14 0919 PP Planning Committee Meeting

Promise Partners, Pottawattamie County’s Alliance for Youth
Planning Committee Meeting
September 19, 2014
Attendees: Jean Bohnker-FAMILY, Inc., Colleen Brazil-Family Connections, Amanda
Carpick-RSAFE, Audrey Clauson-Family Connections, Jessie Dewaele GriffisWCCA/EHS, Jo Lightner-VNA, Heather Loutzenhiser-Promise Partners, Jessie LuseroHFS, Tisha Moore-Promise Partners, Jordan Morse-WIC, Deb Orduna-Boys Town, Susan
Pawloski-LFS, Patricia Russmann-Promise Partners, Jim Schalley-JCS, Dustie ShepleyDHS, Judy Showers-Promise Partners, Jessie Simons-Promise Partners, Jean StiehlIWCC, Kristyn Vorthmann-WCCA, Deb Weilage-FAMILY, Inc., Kris Wood-WIC, Janice
Wright-FAMILY, Inc.
Introductions:
The meeting was called to order by Patricia Russmann at 9:07 AM
Welcome & Updates:
Kristyn Vorthmann-WCCA has three openings for home visitors. Contact for more
information:
Deb Weilage-FAMILY, Inc. is hosting Circles of Security Training on September 30,
2014. Contact email
Jean Bohnker-FAMILY, Inc. is hosting Financial Success for Women a program through
Creighton University on September 30, 2014. Contact email
Jessie Simons-Promise Partners-September 27, 2014 is Operation Medicine Cabinet,
Prescription Disposal at Walgreens 535 W. Broadway in Council Bluffs. Contact email

Jo Lightner-VNA- Flu season is here; please get your vaccination. VNA is offering free
vaccines at their Omaha office. Contact email
Jean Stiehl-Iowa Western Community Collge-- preschool program was just rated a level 5
on the Quality Rating System (QRS) system
Tisha Moore-Promise Partners- Tummies to Toddlers sponsored by Jennie Edmundson is
Saturday, November 8, 2014 at The Mall of the Bluffs. Tables for non-profits are at a
reduced rate of $75.00. Flyers are available.
Family Connections – Building Blocks
Audrey Clauson & Colleen Brazil shared Family Connections, Inc. is providing free
educational support classes that will include everything you ever wanted to know about
young children’s behaviors. A Behavioral Health Interventionist and Mental Health
Therapist will give answers, information, and services that you have been looking for.

• Classes are every third Wednesday of the month from 6-7pm at 500 Willow
Avenue, Suite 305 in Council Bluffs
• Child care is provided
• Call to reserve your spot 712-256-4420


Upcoming Classes:
• October 15: Discipline & Terrible Twos
• November 19: Self-Esteem, Negative Self-Talk, Anxiety
• December 17: Time Outs
Family Connections, Inc. also offers anger management classes.
How to Tame Your Dragon:
• Youth aged 10-14
• Adolescents aged 15-18
• Classes meet for 6 weeks
• Free of charge through a grant from Promise Partners
Boiling Point:
• Adults 19+
• Classes meet for 6 weeks
• Free of charge through a grant from Promise Partners
Promise Partners Overview & Funding:
Patricia Russmann shared the following:
Promise Partners is an umbrella organization for many state and local initiatives that
impact youth and families. The organization is funded primarily through Early
Childhood Iowa and Child Welfare Decategorization. The large planning committee, or
coalition, makes recommendations to the Governance Board on strategies and funding
allocations.
Promise Partners mobilizes all of Pottawattamie County and empowers people to share
resources to fulfill the Five Promises for all children. We work to mobilize people from
every sector of American life to build the character and competence of our nation's youth

by fulfilling Five Promises:
• Ongoing Relationships with Caring Adults;
• Safe Places with positive activities;
• Healthy Start and future;
• Life Skills through effective education;
• Opportunities to Serve, Learn, and Give back to the community
The meeting was adjourned by Patricia Russmann @ 10:15 AM.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2014 from 9:00-10:30 AM at the
Red Cross.
The next Governance Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2014
from1:00 to 3:00PM at the Micah House.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Showers, Administrative Assistant