest Regional Human Police (763) 593-8079 Fire (763) 593-8080 Rights Coalition as put forward by the Plymouth Human Rights Commission. Fax (763) 593-8098 We understand the recommendations to be as follows: Public Works that the Human Rights Commissions share with the Coalition their yearly 763) 593-8030 - workplan. The Coalition will compile the information and send thisFax (763) 593-3988 information to each HRC so each one knows what the other is doing. tnspecrions 763) 593-8090 Fax (763) 593-3997 that the Coalition be an advocate in encouraging other cities to establish a Motor Vehicle Human Rights Commission. They can do this by showing cities how productive 763) 593-8101 and helpful the HRCs are by providing supportive research and an activitie-s Planning and Zoning list. 763) 593-8095 Finance 763) 593-8013 that cities be actively discouraged from using the Coalition as a HRC for their city. Assessing 763) 593-8020 Sincerely, Park and Recreation 200 Brookview Parkway Golden Valley, MN 55426-1364 763)512-2345 FAX (763) 512-2344 iHilmer Erickson TDD (763) 593-3968 Chair, Golden Valley Human Rights Commission City Website w Av.ci.golde n -valley. m n..us ITV OF PLYMOUTR May 3, 2002 Valerie Jones Regional Human Rights Coalition Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council 7601 Kentucky Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Dear Valerie: On behalf of the Plymouth Human Rights Commission, I want to thank you for inviting us to the March 5 regional meeting to discuss our concerns with the Regional Human Rights Coalition. We also appreciate you attending our April 4 meeting for additional discussion. We have previously indicated our belief that the Regional Coalition is a duplication of services for some cities, including Plymouth, and a discouragement to the forming of human rights commissions in other communities. Our concerns about the Regional Coalition remain. We are very willing to share information and combine efforts with other human rights commissions on particular projects. However, we will not be participating in the quarterly meetings. If you desire written reports or other information from us, we will be happy to provide it. Sincerely, Norma Garfin Chairperson LYIIJOUTIi 34CC PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. PAINNESOTA 55447-1482 ^ TELEPHONE i,753i 509-5000 w%wv^r. ri,ply mouih.mn.us MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 DATE: June 13, 2002 TO: Chief Craig Gerdes FROM: Lt. Joel Franz SUBJECT: Northwest Hennepin Human Services The Police Department has not worked real close with Northwest Hennepin Human Services although we have worked with them in the following areas: The Cadet Program. With the assistance of Northwest Hennepin Human Services we put together the Cadet Program. Much of the work completed for this program was done by Sgt. Bob Nesbitt. We have since broken away from them and developed our own program because we were unable to keep any of the cadets. Tobacco Compliance Grant. Last year we partnered with Northwest Hennepin Human Services in a grant to support tobacco compliance checks. Through this grant a training video was developed to train clerks. Secondhand Smoke Research. Lt. Dan Twaddle used Northwest Hennepin Human Services to research the effects of secondhand smoke. This information was presented to the City Council in a work session. Currently Northwest Hennepin Human Services is working on a grant to be used to train compliance checkers and train officers in conducting compliance checks. There may also be money available to help pay for the actually checks. From what I have seen, we would have been able to complete the goals of each of these programs by ourselves or by using other resources. The current compliance/training grant being worked on will help other cities in the group get to the point where we already are. I do not believe we would get a lot of benefit out of the grant they are currently seeking. Northwest Hennepin Human Services has asked for our assistance in putting together this training. MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NWHHSC TOTALS 329,460 $ 125,248 (excludes half of Plymouth) I Estimated Population as of June 30, 2000; Source: Metropolitan Council z The City of Plymouth has historically contributed funding to both NWHHSC and WHHSPB and so has provided half of the total request to NWHHSC. Municipal Contributions for 2000.xls 2000 ' 2002 2002 CITY Est. Population Contributions Per Capita Requests Brooklyn Center 29,000 12,180 0.42 Brooklyn Park 66,500 27,930 0.42 Champlin 21,500 9,030 0.42 Corcoran 5,850 2,457 0.42 Crystal 23,900 10,038 0.42 Dayton 5,200 2,184 0.42 Golden Valley 21,700 9,114 0.42 Hanover 360 151 0.42 Hassan 2,850 1,197 0.42 Maple Grove 49,000 20,580 0.42 New Hope 21,800 9,156 0.42 Osseo 2,650 1,113 0.42 Plymouth 62,500 26,250 0.42 Robbinsdale 14,300 6,006 0.42 Rogers 2,350 987 0.42 TOTALS 329,460 $ 125,248 (excludes half of Plymouth) I Estimated Population as of June 30, 2000; Source: Metropolitan