Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-09 Community Relations Committee~1 _~ ~~ Community Relations Committee 2009 South Bend Common Council The April 29, 2009 meeting of the Community Relations Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, 2°d District Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. at 5:04 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Danielle Sheeley of Sonnyvilla, Charrae Wilson of Sonyvilla, Cameron Jackson of Sonnyvilla, Brooke Gilbert of Sonnyvilla, Rob Staley from The Crossings, Dr. Karyle Green, Brown Intermediate Center Principal, Attorney Peter J. Agoistino, Sonnyvilla, Lucas Miles of Sonnyvilla, Josiah Martino of Sonnyvilla, Teresa Graves, Lead Outreach Coordinantor with the St. Joseph County Health Department; Jamie Loo with the South Bend Tribune, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Davis welcomed everyone to the meeting. He noted that the Community Relations Committee is charged with the duty to foster relationships between public and private entities and to facilitate and growth in our community. He noted that the Committee members include Council Member Ann Puzzello who is at a neighborhood meeting, Dr. Varner, Council Member Karen L. White who is ill, and himself as Chairperson. He noted that Council President Dieter also called and is attending a neighborhood meeting. Council Member Davis assured those present that all of the information shared today would be shared with all of the Council Members. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. stated that two (2) main items are on today's Committee agenda, namely receiving an update on Sonnyvilla and receiving an update on the Lead Hazard Grant. He then called upon Josiah Martino, the founder of Sonnyvilla for a presentation. Sonnyvilla - Building Hope for Youth: Josiah Martino, the President of Sonnyvilla noted that their mission is to build hope for youth by "encouraging emotional, spiritual, intellectual and physical maturity through secure and consistent family-style environments". He then presented apower-point presentation. He noted that: • As of February 2008 there were more than 55 vacant/foreclosed homes in less than a 1 square mile area of Brown Intermediate Center seeing this as a "Community in Crisis" • 72% of the Brown Intermediate Center school qualify for free lunches breakfasts • Fewer than 45% of the Brown students passed the ISTEP • 82 suspension/expulsion incidents per 100 students at Brown in the last school year • Sonnyvilla focuses on life skills; tutoring; and providing Houses of H.O.P.E (Homes Openly Providing Encouragement) after school to provide nurturing, caring & instructive enviroments where at risk students participate in life skills classes, academic tutoring, mentoring and career building Community Relations Committee Meeting Apri129, 2009 Page 2 • Sonnyvilla has developed a synergistic approach of using professionals, educators, social and church sectors who collaboratively implement a variety of community enhancement programs for youth • Each home is within walking distance of Brown and open to youth grades 5-8 during "at risk" hours of 3-7 p.m. weekdays and on the week ends • Sonnyvilla's Core Values include "character building, hope, relationships, education, service and teamwork • ~ In the Fall of 2008 Sonnyvilla and The Crossing Educational Center launched "Extreme Home Rehab Program" which provide students with learning skills about gutting an entire home, plumbing & electrical, painting and landscaping from professionals in each of the building trades • The Crossing Educational Center donated computers for each of the Homes located near Brown which were opened • Key is being in the neighborhoods and hope to duplicate this in other neighborhoods in crisis so that it will stimulate education and economic development Mr. Martino then introduced Peter J. Agostino, a local attorney and Sonnyvilla Board Member to give a few remarks. Mr. Agostino stated that he believes that schools are directly related to a city's growth and businesses. Often because of the lack of parental support, students need assistance. Sonnyville seeks to be part of the solution to put in place what is missing in neighborhoods with at risk students. The Sonnyvilla homes are located right in the community and are staffed with people who care and give guidance, work with each student on computers, provide meals, structure, support and guidance. Dr. Karyle Green, Brown Intermediate Center Principal, stated that Sonnyville is definitely needed. She noted that too many of the Brown students lack guidance in behavior skills, motivation; few come from 2-parent households with many having one parent incarcerated or disabled. Many of the students are mobile; it is hard to contact parents and when the students leave school they do not have support. Brown IC does not have transportation available for after school programs and does not have adequate funding. Sonnyville is filling the void since students need to be part of something constructive. Dr. Green stated that they need consistency, motivation and hope. They are trying to prevent gangs, graffiti, thefts; drugs. This school year has bee "wonderful" in light of the consent and waiver program which Sonnyville has to