The Youth and Family Advisory Committee met on Monday evening at 1750 Washington Street.

Guest Melissa Stacy, recently named Chair of the Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC), spoke briefly about the Coalition’s mission: “HDAAC strives to foster communication, community collaboration and opportunities for members that promote and sustain drug-free and healthy living in a trusting, non-judgmental environment.”  Stacy distributed the newly developed pamphlet and highlighted the group’s logo.  HDAAC holds monthly meetings and encourages community support and involvement.  Stacy spoke briefly about an upcoming event sponsored by the HDAAC:  “An Evening of Spreading Hope and Building Resiliency,” to be held on December 4, 6-8PM, at the Holliston Public Library.  This event marks the opening of the “Natick Opioid Art Project: Changing Perceptions through Art and Story Telling.”  Preliminary plans include community faith leaders who will present an interfaith prayer service, and a HHS choral group.  Artwork will remain on display at the library through January.  (For more information, email: HDAACoalition@gmail.com)

Jaclyn Winer presented the Director’s Report, highlighting events and information of interest to the Committee, including the participation of HYFS with the program “Hidden in Plain Sight,” at Natick Mall and the hosting of a MetroWest Provider Exchange, both events in September. Winer also attended the School Start Time Forum, creating a YFS information-sharing table in the HHS lobby.

Winer briefly summarized information presented at the forum and questions voiced by the public.

In new business, Winer described a new program that YFS if working on to provide more social opportunities for youth in Holliston.  The first of these events, “The Social Spot,” is November 8, 5-8 PM, at 1750 Washington St., for children ages 10-12.  For a $10 donation, youth will be able to meet up with friends, watch movies, play games, and eat snacks.  (For information: 508.429.0620) Additionally, Winer shared a September data report that included numbers of clients served and hours of service required of staff.

Present student members of the Advisory Committee, Ainsley MacLachlan and Brenden Haddad, are seniors at HHS.  Darlene Vittori-Martel, Chair, encouraged all members to consider present sophomore students who might be interested in joining the Committee in the Fall of 2020 through their senior year to fill the vacancy when MacLachlan and Haddad graduate. 

The next meeting is November 18 at 1750 Washington Street.