IAC Agencies Report Outreach Programs

The IAC's February meeting was opened by IAC president Dr. Daniel Vogrin, executive director of the Melillo Center for Mental Health by thanking Carol Jackel, board member and chairperson of the Library Committee at the Holocaust Memorial and Education Center in Glen Cove. In the serene setting of the Welwyn Preserve, the Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County has become a focus of study for thousands of Long Island's students, organizations and the community at large. Not a museum, although Holocaust related exhibits are on display, the center is dedicated to the enlightenment of Jews and non-Jews, young and old, people in public and religious life, and just plain Long Islanders. A tour of the Holocaust Center with docent Michael Speilhotz was taken by IAC members following the meeting.

Dr. Vogrin introduced Marie Coyle, president of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and the first speaker of the morning. Coyle updated the membership with Chamber news and activities, encouraged membership in the Chamber and attendance at its monthly meetings. She announced a $1,000 scholarship established by the Chamber for a graduating High School student. Students must submit a 3 to 10 page business plan to the Chamber in order to be considered. She encouraged agencies to have an open dialogue with the Chamber and asked everyone to support shopping in the city, elaborating on the personal attention offered by local establishments versus the more impersonal Mall shopping experience. Francine Ferrante, executive director of Downtown Glen Cove BID and Glen Cove EMS spoke briefly on her involvement with the city's youth and asked that any agencies offering services for youth, should contact her. She also reminded IAC members of the CPR training made available through EMS and encouraged agencies to spread the word of it availability.

Following the approval of the January14, 2001 minutes and the treasurers report, Juan Castro, executive director of the Glen Cove Youth Board, discussed the final disbursement of the Grant funds and outlined budget items for the 2001 grant period including a possible brochure. Legal fees are not covered in this grant, but it is thought that they will be minimal with regard to IAC seeking non-profit status. Castro is also handling the website for the IAC and informed the membership that he is hopeful the website will be up and running by late March. Pat Blanco, executive director of La Fuerza Unida segued into the application for IAC's non-profit status, which has been under discussion at the last few meetings. Defining the rules and guidelines attached to the non-profit status must be studied carefully he explained in order to meet the needs of IAC yet not limit it with regard to advocacy work. Blanco also announced he is planning Spanish classes for IAC membership who have indicated an interest.

The second guest speaker of the morning was Patricia Pallo-Ross, High-Risk Education Manager for the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC) a member of IAC. Recently appointed to her position, Ross dramatized the need for HIV/AIDS prevention education programs by citing the following statistics. Two adolescents are infected with HIV every hour in Nassau County. And, Nassau and Suffolk counties have more AIDS cases than more than half of the states in the union. Programs are available in both Spanish and English for schools, high-risk populations, human services agencies and the community-at-large.

Other agencies reported outreach and collaborative efforts including: Dossie Reminik From AHRC who presented for viewing an attractive individual toilet kit for presentation to the homeless shelter residents. The products were purchased, wrapped and packaged by AHRC clients. Natalie Worthy, Family Practice Center at North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove introduced a new program for their residents called "Community Medicine Rotation." IAC members interested in having a health education program with a "resident" were asked to complete a request form and forward it to Ms. Worthy. The subject matter can be chosen by the agency. Worthy will familiarize the residents with the diverse human services Glen Cove has to offer while offering the agency's clients and/or personnel the opportunity to ask and have questions answered by the visiting physician.

Lucille Cutler, executive director of Project Literacy/Outreach, Inc. advised that she has trained volunteers who are ready to provide instruction. She urged agencies to contact her if they have clients who could benefit from the program Victoria Crosby, director of the Glen Cove Mentoring Program encouraged members to consider attending the N.S. Historical Museum's annual meeting to be held at the After Nine Club at the Metropolitan on Thursday, March 8. Everyone is welcome at $25 per person or $40 for two. Call BID for details.

The IAC with 48 member agencies was established in 1971. The primary mission is to enhance the delivery of human services through collaboration and communication, and to provide mutual support among community agencies through sharing and networking. Member agencies are encouraged to have a representative attend the monthly meetings. The next meeting of IAC will take place on Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at 9 a.m. at Finley Middle School of the Glen Cove School District.

PRESS RELEASE

IAC Agencies Report Outreach Programs