HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250923 Closed Caption Record14:48:22 Okay, the meeting was going to be started and recorded, so official, okay? Go ahead.
14:48:35 We graduate.
14:48:36 Yes, yes. We're including a transcript for feasibility purposes.
14:48:41 Weird. Okay, uhâ¦
14:48:46 Yeah.
14:48:43 Commissioner Dudley Nolett, you are still, thankfully, the, um,
14:48:51 As with the bombing.
14:48:50 You want me to go ahead and run things while I'm here?
14:48:51 There you go, yes.
14:48:53 Okay, sounds good.
14:48:55 Um, I am going to go ahead and call this meeting to order.
14:49:00 And we will, um, start with public comment, if there is anyone in the room or in the Zoom room who would like to start us off with
14:49:08 public comment, you're welcome to raise your hand or your ritual hand.
14:49:13 And let'sâ¦
14:49:15 Anybody in the room there, Bonnie?
14:49:17 Yeah, someone's gonna introduce themselves.
14:49:20 Okay, great.
14:49:22 And, uhâ¦
14:49:25 Just⦠well, you can say that we met, I asked you to come, then you're a community member, you're interested inâ¦
14:49:33 Okay, perfect. Yeah, so I, um, maybe you've ever met through the garden over at the Elementary School. Um, my 13-year-old son was at Office 100% group, uh, now is older, and
we've had amazing support, and so I'm happy to say that he's doing well, he's serving. Um, so I am happy to be here to check out this, uh,
14:49:53 group, and then hopefully, maybe, possibly, Julie?
14:49:55 Yeah, yeah, yeah, I feel like it aligns withâ¦
14:49:59 you know, what you want to do. Yeah, thank you so much for checking with us.
14:50:04 Welcome.
14:50:04 Can I just ask, because I didn't⦠I didn't quite hear your name?
14:50:09 Oh, Tiffany. Tiffany said it.
14:50:11 Fantastic, it's nice to meet you. Thanks for being here.
14:50:14 Thank you.
14:50:15 Um, I don't see anyone in the virtual room here, Bonnie, with their name or their hands raised for public comment. Is there anyone else in the room?
14:50:25 for the physical room there who would like to make public comment before we move on?
14:50:30 Okay.
14:50:31 No hands here.
14:50:32 Thank you. Hearing no other public comment, we will move to, um,
14:50:37 The rest of the agenda looks like we don't have minutes, but we'll look to have some minutes, um, at a November meeting.
14:50:45 And so we can move on to our discussion and potential action with a board member application, which was really exciting to see.
14:50:53 Yes, and if you want a printed copy of the application, it's over by Shelby.
14:50:59 And if you⦠but you don't need to refer to it if you've already read it.
14:51:04 Prior to the meeting.
14:51:07 Yes, I'm very excited.
14:51:10 So, um, do you want to just do a round of, um,
14:51:16 of questions, or, um, would you like to⦠is⦠let's see, is our applicant in the room there? I can't see.
14:51:23 Um, the applicant is in the room.
14:51:26 Great! Would you like to�
14:51:27 Should I have to take that again.
14:51:30 Awesome!
14:51:31 And, um, according to my training, um, we have to ask similar questions of this candidate that we've asked prior candidates.
14:51:43 Great.
14:51:43 So, I looked through the records, and the two questions are on the agenda, so anyâ¦
14:51:48 Perfect.
14:51:48 Any of you can read those off, or⦠and ask Steve those questions.
14:51:53 And I wonder if we wouldn't⦠if it's okay to just start with, um, with allowing, um, Steven to introduceâ¦
14:52:00 introduce himself.
14:52:01 Yeah, that sounds great.
14:52:03 Alright, so, umâ¦
14:52:05 I'm Steve Kemper. I've lived in Port Townsend forâ¦
14:52:09 Gosh, like, how many years, I guess? 12 years.
14:52:14 13. 13 years. And, um, I'm a native Washingtonian, grew up in Vancouver, Washington.
14:52:21 I did not graduate from college.
14:52:24 Because I wanted to go do something!
14:52:28 But, uh, I had a very good Jesuit education, high school-wise, and then, uhâ¦
14:52:33 I have written several novels on parent literate.
14:52:36 And, uh, early on, I decided
14:52:39 Well, pretty much, you know, when I was about 30,
14:52:43 I decided, really, that what life was all about.
14:52:47 After searching for a purpose in life, I decided⦠well, it's very simple what life is about. It's about helping other people.
14:52:55 So, I searched for ways to do that.
14:52:59 And, uh, communal, my sister-in-law, Andre and I have been married for, what, 17 years, something like that.
14:53:07 And, um, I've met two young people.
14:53:11 But it all kind of started my real involvement with community, was all of a sudden,
14:53:18 What about a year ago, September,
14:53:21 Uh, all of a sudden, Camille was gonna lose her housing in her hometown of, uh, Marble, Massachusetts.
14:53:30 And Audreyerson,
14:53:33 a foreign country at the time, and all of a sudden, Camille had to be moved in 4 months to Park Townsend.
14:53:39 And this was quite a challenge to all of a sudden create a new life for her here.
14:53:46 And I was astounded at the amount of backup that was available.
14:53:52 I mean, the first thing I did is I called your prior associate, your prior rep.
14:53:58 post folder, andâ¦
14:54:01 It can be, and said, what do I do?
14:54:03 She said, talk to Kayden. So I called Jade, you know, and Kay said, well, this is what you do, and, you know, she said, ideally,
14:54:12 you know, it'd be great if Camille moved into Discovery.
