HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - ASSET Admin Meeting June 1, 2022
Minutes
ASSET Administrative Team
June 1, 2022
The Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team (ASSET) met at 12:13 p.m. with the following members
present: Jean Kresse, Sandra King, Deb Schildroth, Jenny Schill (left at 1:45 p.m.) Nikki Fischer, and Lois
Vidimos. Also present was Annke Mundel.
Joel Hochstein and Sarah Schroeder attended via conference call.
Approval of May 4, 2022 Minutes
Moved by Schildroth, seconded by King, to approve the May 4, 2022 minutes. Motion carried
unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Schill reported a balance of $1,325.88.
Nancy Carroll with Heartland Senior Services (HSS) was invited to discuss the new building project and
changes in service delivery. She introduced us to HSS’s new vision called Sixty-Forward. The goal of
this vision is to change the concept of aging by focusing on the program areas of physical activity, social
networks and health & nutrition. None of these program areas are new, but partnerships with the City
of Ames, Iowa State University, and Mary Greeley Medical Center have been formed to help revise
program and service offerings
Carroll explained that HSS will not just be limited to the new facility but will also utilize community
facilities such as the Homeward Golf Course for golf leagues. She said that HSS needs to brand services
differently as some think HSS is only for the low income and the underprivileged, and it is not. HSS
services are county-wide.
King asked if this new vision has been promoted to other areas in Story Countyand Carroll explained
that they are staying focused with raising additional funds and working through administrative issues
such as policies and procedures. But hopefully next school year, they will start going out to other
communities.
Chair Fischer asked how much additional funding needs to be raised. Carroll noted that there will be
increases in building and material costs and HSS has $6.2 million. $3.5 million of this was raised when
the Healthy Life Center was being proposed. To be on the safe side, HSS would like to get to $7.2
million.
Schildroth asked about their anticipated opening date. Harold Pike Construction is involved in the
facility project and they hope to break ground in September and then 8 to 10 months for construction.
Carroll said HSS is using two local businesses for the project; 10-Fold Architecture, and as mentioned
earlier, Harold Pike Construction. Carroll reviewed the building graphics which showed 3 entrances,
one being the adult day center and those doors will always be locked. Some features are the 18 foot
high ceilings in the atrium area, a bistro, rooms for fitness classes, foot care, diabetes care, etc. HSS
will work on getting cardio and other equipment for people to use with personal trainersThere is also
Duck Pin bowling that they hope to organize leagues for. There is also space called the Hobby Hub that
would include clubs such as coin club, bridge, book clubs, etc.
HSS has worked hard on the meeting rooms with acoustics and technology. There will be a multi-
purpose room which will hold up to 12 people for meetings, SHIP counselors, as well as office space for
Central Iowa RSVP, Life Choices, other staff and Meals on Wheels.
The Adult Day Center will serve up to 25 adults with the front area designed for more social activities
and the back with chairs for quiet time. There are also some more offices and meeting spaces.
Old Business
ASSET Policies and Procedures Manual: The City Council, Story County Board of Supervisors and UWSC
Board have approved the changes. Per policy the changes can go into effect July 1, 2022 since a
majority of the Funders have approved the changes. Vidimos will accept the changes and the manual
will be effective July 1, 2022. It was explained to Schroeder that ISU Student Government doesn’t need
to approve the manual, Vidimos will email the manual to Sarah and she is to reach out with any
questions.
New Business
New or Expanded Services
Schildroth explained that for new or expanded services, the Admin Team reviews them and votes to
approve or deny., If there are questions, the agency is invited to a meeting and action is taken. . Here
are the notifications for new or expanded services:
1.) ACPC Infant Childcare: They are expanding services to include up to 12 infant slots. The
anticipated cost is $234,929.27, and ASSET funds would be requested to support 22% of the
service budget or $51,684.44. These funds would be used to subsidize tuition for qualifying
families. Schildroth added that CARES funding which was approved by the Ames City Council
for daycare expansion can only be used for tangible items such as remodeling and equipment,
but not staffing. Kresse mentioned that they are working with the Iowa Womens’ Foundation to
help businesses and communities on staffing issues and that a conversation needs to be started
about how child care needs to look like long term. Kresse moved to accept, Schildroth seconded
and motion passed unanimously.
2.) All Aboard for Kids – Full Steam Ahead/Workplace Readiness Workshop: This is a new service
request and is described as being a series of workshops designed to teach 14-18 year old
autistic teens vocational and life skills. There will be an emphasis on soft skills, self-advocacy,
career exploration, and financial literacy. Schildrothwould like to know if All Aboard had
approached CICS (Central Iowa Community Services) for possible mental health funding.
