2010-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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and benefit arena, and continuing to audit and update allows for greater access to resources for the commu- policies and practices to ensure compliance with vari- nity and easier communication when volunteers are ous collective bargaining agreements and continue to completing Fuel Assistance Applications. stay abreast of employment laws. The word that would describe the last year would I would like to thank the Human Resources staff, be "perseverance" the desperate financial times made town departments and volunteers for their dedication it very difficult for people to pay their rent, put food and hard work. I would also like to give a special on the table and to afford basic necessities. This also thanks to the Town Manager's Office staff with whom caused an increase in depression and suicide attempts. we work so closely. The Human Service Department worked closely with i all local agencies and food pantries to insure residents' i Respectfully Submitted, needs were met. Marilyn Farren Human Resources Director The Human Service Council which meets the first Tuesday of the month brings together local agen- cies that serve Mashpee residents to share information s Report of the about resources and provide the opportunity to discuss Human Services Department complex cases. We are fortunate now to have a vol- unteer from the Senior Center who is our recording secretary. These notes are forwarded to individuals To the Honorable Board of Selectman and the who are unable to make the meeting. We also have a Citizens of the Town of Mashpee: liaison from the Human Service Committee who will i be attending the Human Service Council meetings. I It is my pleasure to submit to you my annual This will create a flow of communication regarding report for 2010. the unmet needs of residents and problem solving y strategies. f The mission of the Human Services Department is "to protect and improve the physical, mental and Mashpee Human Services serves on the Steering emotional health of all Mashpee residents by enhanc- Committee of the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention ing accessibility of a full continuum of health and Coalition. The mission of the Coalition is to increase human services. We seek to promote collaboration suicide awareness and prevention. Several events and cooperation between public, non-profit and pri- were put on during the year to promote awareness vate sectors within the town regarding the health and about suicide and try to relieve the stigma associated 1 human service needs of residents" with it. The town recognized National Suicide Prevention Week the first week in September, 2010. There are four components to the Human The Coalition has also sponsored trainings in the town Service Department: Community Organization; of Mashpee both for the guidance department at the Information and Referral; Consultation and High School and at the Boys and Girls Club for the Counseling Services. Mashpee Human Services is public. As chair of the "elder working group" of the also an outreach site for Fuel Assistance for individu- Coalition, our committee sent out a survey to individ- r als under the age of 60. There are two volunteers that uals working with elders to assess if providers dis- f donate their time to assist individuals in completing cussed suicide with their clients and what resources the Fuel Assistance applications. 2010 brought the were available for the client for treatment. These largest amount of Fuel Assistance applications. The results will be complied in 2012 and an informational > Department works closely with South Shore resource guide will be made available to practitioners. Community Action to advocate for those clients with complex financial situations. The Hoarding Task Force meets once a month to address the disease of Hoarding across the life span 2010 was a very exciting year for the Human and to develop a protocol for the town to help resi- Service Department. The office relocated upstairs in dents get treatment and avoid eviction. The task force the same building to a three office suite. This provides consists of: Board of Health, Mashpee Police, Senior I private waiting room for the Department, a confer- Center, Mashpee Village, Professional Organizer and ence room and a counseling office. The new location the Public Health Nurse. The goal of the task force is 97