14:54:16 Uh, discovery view. I mean, that would be the ideal, but get in applications all over. And, you know, as we mentioned, the Discovery View, andâ¦
14:54:24 You know, if Andre still overseas, and uhâ¦
14:54:29 Well, you know, there weren't any openings, and they hadn't had an opening for, like, over a year, and Camille was, like, third in line, but miraculously, Andre came home, and
opening showed up,
14:54:45 Three of each show, and uh, we flew back toâ¦
14:54:50 Marlboro, Massachusetts, and stuffed all of Camille's belongings or furniture into a couple pots, and moved her out here.
14:54:58 And I'm always searching for ways of helping people. And all of a sudden, I found this IDD community,
14:55:06 That just, you know, could use all the support.
14:55:11 that it could get, and obviously, we're againâ¦
14:55:14 we want to give back to the community, because of their support to the community. So, we just became involved in this whole community, and figure out different ways of supporting.
I've done fundraising for Special Olympics, and Andre's gotten a grant for the gathering place, andâ¦
14:55:31 It's just seemed like a really good way of helping.
14:55:34 And what really struck meâ¦
14:55:37 And, you know, I've never operated in the public sector. I've always been in the private sector.
14:55:43 And what struck me, you know, youâ¦
14:55:46 Without involvement in the public sector as much.
14:55:51 And especially with this particular community and this section of the community, is the amount of care
14:55:59 That people have. And it's very touching to be, you know, because I didn't know that that existed.
14:56:07 And, uh,
14:56:10 You want it to be in communication.
14:56:13 with people who have that level of care.
14:56:18 And so I wentâ¦
14:56:20 Well, I might as well be part of the board. So that's how to kind of⦠that's me in a very small nutshell. I've spentâ¦
14:56:29 Uh, up until aboutâ¦
14:56:31 I was 55, I worked for, uhâ¦
14:56:35 various non-profits.
14:56:37 And I didn't actually go, uh⦠I started consulting as a business consultant.
14:56:42 About 10 years ago.
14:56:45 And, uh, small businesses. Previously, I actually had ran a coaching
14:56:51 education seminar,
14:56:55 facility, training facility for small business owners all over the U.S. and Canada.
14:56:59 And I did that for 5 years as well, so I got a realâ¦
14:57:03 Good. Uh, education myself.
14:57:08 And helping bring aboutâ¦
14:57:10 Uh, organization that should care and personal engagement, communication skills.
14:57:16 and small business owners, which was a lot of fun.
14:57:19 So, I just have a lot of various experience fundraising and doing all kinds of things, but really, my life centered around helping people.
14:57:29 This is fantastic. Thank you so much, Steve. And we'll⦠we'll get a chance to ask some questions, but I think you've answered a lot of⦠a lot of it.
14:57:37 Um, but why don't I go ahead and get us
14:57:41 started. So, um, there's a couple of specific questions on our agenda that have to, um, so first one is
14:57:47 What do you like most about advocating for people experiencing intellectual and or developmental disabilities?
14:57:54 Well, it's actually a really good question, because, um, see, likeâ¦
14:58:00 This kind of disability is classified, really, asâ¦
14:58:05 kind of in, like, the mental disability thing, but I don't think it's mental at all. I think it's actually a physical problem. There's a⦠there's a being inside of every body
you see.
14:58:17 And there's just, like, an interface problem.
14:58:21 Mm-hmm.
14:58:21 And that interface project inability to communicate to the degree
14:58:26 that other people who go do not have this disability. They need help in that regard.
14:58:33 And, uh, I'm a great communicator, and I think that I could really help in that regard.
14:58:41 Did that answer the question, Prima?
14:58:43 I think it does. Would anybody like to ask the second question that's on the agenda there?
14:58:51 I'll be happy to ask it. This is Owen Rose City Council.
14:58:57 Uh, although I think you've answered it, uh, in many ways before.
14:59:01 Um, could you elaborate on how your experiences will help you advocate for people with intellectual and or developmental disabilities in Jefferson County?
14:59:11 Umâ¦
14:59:14 I get stuff done that's, like, one thing that I do.
14:59:18 You give me something to do, and I get it done. And that, in itselfâ¦
14:59:24 Uh, it's helpful toward any effort.
14:59:28 that this board would like to bring forward.
14:59:31 You know, not only actually advisory,
14:59:34 capacity, but actually executing.
14:59:36 And, uh,
14:59:38 You know, you could say it's kind of⦠it's contrasting, butâ¦
14:59:44 Uh⦠I'm a pragmatic idealist.
14:59:47 You know, and at these times, you need pragmatism.
14:59:53 against the idealism of the climate that we're in. It's not an easy climate.
14:59:58 Andâ¦
14:59:58 Yeah.
15:00:02 I have really good judgment in how to get things done.
15:00:05 with, you know, with the challenges that we face.
15:00:11 That's an excellent answer. Thank you.
15:00:14 So, um,
15:00:16 Bonnie, I don't know if you have particular, um, thoughts, or Steve, if you have thoughts about whether you want to stay in the room while folks talk, I'm perfectly comfortable
with that. And I would just say that
15:00:32 If anyone on the, um,
15:00:36 board would like to have a private conversation, you certainly have the right to ask for that.
15:00:41 If you don't feel the need for that, then, um, feel free to just make any comments or ask any additionalâ¦
15:00:49 Um, questions you may have, any thoughts on what you're hearing from Steve?
15:01:01 Okay.
15:00:54 So, I don't mind, uh, I don't mind stepping out. People want me to step out, but I don't mind hearing anything either. Of course, it's kind of cheating, since my wife is the
pro. She can tell me what we would have to both step out.
