Youth Services Advisory Board Minutes
SIMSBURY YOUTH SERVICE ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
February 5, 2024
On February 5, 2024, the Simsbury Youth Services Advisory Board met in person at the Simsbury High School.
Present: Erika Cleveland (SSS), Tom Tyburski (SCP&R), Mary Richardson (SPL), Trevor Brittell (SRO), Cathy Ernst (School Psychologist) and Diana Yeisley (Board Liaison).
The meeting was called to order at 2:33 PM.
Public Audience Comments: Dr. Kathleen Webb Clinical Psychologist and owner of Greater Hartford Wellness was a public audience member informing the board of their mental health clinical services conveniently located in Avon, CT. Dr. Webb and her team offers clinical services for kids, teens, and adults struggling with mental health challenges. Greater Hartford Wellness also offers monthly webinars, in person support groups, community events, and mental health courses.
Lori Boyko was a second public audience member addressing her concerns of pornographic book materials easily accessible at the Simsbury High School Library.
Erika reviewed Youth Service Bureau programs offered over the last quarter such as: Therapy Dog meet and greet with a total of 8 participants, a full Babysitting CPR and First Aid course, Home Alone Safety training with 12 students, a weekly Life Skills Cooking Class with full participation each week, and a Intergenerational Bingo event with 110 family members.
Social Services also co-sponsored a few events with Parks and Recreation, Simsbury Police Department, and Simsbury Public Library. Collaborations included: Family Ice Skating event with a total of 275, Kindness event with the library with a total of 46 participants, and a Youth Internet Safety Program also co-sponsored with the State of CT Police Department with a total of 19 students. All events had positive feedback and some follow up ideas for future programming.
Lastly, Social Services began offering a “Building Strong Families” parent support group. This program supports parents educating them on positive parenting skills and conflict resolution. This 8 week series has a total of 10 parents present with the option for childcare supervision provided by Social Services team members.
All Department updates were provided. SRO Trevor Brittell suggested the board collaborate on some ideas to offer students during half days to deter students from wandering around town. Diana Yeisley presented an idea offered by Bill Donagan inviting students to play games and use pinball machines in local restaurants in town. The board brainstormed other ideas but had staffing concerns when trying to promote a large event at the meadows.
Cathy Ernst stated an area of concern continues to be attendance for many students.
Parks and Recreation has summer jobs open for students 15+. Parks and Recreation began registration for summer programs including: Easter Egg hunt, Touch a Truck, Ice Cream Social, Summer Movie in the park, Fireworks for the End of the Summer Bash, and a Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament.
Teen Librarian Mary Richardson stated half days have been good but noticed a consistent decline in attendance for January programming. For instance, Study Break with Therapy Dogs did not have many participants in attendance compared to last years statistics. Mary completed lots of outreach to Simsbury High School to set students up with a library card. Mary reviewed upcoming programs such as: Healthy Relationships co-sponsored with Social Services and Interval House, Photo Contest, and a Summer employment Job Fair. Mary also stated students are taking the initiative to put together a financial literacy program for students ages 12+.
Board of Selectmen Liaison Diana Yeisley informed the board that the Board of Selectmen are preparing for budget season. Diana stated there’s a lot to look at in the school budgets. More information will become available over the next few months.
Having no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:11 PM.
Next meeting date will be Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 2:30 pm in the Amphitheater.
Erika Cleveland, Chair