2003-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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In conclusion, on behalf of the entire Board of helped to fill the gap for those who have lost health Health, we wish to commend our entire staff for their insurance. diligence,hard work and dedication. Once again, the Human Services Department Respectfully submitted, provided an internship opportunity to a graduate stu- dent from Lesley University. The intern has been a Steven R. Ball, Chairman valuable addition, providing counseling, information MaryRose Grady, Co-chairman and referral, advocacy and technical assistance with L.Glenn Santos, Clerk grant writing, in exchange for clinical supervision toward her graduate degree and licensure. i N Community initiatives this calendar year included the annual Elizabeth Lee Peace Award and community Candlelight Vigil, participation in plan- ft ning and facilitation of the second annual Upper Cape Human Services Networking breakfast, organization t � and participation in the Mashpee Asset Action Team Essay/Poster Contest, participation in and facilitation ! of teen dating violence programs at Mashpee High School, participation in the annual Housing walk, and membership on the Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee. The Department continues to interact with other Report of the town departments in order to meet request for needs such as training at the Council on Aging, and mem- ;I Human Services Department bership on the Violence Prevention Team at Mashpee j! High School. The Department also has an active rela- r tionship with other human service providers in town 1 To the Honorable Board of Selectmen through the Mashpee Human Service Council. ! f and the Citizens of the Town of Mashpee t Contracts with 16 human service agencies were The Human Services Department experienced monitored by the Mashpee Human Services f increased activity in calendar year 2003. The continu- Department. The Human Services Committee contin- ues of the economic downturn resulted in a 25%bud- ues to take an active role in budget and policy deci- !' get cut to human services agencies that receive town sions. Mary Scanlan, the Human Services Chair and funding. Once again, loss of jobs, health insurance, an experienced clinician, continued to provide clinical 1 loss of housing, lack of affordable housing or other consultation to the coordinator of the department at no ' basic needs resulted increased stress and/or mental cost to the Town. health problems for many Town residents. In conclusion,the need for human services in the The Human Services Department rovides direct Town of Mashpee is ongoing and increasing; the services in the form of counseling, information and department will continue to address those needs now, V referral, consultation and advocacy. The Department and in the future. 1 also participates in coordinating human service activi- ties for the Town of Mashpee through community ini- Respectfully submitted, r tiatives and program planning. Louise Patrick f Human Services Director s The department received approximately 770 requests for services throughout the calendar year.The requests include asking for help with basic needs such t n as food, mortgage or rent assistance, numerous requests for help with fuel or utility bills, or other , g financial assistance such as help with car repairs, requests for counseling, for information and referral �. 1 about other agency services and requests for participa- I tion on community initiatives or committees. {'° ! The Human Services Department provided over 50 individuals and families with clinical counseling this calendar year. Free counseling services to Town f i i { residents who are uninsured or underinsured has 117