15:01:10 I'm not treating anyone through that.
15:01:10 Don't say anything particularly controversial here.
15:01:14 Yeah, I don't see anyone who's asking for that, soâ¦
15:01:16 Okay, thank you.
15:01:20 Do folks have, um, thoughts or additional questions that you might want to ask before we make a motion?
15:01:28 I have someone who wants to make the motion,
15:01:31 Okay, that would be lovely!
15:01:34 Hey, let's just throw this hypothesis.
15:01:40 Love it!
15:01:40 I wouldn't locally.
15:01:44 We're in the mix to the Jefferson County Board of the countyâ¦
15:01:53 Commissioner.
15:01:55 to report to Steve can birth.
15:02:01 That out.
15:02:03 to the IDD.
15:02:05 It's all.
15:02:10 Do we have a second to that excellent motion?
15:02:13 Second.
15:02:16 Thank you. That's been for, um, motioned and seconded.
15:02:20 Are there any⦠we do need to open up this⦠open this motion up for public comment.
15:02:27 So, anyone in the room, or in the Zoom room who would like to make a public comment is welcome to do that. You should raise your
15:02:34 Zoom hand, or your physical hand.
15:02:37 And let us know if you have any comments.
15:02:41 Okay, I don't see anyone raising their hand.
15:02:45 Um, I'll just make a brief comment to say thank you for your application, Steve, and not only for your application, but for already being present and having contributed already.
15:02:57 Um, and⦠and just the advocacy that I can so clearly see you're already providing in the community, and um⦠and I'm really excited.
15:03:06 Um, at this opportunity to⦠to be able to work more closely with you. So just a lot of gratitude for your willingness to serve.
15:03:14 Thank you.
15:03:15 makes all the difference.
15:03:17 So, um, with⦠I will close public comment, not seeing any other public comment. Um, all in favor of this motion, please motion, umâ¦
15:03:26 signify by saying aye or raising your hand.
15:03:28 And that's, uh, I.
15:03:32 Thank you.
15:03:33 And, Heather, did you know that Sarah Pack has joined the meeting, so we haveâ¦
15:03:37 by voting numbers.
15:03:39 Okay, great. Thank you.
15:03:41 All members in the room raised their hand.
15:03:45 Great.
15:03:46 I didn't track online.
15:03:49 Okay, let me⦠let's seeâ¦
15:03:51 Sarah said yes. Okay, great.
15:03:53 Yes? Okay, great.
15:03:55 Thank you very much. That motion passes.
15:03:58 Welcome to the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board. Steve, and thank you again.
15:04:06 Great, okay.
15:04:08 I definitely want to be careful. And so, you're not a member as of this moment. It has to go through the official process. Exactly, yeah.
15:04:17 Right, yes, good point. Yes, right, you have to come⦠you have to come fully.
15:04:21 To me. Butâ¦
15:04:23 Yeah, just to clarify to everyone in the room, um, weâ¦
15:04:28 As, uh, Camille said, recommend that the commissioners appoint Steve, so that will occur shortly in the future, and then theâ¦
15:04:36 Yeah.
15:04:38 this will be complete. But for all intents and purposes, Steve isâ¦
15:04:41 going to be a member the next time we meet.
15:04:43 gets to join with us. So, we do have⦠we are skipping, um, a Monday with the Board of County Commissioners meeting, just so you understand, sort of can anticipate process.
It's a fifth Monday coming up, so we don't typically meet on the fifth Monday.
15:04:58 So that meeting will happen, and it will be on the consent agenda on October 6th.
15:05:04 I will wait with beta.
15:05:05 Oh, I'm sure.
15:05:07 All right, so we have some⦠we have some presenta⦠a presentation today, and I'll just let you know, I'm⦠I'm gonna go off-screen as I, um, pick up a child and move to
the next meeting.
15:05:19 shortly, but I will be with us for another, um, 25 minutes or so.
15:05:24 So, I, um, we have a family support services update, which, by the way, was a great, um, Zoom presentation already of slides.
15:05:33 Oh, thank you so much.
15:05:40 Really cool.
15:05:35 contributed to getting that survey out there. Okay, why am I not being there to think about?
15:05:45 Well, there it is, yeah.
15:05:53 Andâ¦
15:05:55 Okay.
15:05:58 Do you all remind me of, like, that? Okay.
15:06:00 And then we can see it.
15:06:03 Okay, uhâ¦
15:06:06 We discussedâ¦
15:06:07 how we use county
15:06:10 funds that I have toâ¦
15:06:13 bring things into our community that can support the families.
15:06:17 caregivers, friends, uh, folks who are experiencing
15:06:21 intellectual and developmental disabilities.
15:06:24 And so this resulted in a survey asking folks how they want to prioritize spending those funds.
15:06:32 And we're just going to review what the outcomes were.
15:06:37 So, we did the survey, andâ¦
15:06:39 Before I get into the details of answers, I'm just going to let you know right up front what the results of that survey are in terms of what we're going to do about it. Cool.
Yeah.
15:06:52 So we are going to have monthly social events, and those are going to happen starting in January.
15:07:01 I'm going to say these things with the slight caveat that
15:07:05 the fine details have not completely been hammered out, so there could be some⦠some changes, but this is
15:07:11 Would I feel will probably happen, very likely happen. So, monthly social events, the events will be produced by a Cascade Community Connections.
15:07:22 And we have a new parent-to-parent coordinator.
15:07:27 Um, that person is Laura Mickelson. They actually worked for the county as well. Nice. Um, and they're a parent of someone that's experiencing IDD.
15:07:37 Uh, so they're going to be onboarded as soon as all the paperwork gets through.