Vidimos will ask Lisa McCarty to come to the July meeting to answer questions. Tabled for now,
no action taken.
3.) Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance – Gasoline Vouchers: This is a new service request to
ASSET. Good Neighbor has been distributing gasoline vouchers for over 25 years and the
vouchers have been funded through donations. Gasoline vouchers are provided to people
needing transportation to medical appointments, jobs, taking children to school or daycare, etc.
These vouchers are also provided to organizations. There were questions about how many
vouchers Good Neighbor provides each month and how many are given to other agencies; such
as the Police Department, MICA, MGMC, etc.. Schildroth will check with the Police Department.
Is this being duplicated? For example with rent and utilities assistance, do they also receive
gasoline vouchers as part of that assistance? Hochstein asked if it is our goal to have one
agency provide gasoline vouchers and the answer was yes. Schildroth said this needs to be
clarified. Vidimos will ask Lori Allen to July meeting to answer questions.
4.) Good Neighbor – Navigator: This is a new service that involves hiring a full-time person to
provide assistance to people needing to use the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system for
landlord/tenant issues, assist with applications and referrals for other basic needs, and work
with landlords and local groups on affordable housing issues .King mentioned the ARPA Grant
will support this positon for 3 years but they have only listed 2022-23 and 2023-24. The ARPA
funds are to be committed by 2024 and spent by 2026. Schildroth said that mediation services
used to be provided through CCJ (Center for Creative Justice) but lost funding. This position is
needed as it keeps costs down and out of small claims court. Fischer and Kresse discussed the
many services listed and how this position could become very busy once word gets out.
Schildroth thought it was meant more to direct people where to go for help with tax or
disability disputes, etc. King asked if this service is possible duplication of services or would it
compliment them? Hochstein thought it was more service coordination. Discussion on
questions for Allen on clarification of service and maybe a different service code. Since she is
already being asked to come to July meeting, we can get answers to these questions as well.
5.) The Bridge Home – Transitional Housing/Supportive Housing: This request is for an expansion
of the Transitional Housing service. Kresse mentioned that in second paragraph, it appears
change is from 18 months to 2 years service to now for as long – and only as long – as needed.
Schildroth said from previous meeting with them, they have $15,000 they want to reallocate to
this expanded service request.
Several questions on what apartment units are being used, only units owned by them or other
properties? Who are they serving? If mental health services are needed, other agencies do this
as well. No one is ready to act now as Funder staff and TBH meet at 2 p.m. today. Schildroth
stated that they told her that they would not draw down all the funding for the current year for
Emergency Shelter and indicated they had enough United Way funds for the rest of their fiscal
year. Tabled for now, no action taken.
Letter of Intent – New Agency – The Community Academy: Schildroth stated that this agency has
been offering summer programs, but this is the first time they are pursuing an application to become
an ASSET agency. Discussion about their private school wording and schools are not funded through
ASSET. The Community Academy website describes the agency being a private micro school, however,
maybe they are continuing to provide summer programming and their website is not updated yet.
Vidimos will ask them to come to July meeting for clarification.
FAQ on ASSET website: Kressed started an FAQ and will bring a draft to July’s meeting. If you think of
questions you want added, let Kresse know. She thought this could go under the website tab Toolbox,
then Forms & Resources. Kresse explained that she and Schildroth have met with Vidimos on training,
butVidimos has not been trained on the website, yet.
Clear Impact Scorecard Update: Kresse and Mundel explained that this is a new standing agenda item..
Mundel met with all agencies in March and April and has added some new measures and removed
some measures. Mundel shared she has worked with agencies to understand data on outputs and
outcomes as needed. Mundel plans to add volunteer hours and volunteer numbers to the Scorecard
sometime in August, after agencies submit year-end data.
Additional Items/Concerns: Fischer asked if team had heard that Raising Readers lost their executive
director.
Kresse mentioned Anna Magnusson, from Able Up Iowa, is moving to Ohio. Kresse also stated that
Magnusson shared that they are working to partner with another entity to help sustain services.
Fischer has spoken with King as she is moving to Ankeny the end of June or early July. Asked if she
could finish up her termSchildroth stated that in the past theperson needed to live in Story County, but
this is a decision of the Board of Supervisors as they appointed Fischer. King will check with the Board
of Supervisors.
Announcements/Reminders
a. ASSET Administrative Team Meeting – July 6, 2022 @ 12:15 p.m. @ United Way