VCC Steering Team Minutes, submitted by Sharon Rich
September 5, 2006
11 members present, VCC staff and Helping Services staff were unable to attend, due to a conference in Des Moines.
A. Tiffany and Gary Anderson shared about the HUD Grant Writing conference they attended in August. They recommend we also explore private grants. HUD grants use the online application process, which should make grant writing easier. They were encouraged to learn that the grant writing process doesn’t have to be scary. HUD likes to see success in the monies they have granted; having a success story (like the VCC) will make our organization more desirable. Gary and Tiffany were able to spend one on one time with the presenters between sessions and found that to be very helpful. They will be meeting with Sharon Rich, Al Knox, and Karen Miller to determine the direction the VCC grant writing should take. All grant applications will be brought before the Steering Team before applications are initiated.
B. Stephanie Murphy presented financial reports. Check book balance as of 8/09/06 $10,185.94.
C. Alice Schaer reported for the Mentoring Subgroup. Discussion was held about how to allocate the $7600 from the Fayette County Mentoring. All agreed it should be applied to the Salary of the Mentoring Coordinator.
D. The next All-VCC meeting will be held September 27, 5:30-7:00. Marty Jacobs will have coupon books available for purchase at that meeting.
E. Sharon Rich shared a draft of a letter to be sent to the SODA scholarship winners. Final approval of the letter will be given at the October meeting. It is recommended to have a personal letter and letter of reference stating that the drug-free lifestyle has been maintained. That will go into effect with the 2007 winners. (The draft is included at the end of the minutes).
F. Michelle Rothlisberger has been hired as a .5 Administrative Assistant and will begin employment on 9/8/06.
G. Al Knox presented a report from the VCC Fund Development Team. He will be bringing more information to the October meeting about cost to move forward with sending out FDT letters. VCC Staff and volunteers will need to address, prepare and mail possibly 100-500 folders of information about the VCC. This information will include a pledge form.
H. Al Knox also shared about the upcoming opportunity to meet with Lon Butikofer and learn more about how Backbone Counseling could be a resource for the VCC. Al also noted that the potential for a Golf Tournament fund-raiser for mentoring is beginning to formulate a plan…more details in the future.
I. Marty Jacobs, (unable to attend) requests that the VCC Steering team determine what percentage of sales the SODA students could earn from selling the coupon books for the 06-07 year. The decision needs to be made at the October Steering Team meeting.
September 15, 2006
Dear SODA Scholarship Recipient,
Congratulations on receiving the 2005-06 SODA Scholarship. Your $1,000 scholarship is nonrenewable and will be awarded to you when you successfully complete your 1st semester as a full-time college student, acquire a minimum 2.5 GPA, and continue maintaining a drug–free lifestyle.
You have already demonstrated that you are a SODA member in good standing and how SODA has enhanced your life. Your High School SODA pledge is a commitment you can stand firm in as a college underclassman. As you were a positive leader with the VCC, we encourage you to apply that energy at the institution you have now selected to help further your education.
The Valley Community Coalition and VCC Steering Team is excited to see how your future career choice will benefit the community you live in.
Please be advised if you cannot maintain the scholarship criteria your award will be withdrawn. If you have any questions about your scholarship please contact the VCC office, 426-5171. We are confident you will enjoy and make the most of your first year in your post-secondary education.
Best Wishes,
VCC Steering Team and Steering Team Leaders,
Sharon Rich
Tim Corkery
Sheryl Butikofer