15:07:43 And I'm hoping that they⦠the idea is that this new parent-to-parent coordinator is going to be
15:07:51 at these social events, and offering either before, after, or during an opportunity for
15:07:57 friends, family, support people to be in a support group led by this new parent-to-parent coordinator.
15:08:05 We are going to haveâ¦
15:08:08 In addition to that, um, event, um, probably before the event happens, right before, there'll be a class, and that'll be a Healthy Relationships class, taught by Peninsula Alliance.
15:08:21 So what I'm imagining is once a month, you'll show up probably to the rec center or the range, something like that, in Fort Townsend.
15:08:28 You'll have the opportunity to take an hour-long Healthy Relationships class. The class is for people with, um,
15:08:36 Intellectual and development and disabilities.
15:08:38 Caregivers are not excluded from that, and they're not counted as class attendees.
15:08:45 But it is set up so that, um, people with IDD can attend on their own, independently.
15:08:52 Following that class, you'll have an opportunity to have a social event and experience.
15:08:58 details to be determined. However, I did ask Cascade to enter all your feedback into consideration when doing planning.
15:09:06 Um, and thenâ¦
15:09:08 probably during that event, you know, at the same location, but in a private or sectioned-off area, there'll be an opportunity for a parent-to-parent support group.
15:09:19 I also just did have a few funds left over to, umâ¦
15:09:24 give to First Step Family Support Center, who is based in Port Angeles, but does provide throughout our county,
15:09:31 playgroups for very young kids, and so I ask that they work with concerned citizens who provides birth-to-three services for us to
15:09:43 do extra special, um, outreach withâ¦
15:09:46 Sorry, so first step and concerned citizens will work together to do outreach to make sure that, um, families who are involved in birth-to-three services feel especially welcome,
they know about the playgroup.
15:09:58 And how would they need to engage with that faith.
15:10:02 That is what is happening, and thanks for everyone who participated in the survey, especially those who helped share it with others.
15:10:11 And that's what's happening. Any questions on this part?
15:10:15 you know, so it's good. Okay, cool.
15:10:18 Okay, yeah, we're lookingâ¦
15:10:20 To begin in January 2026, and that's because ofâ¦
15:10:24 contracts need to be taken care of, um, Taylor's going on maternity leave.
15:10:31 Um, you know, we need time to book things and plan, so that'sâ¦
15:10:35 That's why it's out that far.
15:10:38 Holidays, of course.
15:10:39 I just⦠I like the love for the school districts out there. I know that, um, Sarah Walker and, um, my early childhood, um, preschool teacher would love the opportunity maybe
just toâ¦
15:10:54 is some outreach, and we could just get to know families during that use to play group, if possible. Okay, yeah, on the fun side of that.
15:11:02 Um, that cascades down when the Queen is a point in the bottom of the foundings.
15:11:07 So, you know, sometimes it's really hard when you have first-time meeting, people are always, um, you know, that first evaluation and that transition, maybe.
15:11:15 It'd be great to take that into the forehand, and I meanâ¦
15:11:20 Uh, on social setting.
15:11:22 Oh, they're awesome. Yeah, I mean, we don't want to make this work. This is fun for families, soâ¦
15:11:27 You know, I mean, the work can be fun, especially when it's a party.
15:11:35 Are you saying you want to be included in the social events or the playgroups, or both? We have. You know, I mean, just, you know, let me know, and I can send it out to theâ¦
15:11:45 to other providers that might be interested in PEO.
15:11:50 Going, and then procedure.
15:11:52 I really, really appreciate that, thank you.
15:11:56 Thank you. Yeah, okay, now we're just gonna go, um, a bit into the survey responses.
15:12:01 Um, as you know, with surveys,
15:12:05 You have to take them with grains of salt because, uh,
15:12:09 not a huge amount of people participated in the survey, so you can't necessarily say that the answers are representative of our entire county. They're representative of the
people who answered.
15:12:21 Um, and I⦠this is what we did to make sure it got out there. I included, um⦠I gave providers an opportunity to, um,
15:12:31 help me co-create the survey questions.
15:12:35 And then I emailed them out to my, whoop, my lists.
15:12:41 Um, and then I asked the people on my list to send them to their list. Megan very nicely, uh, sent a direct email to 31 families who are clients with DDCS.
15:12:52 And then I just sent it out to the county employee internalist, because we're⦠we're a lot. There are 250-plus employees there.
15:13:01 And then, um, without me asking, and I'm so grateful, um, Andre and Katie,
15:13:07 physically brought copies to people first⦠people first event. Thank you. Um, thankâ¦
15:13:15 And then we can all share together. Thank you, thank you. That was so important, and I didn't even think to do that, so⦠Oh, that I did it in my school and bring in me, soâ¦
15:13:26 We can share. I really appreciate that. Yeah, thank you.
15:13:32 And then the survey closed on August 25th, soâ¦
15:13:36 Um, 16 providers, uh, answered the provider survey.
15:13:43 And my take from the answers, um, if people think that a variety of offerings would benefit the community, but the regular social events and the healthy relationships course
should be priorities.
15:13:58 ASAP.
15:14:01 Um, so I also have the moms chat, which was the existing parent-to-parent offering in Jefferson County.
15:14:08 Um, after speaking with Klala Mosaic, who provided managed parent services previously,
15:14:15 Um, they, Laura, uh, and the organization decided that, um,
15:14:21 They wanted to encourage someone who had more capacity than Laura currently does, uh, toâ¦
15:14:28 step in and offer some more parent offerings in the county, and thatâ¦
15:14:34 I'm so grateful to learn from Mosaic for, you know, being really communicative and gracious and understanding about that. So, umâ¦
15:14:43 I think this question, you know, people are not sure because they're not sure what's possible, uh, for parent-to-parent services in Jefferson County, because it's been a smidge
in flux. Uh, soâ¦
15:14:57 that's how I read this.
