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Commission discusses senior outreach, brochure and Behavioral Health Project; new commissioner introduced
Summary
The Human Services Advisory Commission discussed a multi-pronged senior outreach plan — print brochures, mailings, and targeting Meals on Wheels and doctors' offices — and brainstormed next steps for a Behavioral Health Project; Dr. Mark Kenneffek was introduced as the newest commissioner.
Commissioners and staff spent the bulk of the meeting on outreach strategies to connect older residents with human services, weighing print materials, targeted mailings and community distribution sites as ways to reach seniors who are not digitally connected.
Marcy, human services staff, gave program statistics and described current offerings. "I currently have 229 adult and senior clients, and Jackie has 305," Marcy said, correcting a prior typo in the packet. She reported 193 household visits to the food pantry in April and 79 shoppers, a caregiver support group with four attendees, and a grief support group that is full.
Committee member (S3) outlined four project focus areas for the Behavioral Health Project: gather and centralize information, promote it in both digital and print formats, and improve local marketing and distribution. Commissioners suggested a senior-focused trifold or postcard, distributing materials at Walter Stewart's grocery, the Y, libraries, doctors' offices and through Meals on Wheels deliveries. "If you put up a website, she's not gonna go to a website," a committee member said, arguing print outreach better reaches less tech-savvy seniors.
Members discussed logistical concerns: the Lapham registration process can be a barrier for older residents who must create rec-department accounts; volunteers at a LAPHAM or LAPA booth at the volunteer fair could help seniors create accounts. Several commissioners recommended targeting adult children as intermediaries and engaging home-health agencies and hospital community programs for distribution.
The commission agreed to pursue low-cost near-term steps while exploring a community foundation grant in the fall to fund professionally designed printed materials and printing costs. Committee member (S3) volunteered to contact Meals on Wheels to coordinate distribution and to compile outreach ideas for a list of low-hanging fruit.
Chair (S1) introduced the newest commissioner: "Dr. Mark Kenneffek, who came into the meeting," the Chair said, noting he is a retired pediatrician with school advisory experience in Darien. Dr. Kenneffek commented on outreach reachability and supported mailing printed material to reach disconnected seniors.
The meeting concluded with routine administrative notes and a motion to adjourn, which passed.
