FAIRBANKS YOUTH ADVOCATES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
DECEMBER 18, 2012
Roll Call:
Present: Patrick Endres, Kathy Birch, Sarah Finnell, Danny Bramer, Meryem Kugzruk, Rilene Ann, Barbara Tyndall, Marylee Bates, Jeff Bizzarro
Absent: Dave Miller, Brad Johnston
Opening Prayer: Marylee opened in prayer
Minutes: Patrick moved to approve the November minutes; Rilene seconded; approved unanimously.
We need a fourth signer for checks. Decision was postponed until our next meeting. Jeff Bizzarro was suggested as a possibility.
Brochures were discussed. We have a new format with updated information. It was agreed to go to press this week to have the the new brochure ready in time for the art fundraiser in January.
The board wants to express thanks to Dick Erwin, our AmeriCorp staff who will beleaving December 28. It was suggested that a cash gift would be best. Sarah is coming back but we want to bless her also. Board members will personally give donations for these gifts. Donating on Pay Pal is an option.
FYA has an opportunity to advertise on the local buses. One sign is $50 per month or three signs in the bus (11 by 17) are $75 per month. These would target kids who ride the bus (ie “Need a place to stay?” etc.) Sarah suggested we target the middle schools. Patrick moved that we purchase three signs for a minimum of 4 months. Rilene seconded. Sarah suggested we partner with SOAP to share the cost. Joel’s Place may also have funds for this. Passed unanimously.
The bus transit center will now allow kids to wait there until the shelter opens at night. There was a problem but it has been sorted out.
The creation of small handouts for young kids with various resources where they can get what they need was the next topic of discussion. Marylee approached FCA about developing this and asked that our name be included in the information. Randy Lewis suggested that our two organizations update this together. Marylee will continue to pursue this.
Our web site now has a section titled “Need Help?” Patrick suggested that the local information on the pamphlet eventually be added to this site.
Jeff arrived and we introduced ourselves. He agreed to be our fourth signer.
Our new web site is up now. It has a rotating slide show with information and contact information. Sarah makes weekly posts and keeps the site current. The drop-downs have also been updated.
Patrick asked about adding folks to our board. He said we need a person with computer and web site skills to help us with our web site. Several names were suggested. Patrick suggested that our site be moved and partnered with Clearwater Counseling. He said there are security issues that need to be addressed. Marylee and Patrick will follow up on possible people who can do this work for us.
Patrick gave a ten minute refresher on how to navigate the board website.
Dashboard to Users will get us into our site to change passwords. We also looked at how to post travel dates.
Board evaluations—Most board members had an opportunity to preview these. Rilene is going to input the self evaluation into Survey Monkey and send it to everyone to take the survey. Kathy will evaluate the more detailed evaluation and suggest items that can be deleted or clarified.
Steve Holford is the artist who will be featured at the art fundraiser on January 25. This will take place at Friends Community Church. He would like this to be the biggest art show he has ever had. He requests that all of the board members attend. He indicated that approximately 60% of the sales would be donated to FYA.
Marylee reported that we’ve had nine different youth at the shelter; as many as five and as few as one. There were four last night. The ages range from 17-21 and they are all male so far. The shelter is running smoothly. They are staffed with two volunteers from 9:00 to 11:00 and 9:00 to 8:00. Clients arrive on foot or people drop them off. The police called one night and asked if they could drop someone off. He was walking to the shelter and the police gave him a ride. Some went to the Rescue Mission first and they were brought to FYA by the Rescue Mission staff because we are a better fit for this age group.
Marylee has hired a shelter supervisor. This employee will start doing shifts at the shelter soon. Another person she hired will start at the end of the month.
Some money was generated with the letters. United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1243 and the Local Laborer Political and Education Committee Laborers Local 942 have both made contributions. The Usibeli Foundation has also donated. MacCheyne’s Carpet has said they will contribute and find others to help with carpeting. The Alaska Railroad indicated they would be glad to give tickets and door prizes for fundraisers.
The house needs to be re-hooked for electricity. Marylee has asked Dave Miller to put in a ground rod. Jeff said he could furnish an electrician for this task.
Patrick made a motion to nominate Jeff as a signer on the checking account. Barb seconded the motion, all agreed.
Next meeting will be Thursday, January 24 at 5:00.