15:14:59 It was⦠it was probably a difficult question to answer. I think there are value⦠there is value in these more narrative responses, which you can read, um, if you haven't
already outside of this meeting.
15:15:12 people really loved the, uh, Healthy Relationships class, so that was a strong, very beneficial response from providers.
15:15:20 Um, people also really wanted to support the playgroups.
15:15:25 I learned in this process that kaleidoscope playgroups, um, don't have Jefferson County sponsors, whereas in Port Angeles, there are sponsors for the playgroups. I think maybe
corporate sponsors, I'm not sure, maybe organizational sponsors, soâ¦
15:15:40 The Jefferson County flavors are super well funded. I'm just throwing that out there in case anyone knows someone who has the capacity to support those flavors, then we can
expand them, potentially.
15:15:52 In our county.
15:15:57 Um, okay, social events, everyone loved that, yes.
15:16:01 And that one shows that our priorities should be the events and the⦠Who actually runs the five groups.
15:16:08 who runs them. First Step Family Support Center in Port Angeles.
15:16:14 Cool, yeah.
15:16:17 And these were narrative responses, which I'm really grateful for, andâ¦
15:16:22 Um, I'm not necessarily⦠I followed up with certain individuals who responded, um, with their name. They chose not to respond anonymously, but told me their names, and I followed
up with some people individually.
15:16:33 Um, I think these are things to justâ¦
15:16:35 Keep in mind, not all of them are going to be directly acted upon immediately, but I do value this, and it is documented, and it's in public record, andâ¦
15:16:43 You know, I want to refer to this as we go along.
15:16:49 Okay, so self-advocate survey, we had 7 responses.
15:16:53 And similar to, umâ¦
15:16:58 the provider survey, those social events and health and relationships course were indicated as priorities.
15:17:04 The difference is, I would say, umâ¦
15:17:07 some of the answers felt more mixed to me, because the way I phrased the self-advocate questions are, will youâ¦
15:17:16 attend this? Like, what's the likelihood of you actually showing up to this?
15:17:20 And I think that question is tough, because when you don't know all of the factors, where it is, the accessibility, etc., it's hard to answer those questions.
15:17:31 Um, mom's chat, kind of a similar thing to what I said about theâ¦
15:17:35 question on the provider survey.
15:17:38 Um, mixed on the, uh, Healthy Relationships course,
15:17:44 Then again, you know, more details might have been beneficial to answering this question.
15:17:51 Um, the good news is, my aim, and this is very much in the works, is to provide
15:17:58 resources for sexual health services that are beyond this. So this is going to be one offering, among others.
15:18:05 So, hopefully there'll be something for everyone.
15:18:10 Um, Kaleidoscope playgroups, that was a question, really, forâ¦
15:18:15 very young kids, so I understand that that wasn't really applicable to adult respondents.
15:18:21 Um, and yeah, events. People want events. Um, there was, I'm sure, some hesitation once again, around not knowing all the details.
15:18:30 And someone wanted potentially smallerâ¦
15:18:33 groups and trips, something that might⦠I'm guessing, although I could be wrong, something that's not maybe as overwhelming as a large group experience.
15:18:44 And⦠there are some narrative responses hereâ¦
15:18:49 And then there was additional communications collected by Andre and Camille, um,
15:18:56 that talked about a littleâ¦
15:18:58 what those social events could be like to be extra fun and inclusive.
15:19:02 settled, and passes along to Cascade Community Connections.
15:19:07 So the next step, I need to finish the contracts, finalize dates and details,
15:19:12 talk about those narrative responses with Cascade, and then spread the word, help spread the word.
15:19:19 Alright, any questions?
15:19:21 Yeah, so just thinking about how Jefferson County is not just Port Townsend, um, would these, like,
15:19:27 something to think about is, like,
15:19:29 Is there just a central location that that's where these events happen all the time, or can we create opportunities in Quilcene, in Chimicum, uh, so that folks who are further
away, uh,
15:19:41 it's still⦠there's⦠it's still accessible for⦠for the folks that are in South County.
15:19:47 Yes, I'mâ¦
15:19:49 thinking of these first few events, there's going to be 6 total, as long as everything goes well, as a pilot. So, I let Taylor know that in
15:20:00 April, say, when we're talking about contracting for the next year,
15:20:04 That's the time to delve into these things. What's working? How can this work elsewhere? That kind of thing. So, I really want whatever we do
15:20:11 to be sustainable for the provider. Um, I'm open to, as long as funding allows and it makes sense, I'm open to
15:20:20 other entities producing events, umâ¦
15:20:24 But for now, Cascade's the one that stepped forward to do it.
15:20:29 So, that makes sense. I wouldn't mind helping out. I mean, I'm already okay with, umâ¦
15:20:34 the idea that
15:20:36 these three girls here have about having wanting to dance. We, um, we realized that if things don't go as we, you know, were expecting,
15:20:46 They could actually do it themselves. So they're thinking of having their own dances, and gonna check out with the Boy Scout cabin, and have it there, and so what? It's small.
15:20:57 It's just a thing for them to do every Friday night. And we could invite, you know,
15:21:03 Firemen and other policemen, or whatever, to come to this event, and I don't see why it couldn't be done in every city.
15:21:09 You know, they all have their own little groups. They charge, like, $3 or $4 to get, and that's how we make money.
