Fairbanks Youth Advocates

July 9, 2013

Meeting called to order at 5:05.

 Present:  Patrick Endres, Sarah Finnell , Kathryn Birch , Brad Johnston, Barb Tyndall, Dave Miller, Marylee Bates

Absent:  Meryem Kugzruk, Jeff Bizzarro

Prayer:  Patrick opened in prayer

Discussion of Rilene’s resignation. We will send Rilene a letter of appreciation for the time she served.  Adena also resigned to pursue her education.

Sarah moved to approve May minutes.  Patrick seconded.  Approved unanimously.

Board training:  Connecting with our mission:

Q. What is the source for the name of our shelter(The Door)?

A.  Sam Shoemaker poem “The Door”

The poem was made available to board members on our web site.

Board members signed thank you notes for our volunteers.

Voting items: None.

Project update—Marylee Bates reported on the latest news concerning the building project.  The best bid came in $150,000 too low which we had to find in contributions.    At the last minutes (4:40 pm) we were put on the agenda for the City Counsel meeting last week.  This saved us two weeks of waiting.  (Needed unanimous consent to do this)  The Counsel voted unanimously to provide $127,000 more for this project.  The board is praising God for His miraculous provision.   FYA needs to close the gap to provide the remaining funds.  The bidder took out some items.  We can count donations in appliances, etc.

Marylee asked if we needed to vote concerning the acquisition of the house adjacent to The Door.  After discussion it was decided that no vote was necessary since the board had already voted to purchase the property.

Discussion concerning how to recognize those who have contributed to The Door.  It was suggested that the recognition be on the building itself.  Marylee would like the kids who come our way to know people donated because they care.

Marylee related a personal story of a seventeen-year-old girl who wants custody of her sister’s baby.  She will be eighteen next month. The girl’s own story is what makes this important.  She said she had been on her own since and had never known she was wanted.  She wants this baby to know she is wanted.   Alaska Legal services offered to help her.

Staff reports:  Marylee said that staff are doing extra shifts to cover vacations for other staff.  She asked us to keep Tony and his wife in prayer.  They have a baby due in September.  They were in the emergency room the previous night to stop premature contractions.

Discussion of progress report to those who have donated.  How broad should we pursue a list of people to keep in the loop on what we are doing?  Sarah suggested we stay in the circle of those who are aware and let it grow.  All board members agreed.  FYA will not purchase a mailing list.  Brad said the News Miner will give us good support and coverage.  We are getting a 30 second video made.  We could also purchase paid TV time.  Marylee said we currently have four monthly contributors—need to build this for long term support.

Sarah suggested a fair booth to get the word out.  The drawback is that it requires a lot of man hours.  FYA asked for five spots in the dunk tank at the fair.  All dollars go to the non-profit for their designated times.   We need a banner for this event.

Dave Miller reported that within a week we should see things start on the building.

The building crew wants to use our next door building for parking, bathroom, etc.  This would add to our in-kind donation.  Patrick was concerned about wear and tear on our building unless they want to restore it.  Dave said let them use the site without coming into the house.  Brad suggested we ask what they say about restoring it after they use it.  Dave recommended we decline; not a value to us unless they give us more  than $7200.  Brad said he would talk to them further about this.

Treasurer’s report:  Brad Johnston explained the financial reports through June 30 which were provided to all board members. Three employees are covered by our  grant.  Other employees are not.

Discussion of donors and Greater Giving donation site.

One Homeless Night:  Barb Tyndall will meet with Shane Hopkins to organize and plan for this event which will probably take place in early September.

Patrick wants to get donor page up with river theme (Yukon, Tanana, Chena).  Board decided on $500 for Chena, $1,500 for Tanana, and $2,500 for Yukon.

Next Meeting:  August 15 from 5-7 pm.

Meeting adjourned 6:53.

Respectfully Submitted,

Barbara Tyndall, Secretary