Fairbanks Youth Advocates Board Meeting
February 18, 2016
5:00-7:00

1. Roll Call
   1. Call to order: 5:07
   2. Present: Patrick Endres, Liz Fabian, Barb Tyndall, Chick Wallace, Tami Manning (phoned in)
   3. Absent: Sarah Finnell, Dave Miller
   4. Staff: Marylee Bates
2. Open in Prayer:
   1. Barb Tyndall opened in prayer.
3. Mission Review:
   1. Board members watched a short video State of Alaska budget presented by Gunnar Knapp from UAF.  Because oil revenues are down and declining Alaska has a $3.6 billion deficit.
   2. Mr. Knapp said we have four options: cut spending, cut dividends, increase revenues, or save less.
   3. Looked at graph of 501 nonprofits in state of Alaska.  Human services takes up 34% of the budget.
4. Accept Minutes from January 2016 Meeting
   1. Minutes:  Liz moved to accept January meeting minutes; Patrick seconded.  Approved unanimously.
5. Signature items
   1. Patrick signed time sheets
6. ED Report
   1. Marylee gave the board a review of our clients in 2015:
      1. The Door housed 37 males and 28 females.
      2. Race breakdown and residence prior to entry is available
      3. Most come from home
      4. Destinations of where clients went after staying at The Door is also available
      5. Disabilities; mental illness, alcohol abuse, developmental, physical
      6. 44 youth ages 13-17
      7. 21 youth 18-24
   2. Trends:
      1. More than half stayed less than a week
      2. More than half returned home
      3. 30% reported abuse
      4. 20% had dropped out of school at time of intake
      5. 35% report substance abuse, mental health issues, developmental
      6. greater majority are first time runaways
      7. Discussion of what happens to kids after they leave.  Chick Wallace said we need to train them for life.  Marylee replied that staff follow up in six months with kids.  It is suggested that a monthly parents meeting would be helpful to discuss issues and address them positively.  This could be used to give parents strategies for parenting which would benefit families.
   3. Personnel:
      1. 14 staff associated with shelter,
      2. Numerous volunteers, 4 interns,
      3. One VISTA is starting March 1—needs a computer costing more than $1000.
      4. Liz moved and Patrick seconded a motion to give Marylee Bates permission to purchase a computer over $1000. Approved unanimously.
   4. Summer Vista Idea:
      1. Ideas include; outside activities for youth to participate; accompany youth to these planned activities; organizing, planning, planting and harvesting garden with youth; participating in our street outreach program.
   5. Staff changes:
      1. Janelle submitted resignation  in mid-January.
      2. Hired Kellie Boyle (former ED of Joel’s Place) to take Janelle’s place.  She is an effective leader.  Could potentially could become a part-time Shelter Manager.
   6. ED activities and staff training:
      1. Marylee has new grandbaby on the way and will be taking time off in March to help with kids.
      2. Marylee and staff are now focused now on the reports (licensing, etc.).
      3. VISTA orientation will occupy her for off and on for a few weeks.
      4. Staff meetings and trainings are going well.  They have good attendance, and the team is growing closer.   On March 9-10, Covenant House Alaska (CHA) trainers (Trauma Informed Care, Culture of Care, & Motivational Interviewing) will be presenting.
      5. Sarah recently participated in Outreach Training at CHA, & Laquawna visited with HR and youth services at CHA today!  During spring break Marylee would like to send Hannah and Kelli to CHA too.
      6. The VISTA—will visit My House in Wasilla, Gathering Grounds Café, and Steam Driven Boutique, to gather ideas.
   7. Current Events:
      1. National School Lunch Program:  Turned in 100 page document in response to corrective Action required based on December review.  We get about $8500 per year for this
7. Wellness Policy—Board must review, approve and make it public.  Board reviewed and discussed this document.
   1. The guidelines focus on encouraging healthy lifestyles; including habits of healthy eating, good hygiene, and healthy lifestyles including physical activity.
   2. Patrick said these should all be worded positively.  The board spent time reading and editing the Wellness Policy
   3. Patrick moved to accept the Wellness Policy of the Fairbanks Youth Advocates as edited by the board; Chick Wallace seconded.  Approved unanimously.
8. Discussion about upcoming evals
   1. Will look at evaluation tools in the future in order to complete these in March.
9. Financial Report
   1. Treasurer’s Report.  Liz Fabian reported that W-2 and 1099os were distributed on time at the end of January to all employees.  Report is on line.
10. Vista Position
    1. VISTA:  Goal of VISTA Project: Youth-centric campus in Fairbanks.  There are future plans to develop our properties to create a safe place for youth.  Some ideas include, a clothing store, café to employ youth and job training for youth.
    2. Conversation about VISTA proposal.
       1. Three year project and our VISTA, Christina Cortez, agrees to one year at a time.
       2. Patrick said he would be intimidated by this proposal.  The scope of this plan would not be given to a person who is not going to be around throughout.
       3. This project needs heavy lifting by our Executive Director and Dave Miller and others who know what needs to be done and how to do it.  Marylee said the VISTA will do the leg-work but this will be directed by ED and others.  It’s free full time help.
11. Public Information Report
    1. Website: Patrick said he thought we needed to go to a professional to develop our website.  A recent over-ride took away much of our website.  Patrick had to redo it.  Thinks we need to trim it down and hire professionals to make it better.  Patrick does not currently have the time to do it as he would like to see it done.
12. Vision Forward:
    1. We have to have more kids.  Like to see our bed at 65%.
    2. This year: Emphasis on Outreach.
13. Schedule Next Meeting
    1. Tuesday, March 29, 5:00.
14. Meeting adjourned 6:57

Respectfully submitted:

Barbara Tyndall, FYA Secretary