15:21:18 Okay. Which is an option where we thought out that we might do that. You know, so we're still keeping it alive the ideas for everyone to be able to get together.
15:21:28 Is it fun? Yeah. Good.
15:21:32 Sorry, I have a question, umâ¦
15:21:35 Will you be using this survey or an evolution of it to kind of evaluate, to decide?
15:21:41 uh, future plans?
15:21:45 You mean when we're talking about how to move forward in the future with⦠I mean, well, and, you know, this year, as you're trying these things out, you knowâ¦
15:21:53 Yeah, in the contract language that I have with Cascade, I asked if theyâ¦
15:21:59 incorporate input from self-advocates in planning, so yes.
15:22:04 Does that answer your question? Yeah, and I guessâ¦
15:22:07 Like, so, potentially, there could be a similar surveyâ¦
15:22:12 You know, next year, to see how we're doing. Yeah.
15:22:16 I think that would be a great idea. Follow-up survey. Yeah, that's it, that sounds would be a survey. Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah.
15:22:25 You could do that. What did you say? You're probably gonna say what I just thought.
15:22:30 The events themselves would be deserving.
15:22:33 And something I need to keep reminding myself and spending with Andre and I, like, have already had overlined each other's, these events do have to offer
15:22:42 supports for the family members, caregivers, friends of people with IDD. So it's not just a social event in and of itself, it does have to have that supportive educational feature
to it in order to align with
15:22:54 my county funding goals.
15:22:56 Perfect.
15:22:59 And that concludes my presentation. Happy to talk more of any time to anyone.
15:23:05 No, this is great. Okay. Happening.
15:23:10 Oh, I guess I keep talking. Coordinator of team.
15:23:14 Um, Commissioner doesn't really know that? Are you good to move on?
15:23:17 I am. Yep, I'm here. So, umâ¦
15:23:21 I think we can just move intoâ¦
15:23:26 The updatesâ¦
15:23:27 Um, and I will have to drop off here in the next few minutes, so Bonnie, if you want to take us throughâ¦
15:23:33 those that, that would be great.
15:23:36 Okay, great.
15:23:38 Thank you.
15:23:38 Um, so I was evaluated by the state, this happens every other year, and so I was very nervous about it, but apparently we're doing a great job yet. I rely heavily on you all,
on my predecessors setting things up for me, so, I mean, there were encouragements.
15:23:57 of how to do things better, you know, some questions that I left off of my provider survey kind of thing, you know, with small changes that⦠but important that I will address,
but nothing
15:24:09 glaring, luckily. So, doing great.
15:24:12 Um, October is National Disability Employment Month, so if you want to go to the Commissioner's meeting,
15:24:18 Um, to celebrate with us. It's going to be a proclamation, which is just a reading of a document, a reading of all the employers who are employing people with disabilities in
Jefferson County.
15:24:29 Um, and just, uh, you know, a nice recognition of the good work the community is doing.
15:24:35 And then, um, on the Board of Health meeting later on in the month, we're going to honor, um,
15:24:42 The intern who's been working here at Public Health, who was an intern through a program with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, so he worked with us to do custodial work
for a few weeks, and did a great job.
15:24:54 Uh, and thenâ¦
15:24:59 Yes, I've been going to events. Um, we did⦠I call them back-to-school events, I know they have different names for each school, but, um, Shelby and other folks were very
nice to welcome not only me, but, um, DDCS and the provider, and someone from DBR to just show up at these back-to-school gatherings and just be there in case anyone has questions about
services.
15:25:22 I also attended the Cool Scene Fair, so I'm just trying to⦠we're all trying to get out there in the community and just show our faces.
15:25:30 do that. Try to think.
15:25:31 I will say with these updates as we move on,
15:25:35 not everyone is here, and umâ¦
15:25:40 I just still put them on the agenda as⦠so, don't be surprised when some folks aren't⦠aren't here.
15:25:50 Cascade, take it away.
15:25:55 Hi, everyone!
15:25:57 Hi! Bye.
15:25:57 palaire here. Hello.
15:26:01 I'm the Director of Cascade Community Connections, and I'm going to give all of the updates for all of our programs today.
15:26:09 So, I'll keep itâ¦
15:26:11 try to keep it brief. We have a lot going on, though, which is really exciting.
15:26:15 Uh, the first thing that I wanted to report out on was, uh, our
15:26:21 CARF Accreditation survey that I mentioned last time.
15:26:24 And we did complete our CARF accreditation survey in August. It was a 3-day survey.
15:26:31 Where we had a peer reviewer come, um,
15:26:34 from another state, and they visited our office, they met with many of our participants, families, staff,
15:26:43 stakeholders and employers, they visited our community job sites.
15:26:49 And talked with, um, people who worked there, employers who supported them, and job coaches.
15:26:56 They looked at lots of files, they looked at all of our financial files, client files, health and safety.
15:27:03 Um, human resources, client rights, umâ¦
15:27:08 You name it, they were looking at it.
15:27:10 And I'm happy to report that we received a 3-year accreditation.
15:27:15 Which is the highest level of accreditation that you can receive from the CARF agency.
15:27:21 So, umâ¦
15:27:23 That'sâ¦
15:27:24 Congratulations!
15:27:25 Thank you, and thank you for everyone, for all of your help participating. Uh, we did a fun orientation the morning of, and then we
15:27:34 did a wrap-up party, uh, on⦠on the last day at the end. So, I'm really appreciative of everyone who participated, andâ¦
15:27:41 helped us out during that process.
