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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2002-11-05SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 5, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date commencing at 4:05 p.m., Chaired by Mr. D. Schnarr, with the following members present: Ms. A. McConnell, Ms. M. Dunk, Ms. L. Pendergast (WRDSB) and Messrs. F. Bishop, P. Doherty and D. Hoch. Others Present: Ms. S. Adams, Ms. J. Dean, Ms. L. Palubeski, M. Tilson and Ms. L. Korabo. The meeting commenced without a quorum in attendance. 1. COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION - AN INTEGRATED MODEL OF CRIME PREVENTION Sgt. Patrick Smola, Waterloo Regional Police, attended to speak to the draft report 'An Integrated Model of Crime Prevention - A Report to Neighbourhoods and Community Partners' from the Waterloo Region Safety and Crime Prevention Council and Waterloo Regional Police, dated May 2002, which was circulated with the agenda. Using an overhead presentation, Sgt. Smola provided an overview of the model by describing its various components of intervention, post-intervention, renewal/recovery and prevention and their connectiveness as undertaken by citizens, police and involved agencies at the neighbourhood level to reduce or eliminate further criminal activities. He noted that the mobilization process requires many partners intervening at different times with a goal of empowering the affected neighbourhood to steer the process and make it their own. S. Gassim and B. Burnet entered the meeting. Sgt. Smola then opened the floor to questions and suggestions from the Committee. Ms. J. Dean requested that the final report include additional references to community involvement, noting a deficiency as outlined in the draft report's case scenarios. Ms. S. Adams commented that it will be up to the community partners involved with the mobilization process to schedule its rollout strategy. Further suggestions from members regarding: use of language; communication of plan; and, the role of City of Kitchener Enforcement staff were also noted. In closing, Sgt. Smola circulated copies of Waterloo Regional Police Services Community Bulletin as well as a pamphlet entitled 'Your Guide to Calling the Police'. He commented that these resources were being provided to members of the community in an effort to keep the lines of communication open. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion by Mr. P. Doherty - it was resolved: "That the minutes of October 1, 2002, as mailed to the members, be approved." 3. UPDATE - YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOR SAFETY AND SUPPORT PROJECT (YESS) Ms. S. Gassim and Ms. B. Burnet, Ethno-Cultural Family Safety Network (EFSN), attended to provide an update of the Youth Empowerment for Safety and Support Project (YESS) and reminded the Committee that the YESS project had received a 2-year grant in the amount of $102,500. from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. EFSN members are visiting homes of new Canadians and discussing with parents how their children may be provided with access to community services through the efforts of the YESS project. Although many recreational activities are subsidized, Ms. Gassim noted that these families may still not be able to afford to enroll their children. EFSN's first outreach was directed at mothers in a total of 17 diverse language groups and also involved the translation of City of Kitchener program information. The next phase will target male groups in an effort to empower more ethnic males. The pilot areas of the project are located in the Gage, Mowat and Chicopee areas of the community and are attempting to attract older teens, to provide coaching in ethnic languages and to assist them in meeting others in the community. In addition, parents are being recruited to act as assistant coaches and to draw more teens into the program. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 5, 2002 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER UPDATE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOR SAFETY AND SUPPORT PROJECT (YESS) (CONT'D) Ms. Gassim stated that the project will be evaluated after the 2-year grant period, noting that one of the main goals is to reduce crime and to have the ethnic community design a program for themselves. Ms. M. Tilson, Youth Co-Ordinator, questioned if it was envisioned the project would be operated on a year-round basis. Ms. Gassim noted that its first project will be a tournament to be held in the Spring of 2003. Ms. Tilson advised that she oversees youth drop-in centres which are operated by the City during the summer months at local community centres and would be pleased to discuss possible joint ventures with the EFSN. In closing, Ms. Gassim stated that, to date, the outreach has reached 2,300 homes and is working through the "Home Energy Saver" program to reach more families. A sample of a brochure entitled 'Youth Empowerment Safety and Support Program - Removing Barriers to Youth Recreation" was circulated to the Committee. The brochure provides an overview of the YESS program outlining its objectives and goals and providing contact information should individuals wish to become involved. Sgt. P. Smola, Ms. S. Gassim and Ms. B. Burnet left the meeting. YOUTH MENTORING Ms. M. Tilson, Youth Co-Ordinator, attended to provide members of the Committee with an update on local mentoring programs as requested at the Committee's October 1, 2002 meeting. Ms. Tilson read from a substantial list of established mentoring programs, noting that while many are considered informal, more formal programs are planned for launch within the next year. Ms. S. Adams left the meeting. Ms. Tilson then circulated an outline of the City of Kitchener's peer leadership/mentoring program entitled 'Kitchener Youth Crew'. She stated that the Youth Crew is for youth aged 16 to 18 and compliments the regular evening youth drop-in program which operates at community centres during the summer months. On-site supervisors ensure that each youth attending is given an opportunity to grow by taking on new responsibilities and broader roles within the program. Typical crew member roles include: peer mediation; peer teaching; peer mentoring; and, peer leadership. Ms. Tilson commented that the peer mediation role which helps youth resolve conflicts or disagreements through peaceful means has resulted in a significant drop in incident reports at local community centres. Finally, it was noted that participation in the Youth Crew has increased by 25% in only one year. Members