15 0116 PP Planning Committee Meeting

Promise Partners, Pottawattamie County’s Alliance for Youth
Planning Committee Meeting
January 16, 2015
Attendees: Janna Ahrenolt-Girl Scouts, Barbie Bluml-Children’s Square, Amanda
Carpick-LFS, Audrey Clauson-Family Connections, Sarena Dacus-FAMILY, Inc., Jessie
Dewaele Griffis-WCCA/EHS, Lee Heithoff-Iowa Legal Aid, Katie Kieffer-Catholic
Charities, Sandy Kirchhoff-VNA, Deb Kissel-Youth & Families, Jo Lightner-VNA,
Jeannette Linnenburger-WCCA/CCRR, Jessie Lusero-HFS, Heather LoutzenhiserPromise Partners, Tisha Moore-Promise Partners, Jordan Morse-WIC, Lorelle MuetingHFS/PMP, Susan Pawloski-LFS, Carrie Potter-Catholic Charities, Patricia RussmannPromise Partners, Natalie Samson-Boys Town, Jim Schalley-JCS, Dustie Shepley-DHS,
Judy Showers-Promise Partners, Jaymes Sime-Boys Town, Jessica Rayment-Promise
Partners, Greg Smith-Kids & Co., Jeff Spiehs-MAPA, Kristyn Vorthmann-WCCA/EHS,
Janice Wright-FAMILY, Inc.
Introductions/Community Updates:
The meeting was called to order by Patricia Russmann at 9:04 AM.
Audrey Clauson-Family Connections is hosting “Teen Talk: Surviving the Teen Years” an
interactive parenting class on Wednesdays February 11, 2015 thru May 20, 2015 from
6:30-7:30pm for teens ages 12-18 and parents, guardians, and family members. Location
is 500 Willow Avenue, Suite 305, Council Bluffs, IA.
Dustie Shepley- Department of Human Services (DHS) is training 8-10 parents as parent
partners to families involved in the DHS system that have been reunited with their
children.
Jordan Morse-WIC has a front desk position open at their office. Contact the
Pottawattamie County WIC office for details.
Susan Pawloski- Lutheran Family Services (LFS) has two new rounds of parenting
classes starting in February for parents with children under 5. English classes begin
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 and the Spanish class begins on Thursday, February 5, 2015.
Contact Lutheran Family Service at 712-242-1040 or their website www.lfsneb.org.
Barbie Bluml-Children’s Square is hosting an information session on foster parenting on
Tuesday, January 20th. Children’s Square is facilitating a task force to brainstorm ideas to
recruit foster parents at the Council Bluffs Church of Christ on Monday, January 26th
from 11:00AM-1:00PM contact Barbie at for more
information.

Greg Smith-Kids & Company is collecting stuffed animals to distribute to Nursing
Homes in the area on Valentine’s Day for more information email Greg at

Janna Ahrenolt-Girls Scouts is hosting a Fun Night of Dancing for recruiting girls
kindergarten through 5th grade, bring a dad, uncle or grandpa. The location is Wilson
Middle School, 715 N. 21st Street, Council Bluffs, IA from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. The event


is free, membership for Girl Scouts is $15.00 (scholarships are available) for more
information contact
Carrie Potter-Phoenix House is expanding now serving 9 counties. Seeking safe housing in
Atlantic, Shenandoah, and Red Oak.

Sarena Dacus-FAMILY, Inc., is hosting an open house at their Avoca Office, Tuesday,
February 17th from 4:00-6:00PM with a free spaghetti dinner. Location is 170 Elm Street
in Avoca, Iowa
Lee Heithoff-Iowa Legal Aid has been promoted to Deputy Director. He is leaving
Council Bluffs and will be located at the Des Moines office
Heartland 2050
Jeff Spiehs, Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) presented the following:
The Heartland 2050 region encompasses the entire Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan
area, including eight counties, two states and all communities. By coming together as
part of this regional planning effort, we learn to see how everyone involved-governments,
businesses, and individuals-are part of a larger, interconnected system, where over time,
small actions lead to great impacts.
Counties include: Cass, Douglas, Harrison, Mills, Pottawattamie, Sarpy, Saunders, &
Washington
Activities in the first year are the following:
1. Establish an executive committee to oversee the preparation and execution of a
work plan for the first year of implementation