permit students to participate. Mr. Martino noted that each of the home are identified by color, as being for boys; and others for girls. Houses of H.O.P.E. provide: Community Relations Committee Meeting Apri129, 2009 Page 3 • Tutoring on Wednesdays 6-8 pm with a family meal • Tutoring on Monday, Thursday & Friday • Building Trades Monday through Friday noon - 3 pm Mr. Martino then introduced Sonnyvilla students. Charrae Wilson stated that she was in the 8TH grade and goes to one of the girls' Houses of Hope. She had Ds and Fs before she started going to a Sonnyvilla Home and now earns As and Bs. She has "learned what it means to be a better person -that you do it for yourself'. She stated that she believes that abandoned houses need to be addressed. She would like to be "the head prosecutor some day so that she can get drugs off the street. I want to bring hope to the world". Cameron Jackson stated that he is 14 years old and in the 8~' grade. He goes to one of the boys' Houses of Hope. He stated that he has bonded with his group leaders and is now on the honor roll. He has learned about respect and wants more positive activities in our community. Mr. Martino stated that Sonnyvilla is taking pride in: Saving neighborhoods so that they are strong and stable - by teaching life skills by implementing what Steven Covey calls "having new eyes" Successful collaborative partnerships Sustainability factor of living in the community so that it becomes a place where you can get hope A two-minute video then was presented. All persons present were then introduced and handouts were provided (copies attached) In response to questions from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., it was noted that there are 5-6 students per home; that there hope is to have HOMES in every middle school in the city. Mr. Martino noted that his father grew up in an orphanage in Italy. He visited that area and after many talks with Mr. Agostino believed that Sonnyvilla must be created. More sponsors and partners are needed. He saw middle school as the time when there is a fork in the road to help youth. Dr. Green noted that they used to have weekly fights, now they have just a handful, and few expulsions. She noted that the impact of Sonnyvilla is positive because of the many partnerships which Sonnyvilla has fostered. Grades in the students who are a part of Sonnyvilla have improved. They have reached 32 students, and have a long waiting list of those who want to participate. Mr. Agostino noted that Josiah Martino's level of commitment is critical to the success which Sonnyvilla has had to date. He lives in the community and the program is bringing back a neighborhood. Zoning codes should be reviewed to make sure that residential uses would be permitted above store shops. Tax abatements need to be reviewed to assure that replatted lots could receive residential tax abatement to create new homes. Elected officials need to hear comments like Community Relations Committee Meeting Apri129, 2009 Page 4 those given today by Dr. Green so that they can hear what is happening in our schools; and how they are affected by lack of funding for many needed programs. He believes that there has been "a disconnect for too many years". Programs like Sonnyvilla he believes "should be at the top of the list on what South Bend needs to do--they positively impact students lives. Mr. Rob Staley from The Crossings stated that additional funding is necessary for the tutoring programs to continue. . Council Member Davis commended everyone present who are a part of Sonnyville. He sees it as a program which is providing a cure and not just a band aid. He noted that he is currently working on ordinances which address more collaboration between the schools and his committee; as well as community development ideas. Lead Hazard Grant - St. Joseph County Health Department Council Member Davis then introduced Teresa Graves, Environmental Health Specialist and Lead Outreach Coordinator noted that she is promoting the federal grant. Up to $12,000 for properties is available for those who qualify. Funds may cover expenses for inspections, risk assessment, testing water, paint and soil. Tests can test up to ten (10) layers of paint. Ms. Graves noted that pre-1978 housing may be at risk with lead hazards, with 80% of the homes falling into that category. Ms. Graves left the following information for distribution and reading: • Summary sheet on "Help Eliminate Lead Poisoning in St. Joseph County" in English and Spanish • Housing Authority Lead Hazard Control Grant Property Application Form in English and in Spanish • "Is Your Child Being Poisoned" brochure • "Safe Cleaning Methods" brochure • "Renovate Right" brochure • "Contractors Lead Safety During Renovation" brochure • CDC "Lead Paint Safety" Field Guide (copies attached) Council Member Davis suggested that in addition to having the brochures in the Clerk's Office and the Building Department that they should consider the neighborhood associations and churches in the area. He then thanked Ms. Graves for sharing this information. Council Member Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:23 p.m. tfully u miffed, it be Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson o nit a ations Committee Attachments