15:27:44 So, um, that's really great, I think, for this board to know, as, um, we're one ofâ¦
15:27:50 your main providers, and soâ¦
15:27:53 According to CARF, we areâ¦
15:27:55 in compliance. And, um, alsoâ¦
15:28:00 you know, implementing a lot of the best practices that are expected in the field for employment services for people with disabilities.
15:28:09 So, yeah.
15:28:13 Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner.
15:28:10 Hey, Taylor, I just want to say before I drop off, congratulations, and I just really am soâ¦
15:28:17 So happy with the way you've welcomed this, um, input and really embraced it, andâ¦
15:28:22 I just⦠it's something to learn from, so thank you for your leadership there.
15:28:27 Thank you.
15:28:30 Um, okay, so our next, uhâ¦
15:28:34 Update is on transition, and our transition, uh, program.
15:28:41 is really taking off. Sam is our transition leader,
15:28:46 And she completed the second summer of paid internships through DVR.
15:28:52 at PrETS program. Last year, we had 3 students in the program. This year, we had 20.
15:28:57 So we had 20 students that, uh, were placed in paid internships
15:29:03 all over the community from July 1st to work⦠to basically the end of August.
15:29:09 And for many of them, it was their first job.
15:29:13 And they receive their first paycheck, and their, umâ¦
15:29:17 got to, uh, have their first experience working in the community, and we had, um, lots of great feedback from employers,
15:29:25 And some of our students got hired on,
15:29:28 Uh, permanently to continue working there throughout the school year, and so I just wanted to give a shout out. We're going to be doing this again at the
15:29:35 BLCC, but, umâ¦
15:29:38 Some of the places where we hosted students were⦠or businesses that hosted students wasâ¦
15:29:44 The YMCA, we had 3 people there, Quimper Mercantile, 2 students, Pam Damore, 2 students.
15:29:51 Marine Plaza, Subway, Olympic Equipment Rentals in Hadlock,
15:29:55 Jefferson County Public Health, the Humane Society, Oh Yummy Frozen Yogurt downtown, the Maritime Center, the Car Wash, Thomas Prairie Golf
15:30:05 golf park, pizza factory, and Bonita's Four-Legged Friends.
15:30:10 So, yeah, we're really, um, thankful to all of the businesses that participated this summer.
15:30:16 And to give the students their first opportunity at work.
15:30:20 And then now they go back into our school year, where we're, umâ¦
15:30:23 We have facilitators who come in once or twice a week and do
15:30:28 pre-employment transition service, uh,
15:30:31 workshops. They focus on
15:30:35 job exploration,
15:30:37 uh, work readiness skills, self-advocacy, exploring post-secondary options.
15:30:42 And then we can also have the opportunity to take students out into the community and do job site tours.
15:30:49 Job shadows and informational interviews with employers throughout the school year, and then hopefully
15:30:54 We're starting the cycle again next summer.
15:30:56 So, spread the word, too, if you do know any businesses that might be interested, they can get in contact with us.
15:31:05 Uh, so that's our big transition update. We're also in the process of hiring a new transition specialist, sinceâ¦
15:31:11 The program's expanding so much with school-to-work and job foundations.
15:31:16 Which we have two students this year.
15:31:19 Um, for supported employment, weâ¦
15:31:24 Uh, also have a new job start at the Safeway Bakery.
15:31:30 So you placed someone there, and they are doing really well, andâ¦
15:31:36 Um, have always wanted a job in.
15:31:38 a bakery, so it's neat to see them
15:31:41 Uh, getting the career that aligned with their interest.
15:31:45 And then for supported employment, we'll also be participating in the National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
15:31:52 Bonnie is, um, heading up the BOCC proclamation, but we also
15:31:57 Um, print out certificates and frame them and give them
15:32:01 Uh, out to employers.
15:32:03 And give them posters to put in their windows.
15:32:06 And, um, we try to take pictures of all of the employers with the people that theyâ¦
15:32:13 employ to, um, to recognize them, and to also spread the word about.
15:32:19 employing people with disabilities.
15:32:21 And that's pretty much it for our updates. Um, oh, except forâ¦
15:32:27 Um⦠yeah, we're really excited to do the family supports.
15:32:31 And so, we will be putting together a committee
15:32:35 Um, where we are inviting self-advocates to be a part of that, uh, community members can also give their input.
15:32:42 Uh, as well as our staff, and then we're really excited to partner with
15:32:47 parent-to-parent coordinator and the Healthy Relationships Facilitator.
15:32:51 And, um, hopefully meet the needs of the community.
15:32:54 that, and all of the desires and wishes of
15:32:57 of people to fill the contract and educate families.
15:33:01 So if anybody has any questions or input, feel free to reach out to me.
15:33:05 And I can make sure that I get you in contact. Uh, Desiree Shepston, who's our Community Programs Manager,
15:33:12 She'll be overseeing that that
15:33:16 process all gets started, because as Bonnie mentioned, I am going on maternity leave here soon.
15:33:21 And so, I probably will be out till the end of the year, at least.
15:33:25 So⦠yeah.
15:33:27 And that is the end of my update, so who's ever after me isâ¦
15:33:31 Up nextâ¦
15:33:34 a great update.
15:33:34 Does anybody have any questions?
15:33:37 Just once again, congrats, and thank you, lots to celebrate, and yeah.
15:33:44 Thank you.
15:33:43 And I'll just be⦠thank you, and I'll just relay on behalf of Olympic neighbors that they are the folks who have agreed to be the administrators of the parent-to-parent contract,
so the coordinator is working through their organization.
15:33:59 And that was it for them. Um, I don't see Kalina or Lucinda onâ¦
15:34:06 shall be anything for us?
