HomeMy WebLinkAboutBlock Grant Meeting Minutes 2_2_2024
Franklin County Human Services Block Grant Committee Meeting
Minutes
Friday, February 2nd, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Virtual Meeting
Voting Members
Virtual:
Kim Crider, Kim Wertz, Lorna Blanchard, Zachary McCauley, Brenda Lamar, Doug Wilburne, Mike
Straley
Absent:
Sherri Sullivan, Greg Colbert
Staff Members
Virtual:
Stacie Horvath, Hali Finniff, Glenda Helman, Cori Seilhamer, Stacy Rowe, Ashley McCartney,
Zachary Gantz, James Eagler, John Thierwechter, Janelle Friese, John Gerak, Leslie Bowers,
Tobin Kercheval, Danielle Beaver, Erin Nye, Jane Cline, John McPaul, Lori Young, Missy
Reisinger. Nicole Smith, Stacey Brookens, Tressia Day
Guests
Virtual:
None
Acronyms:
C&Y = Children & Youth HSDF = Human Services Development Fund
D&A = Drug and Alcohol HUD = Housing and Urban Development
DHS = Department of Human Services I&R = Information & Referral
EI = Early Intervention MH/IDD/EI = Mental Health/ Intellectual &
ESG = Emergency Solutions Grant Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention
FY = Fiscal Year SCCAP = South Central Community Action Program
HCP = Healthy Communities Partnership TMCA = Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance
HSBG = Human Services Block Grant HS = Human Services
Meeting Documents Sent Out:
● Agenda BG 2-2-2024
● Block Grant Meeting Minutes 8/31/2023
● HSBG Committee Meeting 02.02.2024
I. Welcome and Introductions:
The meeting was called to order by the chair, Stacie Horvath at 1:00 PM.
● Stacie Horvath introduced all to the meeting for roll call.
● Voting Members, Sherri Sullivan and Greg Colbert were unable to attend this meeting.
● Thomas Reardon has resigned from the Housing/Homelessness seat.
● Stacie Horvath stated that there are three open seats on the Block Grant Committee.
Aging, Housing / Homelessness, and Faith Based.
II. Review of Meeting Minutes and approval:
Upon a motion by voting member Kim Wertz, and a second by voting member Kim Crider. All in
favor. 6 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No. The minutes of the August 31, 2023 meeting were
approved. Please note there were only 6 voting members at this time the vote took place, there
was a voting member who joined the meeting late. Addendum to meeting minutes that happened
on March 27, 2024. An email vote that took place which was in support of moving funds to
purchase a used vehicle for Leah’s Legacy. The email vote count includes 10 Yes (in support); 0
No; 1 abstention. We are seeking approval to transfer $27,000 in funds to help offset costs for
transportation of female participants to recovery-oriented services, programs, life-skill workshops,
hosted events and activities.
III. FY 2022-2023 Human Services Block Grant Plan Retained Earnings / PowerPoint
Presentation and Projects / Planning Discussion:
Stacy Rowe:
Human Services Fiscal Manager Stacy Rowe presented to the committee, the Human Services
Block Grant Fiscal Report, from February 2, 2024. FY 22-23 allocation remained flat. Total
allocation for FY 22-23, including fiscal year 21-22 retained revenue of $105,997, was
$7,413,244. Total spending through June 30, 2022 was $5,914,277. Not all of those dollars are
allowed to be carried over. Mental Health has some funding through a settlement known as
Forensic Funds that are not eligible for carry-over from year to year. This is where you’ll be able
to see where the fund landed with the balance versus what is eligible for carry-over. In Mental
Health specifically the bulk of that funding that was unspent was the forensic funding. However
there are some state dollars that are allowed to be carried over at $110,157. This adds into the
other departments with their funding that is allowed to be carried over for a total of $159,948, this
total does need to be spent by June 30, 2024. The County is required to contribute 2.7% on all
State Funded expenditures. County Match for FY 22-23 estimated to be $153,000. Proposed
retained revenue plan included $159,948, estimated to serve 1,984 individuals. The programs
within the retained revenue program are as follows:
1. Mental Health - Respite Kidz Therapy Zone - Expansion to Saturdays ($38,400)
2. Mental Health - Transportation Program - Occupational Services Incorporated ($28,159)
3. Housing Assistance Program - SCCAP Rental Assistance ($46,025)
4. Human Services Development Fund - Information and Referral ($5,000)
5. Human Services Development Fund - Military Share Program ($20,000)
6. Human Services Development Fund - Veterans Transportation Program ($22,364)
Voting:
1. Upon a motion by Kim Wertz, to approve the reallocation of funding to Respite Kidz Therapy
Zone in the amount of $38,400.. Kim Wertz to move and a second by Brenda Lamar. All in favor.