Council z The City of Plymouth has historically contributed funding to both NWHHSC and WHHSPB and so has provided half of the total request to NWHHSC. Municipal Contributions for 2000.xls Agenda Number: —3 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City ManagerSUBJECT: Set Future Study Sessions DATE: August 5, 2002, for Council study session of August 13, 2002 ACTION REQUESTED: Review the pending study session topics list and establish future special meetings if desired. Calendars are attached to assist in scheduling. Pending Study Session Topics at least 3 Council members have approved the following study items on the list) I-494 Corridor Commission (Slavik, Black, Hewitt) Discuss 2001 Audit Report (Tierney, Black, Slavik) Consider options for policy on disposal of city -owned property OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS August 2002 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Ju12002 Sep 2002 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 29 30 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: COMMUNICATION ON 5:30 PM NATIONAL NIGHT 4:00 PM ANNUAL PARK LEGAL ISSUES; OUT TOUR, depart STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION from Ci Hall PROJECTS, Public Safety Training Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 7:30 PM YOUTH Council Chambers ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: 7:00 PM EOC, BASS Lake ROOMDISCUSS RESIGNATION FROM N.W. HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL, Public Safety Training Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:30 PM 7:00 PM YOUTH PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION, COUNCIL, Council Chambers Council Chambers 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM 7:30 AM LOCAL 7:00 PM HRA - SPECIAL aURad soon HoteICIL, Medicine Lake R!!:JI COUNCIL MEETING: 7:00 PM REGULAR 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room BUDGET COUNCIL MEETING, STUDY Council Chambers SESSION, CITY COUNCIL Plymouth Creek CANDIDATE FILING Center PERIOD OPENS modified on 8/2/2002 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS September 2002 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 LABOR DAY - City 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM Rosh Hashanah Offices Closed SPECIAL PLANNING SPECIAL begins at sunset COUNCIL COMMISSION, COUNCIL MEETING: Council Chambers MEETING: BUDGET BUDGET STUDY STUDY SESSION, SESSION, Plymouth Creek Plymouth Creek Center Center 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7:00 PM REGULAR 5:00 PM CITY COUNCIL 7:00 PM EQC, Bass Lake Room 7:00 AM HUMAN RIGHTS 10:00 AM -5:00 PM AUTUMN COUNCIL CANDIDATE COMMISSION, ARTS FAIR, MEETING, Council FILINGS CLOSE Employee Parkers Lake Chambers Lunchroom (this Park PRIMARY meeting only) ELECTION DAY - Polls are open 7 AM - 8 PM 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Yom Kippur begins at sunset 7:30 PM YOUTH 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HRA- Medicine Lake Room 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, ADVISORY COMMISSION, PLYMOUTH COUNCIL, Council Council Chambers 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETYADVISORY BOARD, Police Dept. Library CLEAN-UP DAY, Public Chambers Works Maintenance Facility 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESS 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room COUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 29 30 Aug 2002 Oct 2002 7:30 PM S M T W T F S S M T W T F S YOUTH 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 ADVISORY COUNCIL, 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Council 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Chambers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31 modified on 8/2/2002 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS October 2002 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 Sep 2002 S M T W T F S 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 1:00 PM -5:00 PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COMMISSION, COMMISSION - PLYMOUTH ON 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Council Chambers Council Chambers PARADE 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7:00 PM REGULAR 7:00 PM EQC, Bass Lake Room r 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7:30 PM YOUTH ADVISORY 6:30 PM VOLUNTEER 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room COUNCIL, Council Chambers RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek COMMISSION, Council Chambers 00 pM PUBLIC SIMYADVISORY BOARD, Police Dept LibraryCenter COLUMBUS DAY OBSERVED), Public Works Division closed 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESS 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room COUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 27 28 29 30 31 Nov 2002 DAYLIGHT 7:30 PM S M T W T F S SAVINGS ENDS - YOUTH 1 2 set clocks back t ADVISORY 3 4 5 6 7 8 9hourCOUNCIL, Council 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 8/2/2002