of the Committee questioned what type of training the on-site supervisors would receive and it was noted that through role playing, listening skills and communication skills are greatly improved, thereby providing the supervisors with the tools needed to help mediate any conflicts that may arise without staff intervention being necessary. SAFE AND SOUND PROJECT / YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES PLAN Ms. M. Tilson, Youth Co-Ordinator, attended to provide members with information concerning two initiatives which are focused on increasing the accessibility of recreational activities for youth and the related reduction in youth crime. These initiatives are the Safe and Sound Project of the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association and the development of a Youth Opportunities Plan. With regard to the Safe and Sound Project, Ms. Tilson advised that members of the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association recently made a presentation to the Community Services Committee which looked at the benefits of recreation as a way to reduce crime. Ms. Tilson distributed copies of four recommendations presented to the Community Services Committee, listed below: NOVEMBER SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES 5, 2002 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER SAFE AND SOUND PROJECT / YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES PLAN (CONT'D) That the City of Kitchener develop a unique range of partnerships which will allow all interested neighbourhoods to offer locally-based, youth drop-in programs for free, thereby ensuring full accessibility and affordability. 2) That the consider possible. City of Kitchener as part of its commitment to community development, hiring staff for the youth drop-in from within the neighbourhood whenever 3) That the youth drop-in programs include an outreach component, emphasizing safety and fun, to increase the involvement of isolated or at risk youth. 4) That the City of Kitchener provide all neighbourhoods offering youth programs, with the opportunity to come together once a year to share ideas and promote high quality, consistent programming throughout the City; and further, That representatives of the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association be notified when this matter is to come forward for consideration. The Committee was advised that the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association ran a youth drop- in centre using leaders who were recruited from the neighbourhood and a total of 80 neighbourhood children participated. It was noted that the Community Services Committee had referred consideration of the Safe and Sound Project's four recommendations for consideration and recommendation by the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee. In addition, copies of the 'Reflection on Youth' report were also circulated which was prepared by several community partners in response to incidents of youth violence during the Spring and Summer of 2001. Ms. Tilson then circulated handouts from a PowerPoint presentation concerning the development of a Youth Opportunities Plan and pointed out that the Plan is a pro-youth strategy which can also be considered a pro-social strategy. The purpose of the Youth Opportunities Plan is to develop specific and concrete strategies that improve the quality of life for young people, increase their chances for achievement, promote healthy participation in their communities and, prevent or reduce negative youth issues. The plan will focus on seven priority areas being: · recreational and cultural opportunities in facilities which are safe and appropriate · a safe community without fear or victimization · services that are accessible (transportation, community based and affordable) · increased information about the services currently available to young people · targeted services for youth (from emergency to preventative services) · ending racism and ageism and promoting understanding of equality · efforts to address the challenge of youth employment It was noted the Youth Opportunities Plan has two philosophies being: 1) that the best interests of youth be the primary consideration in the creation of the Plan and 2) that the Plan is drawn up and agreed upon by the community as a whole. The Committee was advised that City Council has endorsed the development of a Youth Opportunities Plan and has referred the matter to the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee for discussion and recommendation. In order to begin the Plan's development process it is proposed that a visioning team be developed to look at the seven identified priorities. It is also proposed that a brainstorming session with the community be held to develop a 10-year plan of action. Ms. Tilson then circulated an invitation to members of the Committee to attend the first Community Youth Planning Meeting which will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2002, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Conestoga Room. STRATEGIC PLAN By general consent, it was agreed to defer this matter for consideration by the membership of the incoming 2003 Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 5, 2002 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER NEW BUSINESS Ms. J. Dean advised that the annual Lighten Up Campaign is again underway and displayed samples of door hangers that will be distributed during the week of November 11, 2002 when volunteers will patrol selected streets and distribute thank-you cards to homes that have outdoor illumination. She advised that each home with outdoor lighting will receive a prize, but if no outdoor lights are visible, door hangers providing information on the campaign, will be left. All homes that are recorded as having exterior lights on after dusk will be entered into a draw for various prizes. Ms. Dean then requested volunteers to assist with the annual grants and awards process and Mr. F. Bishop and Mr. D. Schnarr agreed to assist. It was suggested that the Kitchener Youth Action Committee be asked for input regarding applications. On behalf of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Mr. D. Schnarr, Co-Chair, thanked members of the Committee for their participation during the past year. INFORMATION ITEMS The Committee was in receipt of the following information items: · Safe City Co-Ordinator's Report · Semi-Annual Report of the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee · Unfinished Business List ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator