HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Human Services Commission - 01/17/2019Kent Human Services Commission Meeting January 17, 2019
Minutes Kent, Washington
Approved
Date: January 17, 2019
Time: 3 p.m.
Place: Centennial, Mountain View Conference Room #401
Attending: Zenovia Harris, Chair
TBD, Co-Chair
Bill Hallerman, Commissioner
Gina Bellisario, Commissioner
Rickie Robinson, Commissioner
Mike Heinisch, Commissioner
Andy Rosas, Commissioner
Sara Roach, Student
Merina Hanson, Human Services Manager
Lori Guilfoyle, Coordinator
Christine Cain, Coordinator
Taffy Johnson, UTOPIA
Kyra Doubek, KYFS
TJ Petersen, Resident
Absent:
Dinah Wilson, CDBG Coordinator
Dennis Higgins, Council Member
Vacant, Commissioner
Vacant, Student
Agenda:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m.
2. Roll Call
One Commissioner absent.
3. Changes to the Agenda
There are no changes to the agenda.
4. Approval of November 15, 2018 Minutes
Commissioner Rosas MOVED to approve pending minutes from November 15, 2018.
Commissioner Robinson SECONDED. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of
8-0.
5. Elect Chair and Chair-Elect
Commissioner Heinisch MOVED to nominate Commissioner Rickie Robinson as Chair-
Elect. Commissioner Hallerman SECONDED. The motion passed unanimously with a
vote of 8-0.
Kent Human Services Commission Meeting January 17, 2019
Minutes Kent, Washington
Approved
6. UTOPIA – Presentation (Taffy Johnson)
UTOPIA (United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance) provides safety and sanctuary
for community members, many of whom routinely experience hate, harassment and
abuse, as well as rejection and disconnection from within the Pacific Islander
community. They serve as a trusted, culturally aligned resource for Pacific Islanders
in the LGBTQI community, by helping them access transgender health services,
housing and other services. UTOPIA provides support groups and assistance for
Pacific Islanders in the sex industry, providing testing kits, HIV prevention and
screening, and contraceptives, as well as other important healthcare resources. They
also work to connect QTPI to healthcare resources like insurance and preventative
care to address health disparities.
7. KYFS – Presentation (Attached)
Kyra Doubek, Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Victim Advocate,
presented on history, trends, stats here in Kent and services available through Kent
Youth and Family Services (KYFS). CESC refers to a range of crimes involving the
sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor for financial benefit or in exchange for
anything of value (including non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person.
Kyra is housed at KYFS and works collaboratively with the Kent Police Department to
provide resources and services for those identified as victims of human trafficking.
This program serves youth ages 12–25. The primary focus of the work is prevention
and providing direct services.
8. Updates
• The annual Point in Time Count is scheduled to occur January 25 between the
hours of 2am and 6am. South King County is need of more volunteers.
Registration and more information can be found at http://allhomekc.org/king-
county-point-in-time-pit-count/
• Mayor was forwarded six Human Services Commission applications to review.
Applications were narrowed down to three and interviews will be scheduled.
One vacancy on the Commission will be filled, one alternate will be added, and
we continue to have a vacant position for a student to fill.
• Staff will be presenting to Council on Homelessness in Kent at the Council
Retreat February 3rd, 2019. The presentation will include perspectives from
Law Enforcement, Public Works, and Parks.
• A Call to Action for the Youth Initiative is expected to be rolled out at the
Council Workshop on February 5, 2019.
9. Adjournment
At 4:25 p.m. Zenovia Harris declared the meeting adjourned.
Christine Cain
Recording Secretary
January 17, 2019