7 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No.
2. Upon a motion by Kim Wertz, to approve the reallocation of funding to Occupational Services
Incorporated in the amount of $28,159.. Kim Wertz to move and a second by Lorna Blanchard.
All in favor. 7 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No.
3. Upon a motion by Kim Wertz, to approve the reallocation of funding to SCCAP Rental
Assistance in the amount of $46,025.. Kim Wertz to move and a second by Lorna Blanchard.All in
favor. 7 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No.
4. Upon a motion by Kim Wertz, to approve the reallocation of funding to Information and Referral
in the amount of $5,000.. Kim Wertz to move and a second by Lorna Blanchard. All in favor. 7
Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No.
5. Upon a motion by Kim Wertz, to approve the reallocation of funding to the Military Share
Program in the amount of $20,000.. Kim Wertz to move and a second by Lorna Blanchard. All in
favor. 7 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No.
5. Upon a motion by Kim Wertz, to approve the reallocation of funding to the Veterans
Transportation Program in the amount of $22,364.. Kim Wertz to move and a second by Lorna
Blanchard. All in favor. 7 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0 No.
IV. Fiscal Review Update (2023-2024 FY):
Ms. Stacy Rowe reported to the committee the 23/24 Fiscal update as follows:
1. Our Fiscal Year 23/24 HSBG plan is due February 15, 2024 to the State for approval.
2. The Fiscal Year 23/24 is projected to exceed allowable carry-over. Maximum allowable
carry-over is 5% of State Funding, projected to be $281,000.
Fiscal was made aware there is additional funding for the Mental Health categorical of about
268,000. Stacy Rowe is unsure whether this will be an increase for each year to this categorical.
Stacie Horvath asked for a vote to move allocations of $53,887 of FY 23/24 funding to the
SCCAP Homeless Assistance Program for Rental Assistance. Lorna Blanchard made the motion
to approve. Kim Wertz seconded the motion. All in Favor with 7 Yes (in support), 0 Absent, and 0
No.
V. Human Services Program Department Review:
Stacie Horvath informed the departments will be speaking about any updates and crucial
information going on. This is to keep the public and the Block Grant Members informed.
Mental Health, Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, and Early Intervention with Mental
Health Housing (MH/IDD/EI): Stacey Brookens
Intellectual Developmental Disabilities - Jessica and Friends is a fairly new provider. They will be
opening a day program but need to obtain a location. They have not announced the opening yet,
but will be announcing in the near future. They provide the IDD mobile community nurse that
goes out doing different activities and assists those who need IDD services. The IDD mobile
community nurse was able to assist with the point in time count (PIT count). She was able to set
up at the cold weather shelter to look over those individuals that may need medical attention also
to inform the individuals of medication management skills and other services the county provides.
The Mother to Mother Autism Lunch will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024. This will be held at
Grand point church. The Intellectual Developmental Disabilities will be present and a part of the
resource room.
Mental Health Housing - Jennifer Hutchinson who is the Program Specialist for Mental Health
Housing is working on becoming SOAR Certified. Sore stands for SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access,
and Recovery. Jennifer Hutchinson should have her certificate sometime this Spring. This will
help to increase access for any adult who may be experiencing or at risk of being homeless for
those who have some type of mental illness, medical impairment, or some type of co-occurring
issue as well. Mental Health Housing is trying to increase street outreaching services. Currently
working with a couple other programs along with local agencies to provide medication
management to those who are currently homeless. The County is currently working with different
providers who are actively working outside to find those who are homeless and in need of
assistance this will allow all parties involved to get those who are homeless the help and services
they need.
Cori Seilhamer - The week the consultants will be here is the week of February 19, 2024.
Invitations have gone out for several in person meetings. If you are unable to attend there will be
a virtual meeting held on February 27, 2024 at 6pm.
Franklin/Fulton SCA Drug & Alcohol: Administrator James Eagler
A lot of the services are just being continued; they have not received any increase in funding. A
lot of their funding goes towards treatment. They provided free services for those in the
community that are under insured or not insured. They do provide funding for recovery housing.