2. Convene six implementation committees (working groups) to address each of the
Heartland Vision goals
3. Reestablish an equity and engagement committee to ensure that under-represented
populations are included in the implementation of the vision goals
4. Establish a monitoring system to track the region’s progress in implementing
goals and strategies
5. Roll out a near-term action plan-Heartland 2050 Action Plan-to highlight
strategic, near-term implementation steps that can be undertaken quickly to move
the Vision forward.
6. Celebrate progress and major milestones to share the progress made each year
toward achieving the Heartland Vision
Goal topic areas:
1. Economic Development-Together, our region will strengthen its robust economy
to encourage business expansion, job training and growth, and become a national
magnet for a young and highly skilled workforce.
2. Education-Together, our region will have the highest quality education system
that educates the work force of the future.
3. Health and Safety-Together, our region will be noted for its healthy living, safe
neighborhoods and exceptional healthcare providers.
4. Housing and Development-Together, our region will be known for welcoming,
connected and lively communities that offer residents a range of housing choices
and locations.


5. Infrastructure-Together, our region’s investments will develop efficient
infrastructure that supports economic development, provides more transportation
choices, and reduces energy consumption.
6. Resources-Together, our region values, protects and utilizes our natural features
and systems to provide access to green space and resilience from natural disasters.
Anyone interested in a seat on the Executive Committee, applications will be accepted

until April 30, 2015. The website for applications and further information is:
www.heartland2050.org
STARS Scholarship Program:
Brenda Moran shared the STARS Scholarship provides up to $2000 per year to nontraditional students who are parents wanting to go back to school for a Bachelor’s
Degree, an Associate’s Degree, license or certification. This scholarship provides money
to cover expenses not covered by financial aid or other programs.
The STARS Scholarship may be use at Iowa Western Community College, Kaplan
University, EQ School of Hair Design, Metropolitan Community College, ITT Tech,
UNO, Buena Vista University and other schools offering a minimum of a one year
program.
The STARS Scholarship Program is generously funded by the Iowa West Foundation and
administered by the CB Community Education Foundation.
National Drug Facts Week/Local Drug Trends:
Lorelle Mueting-Prevention Means Progress (PMP)/Heartland Family Service shared the
following:
 There is a need to focus on education of all substances
 Middle/High school youth: highest use includes alcohol, marijuana, and synthetic
drugs
 Use of tobacco continues to decline
 Other substances can be used in e-cigarettes, not just tobacco
 22 states have legalized marijuana for medical use; this is confusing to young
people
 Emergency room visits are on the rise for children ages 1-14 for ingesting
marijuana candy, cookies and drinks
 Increase in marijuana seizures on I-80; January through May 540 lb. of marijuana
were seized
 Nationwide the use of K-2 and bath salts has decreased
 Abuse of prescription drugs is an area of concern
 Heroin is cheaper and has the same effect as pain killers
 ADHD drug abuse has risen

 Increase in meth seizures; October through September 230 lb. of meth were
seized in Nebraska and 140 lb. in Iowa
The DEA is no longer sponsoring prescription drug take back events, but the Youth &
Families Committee would like to sponsor one locally. We are looking into possibilities.
Updates:


Patricia shared the next Governance Board meeting is Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at
the Micah House from 1:00-3:00pm; these meetings are open to the public. Before the
Board Meeting, an Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) orientation will be held at 11:30 AM
presented by Shanell Wagler from the State Office. It is intended for new board members
but community partners are welcome to attend. An invitation was sent via email. Please
RSVP if you would like to attend. Lunch will be provided
Tisha Moore shared for the first full year of the Coordinated Intake program:
 643 families were asked to participate
 436 referrals were made
 81 enrollments
All home visiting programs that are funded through the Promise Partners Board are at or
near capacity.
On January 27th at 4:00 PM there is a Family Support Meeting at WCCA Omni Center
location.
On February 24th at 2:00 PM at the Red Cross is a meeting to plan for advocating for
Early Childhood at the day on the hill. Please let Tisha know if you plan to attend. Her
email is
Jessie Rayment wanted to invite everyone to attend the Youth Work Methods Series for
adults who work with children and youth that includes 2 workshops:
1. Structure & Clear Limits
2. Building Community
Flyers are available today. Register at www.promisepartners.org or call Jessie at 712256-9920.
The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2015 from 9:00-10:30 AM at the

Red Cross.
The next Governance Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2015
from1:00 to 3:00PM at the Micah House.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Judy Showers, Administrative Assistant