HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoards & Commissions - Human Services Commission - 03/21/2024 (2) Human Services Commission Kent, Washington
Meeting Minutes
Final Approved
Date: March 21, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Place: Centennial North and South
Attending: Chair Gwen Allen-Carston, Co-Chair Nicholas Yu, Connie Stolpp, Brian
Chandler, Dee Klem, Emy Haruo, Sarah Veele, Rickie Robinson, Council
Member Zandria Michaud
Human Services Manager Merina Hanson, Senior Planner Lori Guilfoyle,
CDBG Planner Brittany Gaines, Planner Christine Horn, Human Services
Specialist Brittany Levens
Absent: Karina Oscoy-Cazares, Erika Henry
1. Call to Order•
Commission Chair Allen-Carston called the meeting to order at 3:08 PM.
2. Roll Call:
Meeting has quorum.
3. Approve Minutes dated February 15, 2024:
Commissioner Klem MOVED; Commissioner Robinson SECONDED. Approved.
4. Preparing for Grant Review
Consultant Ruel Olanday facilitated a conversation.
S. Landscape Analysis/Map
Lori Guilfoyle introduced Terry Jungman, Parks Planning & Development
Manager, and Cassidy Sawyer, GIS Analyst, to present an overview of a
mapping project they have been working with her on to provide a human
services focused landscape analysis of Kent. Staff are also collaborating with a
consultant and other divisions to build out a mapping tool for equitable decision
making based on areas highlighting disparities or gaps.
6. Opportunity Fund — Afghan Advantage Funding Request
Lori Guilfoyle and Commissioner Robinson reported back to the Commission on
a recent site visit with Afghan Advantage. They met with staff who shared
stories of working with women with families providing in-home ESL, literacy,
and systems navigation. Afghan Advantage is requesting funds to support
continuing ESL classes, community outreach, and to provide stipends for
educators.
7. Equitable Grantmaking — Guiding Principles
Merina Hanson led Commissioners through an exercise to get Commissioners
thinking forward to what their values are in considering funding through the
upcoming decision-making process. Commissioners provided input on the things
they care most about when considering budget, funding levels, size of
organization, accessibility, program design, and impact. Commissioners
participated in a brainstorming activity to assist staff in forming guidance that can
be used throughout the funding process. Staff will incorporate the feedback into
future discussions leading up to the review process.
S. Updates
Commissioner Allen-Carston shared information regarding a black led legislative
day in Olympia happening 2/19/2024 and updated staff on the upcoming
Juneteenth event that will take place at Morrill Meadows on 6/22/2024.
9. Adjournment•
Commission Chair Allen-Carston concluded the meeting at 4:39 p.m.
Page 12