Health & Welfare Council Zoom Meeting Minutes

Friday, May 26, 2023 (10:00 – 11:30 am)

I. Call to Order – Donna Gority, President

Welcome and Introductions

Present via Zoom: Donna Gority, Michelle McIntyre, Tricia Maceno, Tom Bucher for Travis Etters, Don
Belsey, Tracy Kelley, Dee Martin Spallone, Amanda Humphreys, Heather Lindscold, Lisa Hann, Bethany
Rietscha, Erin Kay, Debbie Garritano, Emily Krider, Maria Brandt, Imani Vaughn, Coleen Heim, Shawna
Hoover, Jennifer Knisely, Dottie Elder, Aimee Burns, Eli Hess, Renee Imgrund, Michelle McIntye, Betsy
Kelly-Dreibelbis, Dorcey Cuzzolina, Wendy Melius, Brian Durbin, and Christine Zernick

II. Speakers: Presentation on the Family Shelter, the Housing Task Force, and Operation Safe Space
Lisa Hann, Family Services Inc. Executive Director, Brian Durbin, Hope for the Homeless, and Christine
Zernick, Blair County Community Action Agency.

Lisa shared that the Homeless Shelter has 35 beds and 6 permanent apartments. They have served 20 men,
23 women, and 19 children thus far and 40 individuals have left. Currently, there are 25 people there.
There is a process because of HUD regulations and they use the priority list from Community Action. The
intake is two hours. Some people do not show up, others have found housing, and others because their
contact information has changed they can’t be located. Staff is available 24/7 but the shelter needs help
with more resources. Individuals can stay for 30 days with a two-week extension if needed but they must be
looking for work/housing. The apartments are permanent housing and there are two for persons with
disabilities.

Christine is the new executive Director for Community Action Agency. She and Brian discussed Operation
safe House and the debriefed the recent moving of individuals out of a deplorable housing situation. They
are able to do this work because of grants and volunteers from various organizations. There is a newly
designated office to assist with housing supplies. Christine also discussed the Backpack Program and
shared that it cost $16,000 per month to feed the 900-1000 kids per week.

Brian discussed the task of re-writing landlord ordinances and he wants to make connections to re-educate
landlords on resources/services to help tenants. It’s also important for care providers to network and have
conversations around housing. Hope For The Homeless is evolving but it is now more driven by churches.
He also shared that stopping people from coming into Blair County who are draining resources and/or are
bringing negative behaviors is critical.

III. Consent Vote

A. The Consent report was provided via email to council members prior to the meeting. Erin Kay made a
motion to accept the consent report as submitted. Bethany Rietscha seconded the motion. Motion
unanimously approved.
B. With regard to membership, there was a discussion on increasing due. Tracy Kelley made a motion to
increase individual membership to $25 and organization membership to $40 annually. Don Belsey
seconded the motion. Motion unanimously approved.
C. Tracy will work on outreach over the summer to promote and hopefully increase our membership.

IV. New Business/Discussion Items

 A. Donna Gority and Travis Etters met and reviewed the bylaws. Donna reviewed the changes at the
meeting and a motion passed to accept the new changes.

B. The Nominating Committee (Denise Adams, Randy Wilson, and Maria Brandt) presented the
following nominations. Motion passed unanimously to accept the Nominating Committee’s slate of
officers. Maria suggested providing a job description for the positions.

President – Jennifer Knisely

Vice Present – Shawna Hoover
Secretary – Coleen Heim
Treasurer – Missy Gillin
Treasurer Elect – Emily Krider
Past Present – Donna Gority

The Nominating Committee for 2023-2024 will be Denise Adams, Aimee Burns, and Cathy Crum.
The Audit Committee will be Jodi Cessna, Chuck Gojmerac, and Erin Kay.
Tracy Kelley will remain for Marketing.

C. We can offer a $500 LBC Scholarship to a member of the Health & Welfare Council who participated
in Leadership Blair County. Applications are due by the end of June. Eligible candidates should send
a letter to Jennifer Knisely.

V. Ex-Officio Updates

A. Blair County Department of Social Services (Tricia Maceno). Tricia shared that there are many
activities related to May is Mental Health Month including Light It Up Green and an event at the
Altoona Curve with 30 vendors. The Department of Social Services will hold their first public hearing
for the county block grant on May 24, 2023 at 1:00 pm. They have a job posting for a fiscal technician.
B. County Assistance Office (Travis Etters) om shared that the CHIP Program was transferred to the
Department of Human Servcies.
C. United Way (Denise Adams). No particular update to share.

VI. Agency Happenings

A. Debbie shared that Wise Women of Blair County will be posting new scholarship dates on the website.
B. Shawna reported that June 2, 2023 is the deadline to apply for Operation Our Town grants.
C. Bethany shared that PA Link has several trainings. She distribute a flyer for one on June 13, 2023 on
“Working with LGBTQ+ Seniors”.
D. Erin shared that Contact Altoona will be participating in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community
on June 10, 2023.
E. Aimee shared that 200 people attending the NAMI conference with lots of positive feedback. They are
conducting support groups in the prison once per month, working with the Reentry Coalition, and three
people have been trained in NAMI Homefront. Their Family To Family course started. Their
membership increased to 91 individuals. They are accepting applications for board members.
F. Emily shared that GED students graduated. Their will be a resource carnival on June 7, 2023.
G. Amanda shared that Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships has an Opioid/Stimulant Housing grant with
specific criteria for participation.
H. Dottie discussed working with farmers to promote healthy eating through Market Fresh. She is also
working with WIC clients on using their vouchers for fresh vegetables.
I. Jennifer shared that the library will be starting their summer programs on June 9, 2023. Heather talked
about their summer ready theme, “All Together Now”. There will be a treasure map and prizes for
visiting each county library.
J. Coleen reported that Let’s Move Blair County Day is June 10, 2023 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Lakemont
Park. Since bullying/cyberbullying was identified as a greater challenge on the Community Health
 Needs Assessment than in previous years, it was decided to promote “Let’s Move Into Kindness” and
launch the campaign at the Let’s Move Blair County Day.
K. Maria discussed the garden club at the Arc but said anyone can come and get produce. Thee is no date
set for part 2 of their parent workshop.
L. Donna shared that the ArtsAltoona events have been very successful, including the second annual
Creators Festival.
M. Tracy shared that WIC participation had dropped off because of COVID but is coming back. They
received a UPMC Foundation grant and have provided over 300 children with diapers. They are also
hosting a framer market which is open to anyone.
N. Don reported that prior to COVID the food banks were serving 300-400 people per week; however, last
week they served over 1370. Please remember our veterans on Memorial Day.
O. Michelle shared that the Roaring Spring Library is starting their 10-week summer learning program.
They distributed over 100 coats.

VII. Schedule of Health & Welfare Council Meetings (4th Fridays odd months September-May)
The Arc of Blair County from 8:30 – 10:00 am (when in person)
The new Executive Committee will discuss whether meetings are in-person, Zoom, or hybrid.

September 22, 2023

November 17, 2023 (early for Thanksgiving)
January 26, 2024
March 22, 2024
May 24, 2024

Donna adjourned the meeting.

* Agency Happenings and Updates – will now adhere to the following process:

Members wishing to share new information will be afforded the opportunity to speak at the Council meetings,
provided the member registers on the day of the meeting on the Speaker Registration Sheet. Updates should be
about upcoming events, changes to existing programs or new programs/services which directly concern your
agency and should be limited to approximately one to two minutes. Members also have the opportunity to share
hard copies at the registration table or send electronic copies to: blaircountyhealthandwelfare@hotmail.com