They currently have about 98 individuals in treatment or recovery services. They are asking the
state for more funding to be able to assist more individuals in recovery. The Drug and Alcohol
department not only can assist with recovery housing, but is able to assist with case management
services, employment, and referrals to the community.
Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance (TMCA): Missy Reisigner
Reinvestment programs - Medicaid eligible people must have Medicaid in order to receive
housing initiatives, pay for room and board for those in recovery looking for a safe substance free
sober living environment. Bridge rental subsidy along with a supportive living program for
Medicaid eligibles who can live independently but want to find a place of their choosing not in a
congregate setting. Tuscarora Managed Care Alliance will assist them in finding housing and
applying for the section 8 housing. They will pay the bridge rental until the individual is able to get
the section 8 housing. They can also have a program that can help community members in this
reinvestment program to learn to speak with the landlord, neighbors, and find budgeting tools.
This is for those who have mental health or substance issues. The age focus for this reinvestment
program is from 18 to 23. Tmca will also provide supportive living for them as well. Possibly
about 2 years of supportive living they do not have to move. Possibly around 3 individuals a year.
This is for those who are gaining their independence.
Veterans Affairs: Justin Slep
John McPaul spoke on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Department:
The Veterans Affairs department started a new initiative, an Outdoor Coalition. They are going to
partner with anyone that does outdoor activities like fishing, water rafting, hunting, wood work,
etc. They are going to help recruit veterans to participate in these events. They have a fishing trip
planned, this will be for 10 veterans that will be able to go out on a boat at Raystown lake and
fish. All of the captains are donating their time and boats to be able to take the veterans out on a
one on one trip. Veterans Affairs will be providing a fishing pole, bait, fishing type shirt, and a
fishing bag. They are looking into more events to promote this new Outdoor Coalition. They are
trying to start other programs within the Veterans Affairs department, no information about those
programs at this moment.
*Stacie Horvath asked the Block Grant Voting members for any updates.
Mike Straley with Leah’s Legacy - Mike Straley stated Leah’s Legacy has started monthly life
skill classes for recovered women. This Sunday they will be having a life skill class called Pamper
Her. This will allow for the women in this program to be in a place of recovery while being able to
take care of themselves. They will have the opportunity to get a haircut and shampoo, makeup,
and chair massages. They will have 2 hair stylists, 2 or 3 cosmetologists, and 1 massage
therapist at this event. This will be wonderful for the 14 women in the recovery program as a life
skill class. These life skill classes have been doing wonderful. They have had some fun life skill
classes along with some educational life skill classes. They have had many life skill classes for
banking / budgeting, along with a motivational speaker who has been in recovery for 31 years! All
life skilled classes end with a home cooked meal. Leah’s Legacy is going to do their annual
Fiddlin’ in the Field, this will be in June 2024. More information will be available at a later date or
published on their website. https://leahslegacy.net/
Kim Crider with WellSpan health - Kim Crider stated on March 21, 2024, at Coyle Free Library
Healthy Franklin County will be taking on housing policies and advocacy work from 11am-1pm.
Please feel free to reach out to Noel Purdy who is the Executive Director of Healthy Franklin
County for more information.
Doug Wilburne with Franklin County Adult Probation - Doug Wilburne stated this year ahead
is going to be a big year with lots of changes. Evidence Based practice push, they will be
implementing their case planning very shortly. They have new updated training for staff
underway. By June they will need to accommodate their reform measures, this will start with
sentencing prior to an individual being sentenced to community supervision termed they will need
to have a risk needs assessment. This will be tailored by the judge and the courts to meet that
individual's needs. This will slow down the courts process a little bit but in the end will benefit a lot
of parties involved. They are going to restrict the amount of times someone is able to be
incarcerated for technical violations. These will be your lower level probations violations that do
have a lot of restrictions to be worked out yet. First violation will be at 14 days maximum, second
violation will be at 30 days maximum, third violation the individual will go back in front of the
Judge. A lot of these changes will cut back on costs. They have a target date for moving into their
new space, possibly in May 2024.
Brenda Lamar with Keystone Health - Brenda Lamar stated they just moved offices, still in the
same general area. They have some new providers that just started. They do have a few more
providers to start in the near future. Keystone Health is still operating as normal.
VI. Community Comments or Discussion
N/A
VII. Next Scheduled Meeting: To be Determined