15:34:08 No, no, um, we are just, um, preparing to start our pre-ads workshops. Very excited for the new school year. And, um, always excited to partner with Cascade.
15:34:19 So, thanks for your robust update. I appreciate you. Got lots of rest.
15:34:27 I'm excited to hear how you're doing events, you know, Gabe.
15:34:32 Um, and just, um, really, um, thankful, you know, for the 17 students, um, at Fort Townsend High School and Ocean.
15:34:40 That we're able to participate. That is about the fourth of our, um, you know, our students that, um, are eligible for an IUD. So we are kind of tracking just to see ifâ¦
15:34:50 Um, you know, like, students are demonstrating more readiness, you know, there's less regression for those students, and we're curious.
15:34:59 You know, if there are some unintended outcomes, too. So, I'll share that, um, tab with you.
15:35:05 Also, um, you know, as we're, you know, coming up out, we're just looking to see ifâ¦
15:35:10 You know, there's some unintended positive, consequences. Um, so that you can share that as well.
15:35:18 Um, and then on the other end of the spectrum, because I know that you also transitioned many, um, you know, birth to three students are coming into our system, this will be
the first year, um, set of five.
15:35:31 worked in prayer times, and that we are beginning the year, um, with a full developmental preschool program.
15:35:38 Um, we have 30, uh, transitioned to kindergarten students, so if they're 30-, 40-year-olds enrolled.
15:35:45 Um, and 24 3- to 4-year-olds aren't know.
15:35:50 preschool, so air⦠air cap. So, he always had me either that way. I've never seen us serve deer that way.
15:35:56 So, uh, we have many students that are really jumped in.
15:36:04 I remember you telling me about anticipating that when we first started, about that big class. I think you have, you knowâ¦
15:36:10 So, that, yeah, anyâ¦
15:36:12 Anyway, I can subordinate, probably speak for others anyway, but support, uh, anywhere on that, or, you know, that sounds like a lot.
15:36:18 And so, it's a⦠I mean, it's good that we're doing some good friendly chats and intervention, and our child time is working, butâ¦
15:36:26 Yeah, so the⦠it's rockin' and rollin', rockin' to help us.
15:36:32 Did I hear that one on Grant's chain of fingers? I know everybody who has a PTA fundraiser.
15:36:38 You go to school, soâ¦
15:36:47 Looking forward to your grandma.
15:36:49 So here we say that there's 17 students enrolled in CREAS, but⦠Uh, well, no, those are 17 students that participated just in our school district. There are, I think, 20 students
is what I could say in place to start. I think 17 of them are enrolled from our district.
15:37:06 Cool. I've been tracking.
15:37:08 It's not very cool.
15:37:10 Yeah, I think the 20, if I remember correctly, that was 20â¦
15:37:14 students who participated in the summer internships. Yeah. Okay, yeah, okay. No, we have manyâ¦
15:37:21 Oh, I think almostâ¦
15:37:25 I don't really accept owner of Sams, who's many of our students.
15:37:28 Yeah, I would say, like, in PT, it might beâ¦
15:37:30 Yeah, and I have to say it's closer.
15:37:32 around 35, yeah.
15:37:33 40. It's, like, 38.
15:37:36 Students.
15:37:37 Great. Yeah, absolutely.
15:37:38 Yeah.
15:37:39 Well, I have to get off. I have a⦠I have the number of 38 at one point.
15:37:43 Oh, yeah.
15:37:44 Yeah, umâ¦
15:37:46 But I think I'm including the ocean.
15:37:48 Yeah, with Ocean, so⦠and then also, the Pre-ETS program is open to 14 to 22.
15:37:56 But then the summer internship program is for 16 and older.
15:38:00 Oh, okay.
15:38:00 Because they're⦠they're doing paid employment. So⦠so not every student that participates in the workshops throughout the year
15:38:08 go⦠does a summer internship, so it's only if they desire, or are ofâ¦
15:38:14 correct age.
15:38:17 Yeah.
15:38:16 Thanks. I'm glad there's so many offerings. Sounds like really good participation. Thanks to the quality of service, soâ¦
15:38:22 That's great. Yeah, and outreach and education, so thank you.
15:38:27 That brings us to the end of the agenda that I've written down, and I'll just mention that, um, Amber has submitted an application to be a board member, so thank you, Amber,
and I'll be sending that out at the next agenda, so you'll be able to review that, and we can go through the process again.
15:38:44 Next time. Oh, we got Robin got an application, she's got all her fill it out. Thank you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I'm just thrilled. Thank you all.
15:38:55 Dude, I'm doing⦠how many openings are there, or is this expand as available?
15:39:00 Um, EXPAND is available. Our bylaws do indicate that we have a minimum membership, um, so now that Steve has joined us, we have one more to make our minimum number.
15:39:13 That's one reason why I put off, uh, doing chairperson elections, and with Holly being out, so I just want to make sure we have a fullâ¦
15:39:22 The full crowd. And I also just, you know, didn't want it to be like, well, all right, commutes in, but no room for anybody else. I'd have to check our bylaws, I don't know
if it indicates a maximum number, butâ¦
15:39:36 Yeah, yeah. You still need love.
15:39:38 And then, you know, I welcome an application from you of you, or anyone else, if they so desire.
15:39:44 Um, okay, anything else?
15:39:49 Okay, um, Heather's not here. Does anyone else want to do the adjournment process?
15:40:04 And this could be a super level, or it could be very formal. Yeah. Very informal, um, and I'm going to opt for the informal.
15:40:13 Uh, and so I will say at 3.40, the meeting is adjourned. Great.