Chair, Jackie Gray called the November meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. at the CIRSI

Office at 1002 South 12^th Avenue.

Members present:Jill Eaton, Lisa Soder, Rich Byers, Herb Rich, John McPherson

                           Laura Schinnow, Anne Vance, Jackie Gray, Jacque Osgood,

                           Alicia Krough, Michelle Allen, Linda White

Members absent:  Ron Goecke, Gordie Johnson, John Soorholtz,

                           Allen Fagerlund,

                           Pat Ross, Carol Fonua, Deb Williams,

Guests present:    Barb Mathews, Stephanie Johnson

1.       Introductions:

Introductions were made by Board members present to our guests, Barb Mathews (Rehabilitation Counselor) of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Stephanie Johnson (Employment Specialist) of Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa.

2.      Program – Stephanie Johnson (Goodwill Industries) Barb Mathews (Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation)

Stephanie Johnson and Barb Mathews both provided information on employment services that assist persons with disabilities or vocational disadvantages in obtaining and maintaining employment within the community.  Both passed out informational handouts to board members present.  Stephanie currently serves Marshall and Poweshiek counties.  She explained that it takes approximately 20 to 40 hours of job coaching per consumer before a placement is considered successful.  Follow-up meetings are held once or twice a week for the next 6 months, dropping down to 2 times per month.  It takes approximately 180 days to fully acclimate a consumer to his/her new job.  Stephanie is working with 4 consumers at the present time with 5 new referrals pending.  Goodwill Industries will soon be moving from their current location at 107 N. Center St. to 100 Lafrentz Lane (by Wal-Mart).  A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Goodwill building is planned for November 18^th.

Barb Mathews explained other information such as referral and application process, eligibility, what services are included, supported employment, and working while receiving social security and supplemental security income.  Barb’s caseload is currently112.  There is no waiting list for those persons with most significant disabilities, however other categories may be on waiting lists.  Those that are put on the waiting list receive information and referrals. Barb & Stephanie both stressed that good communication between all parties is the key to a successful transition into the working world.

3.      Review FY05 Annual Report for submission to the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Human Services:

Jill reported that the FY05 Annual Report is in the same format as prior years.  All segments of the report were reviewed with board members.  After discussion, it was decided to eliminate the Peer Review surveys for FY06 and compare the previous year’s number of surveys returned and information gathered.  Michelle Allen motioned to accept the draft of the FY05 Annual Report with any changes to be made.  Motion was seconded by Jackie Gray.  The Board of Supervisors will accept the report at the regularly scheduled board meeting on November 16^th and forwarded to the Department of Human Service by

December 1, 2005.

4.      Agency Updates:

Jackie Gray – AEA 267 reported receiving a Tech Prep Grant for $1250.  This money will be used for a program called “Showcasing Options” for the four county area for high school students on November 10^th at Dejardin Hall at MCC.   AEA 267 will soon be under one roof again at the So. 12^th St. building sometime after completion in January or February 06.

Laura Schinnow - IVCCD and Jackie Osgood – AEA267 also spoke about the Showcasing Options and the roles they played in the planning process.

Anne Vance – CIRSI reported on a new CIRSI site for two of their consumers.  She is currently working on cost reports and Christmas wish lists. 

Rich Byers – MIW said they are busy and pleased that Lennox has resolved their contract.  MIW is working with a private business in Montezuma and should know more on the status of this by January 06.

John McPherson –  Reported that the Marshalltown Residential Facility is full.  They have hired two probation parole officers.  He is asking for 9 more officers to assist with the sex offender issue.  John said all sex offenders in the community are wearing electronic monitors and finding housing for them is a real problem.  The Residential Facility can accommodate 51.  Of those currently housed, 100% are employed and income per week is approximately $13,000 - $14,000.  Swift and Co. is the biggest employer as well as summer constructions jobs.  Employment training for offenders is available each Monday at 1:00 P.M.

Michelle Allen with North Star Community Services reported hiring and training new staff due to a high staff turnover.  She commented there have been fewer commitments during the past few months.

Jill explained to Board members that the Board of Supervisors made the decision to pay mileage for those individuals who serve on Boards and Commissions for Marshall County at the rate of 48 cents per mile. This became effective, November 1, 2005.  Travel Reimbursement forms were passed out to Board members who wished to submit mileage claims.

Advisory Board Membership 

Future meeting dates are listed below and locations will be announced on the agendas when mailed. 

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 P.M.

Future Meeting Dates:

March 7, 2006 (Strategic Plan due 4-1-06)

June 6, 2006

November 7, 2006