The Youth Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM on Monday evening, and members heard the Director’s report including an update on the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program.

YFS Director Jackie Winer (above) presented the December Director’s report.  Included in the report:

• The participation of members of Youth and Family Service (YFS) and Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC) in the Interfaith Prayer Service of November 19;
• The participation of the Director on a panel discussion with the Holliston Public Schools entitled “Pandemic Parenting Series”;
• The approval at Town Meeting of funding in the amount of $10,000 for a grant writer to apply for a Federal grant from “Drug Free Communities” program.  YFS continues to seek a grant writer and hopes to secure one by the beginning of January;
• The Director’s assistance with the program “Have a Dinner on Us” conducted by the HPD for families in need.

The Rent and Mortgage Relief Program is now in its second round.  Thus far, fourteen applications have been received and three are pending.  Winer would like to close the application date before Christmas; presently 1 to 3 additional applications will be accepted.  Twenty-three individuals have received approximately $50,000 from the Program.  The Holliston Community Action Fund has provided $3000 in Community Action Grants to those needing assistance especially with utilities payments during the pandemic.  Winer reminds members to recommend those in need of a grant.

Chair Liebermann (above) congratulated John Drohan in being recognized by the Select Board with its second annual Humanitarian Award. Drohan was one of three recipients.

Student representatives Stephanie Farrell and Brian Sahagian both shared that things are running more smoothly in their school work at HHS.  Brian said, “Overall it is a good experience.”

Liebermann reported she had met with Town Administrator Travis Ahern during the day on Monday.  He spoke of the January evaluation date of Department Heads.  The YAC evaluates the YFS Department Head in May, as it is the end of its meeting cycle.  Some discussion followed concerning the School Year Cycle compared to the Fiscal Year Cycle.  Members agreed that they would, as Ahern suggested, created a short narrative in January as a mid-year evaluation.  No action was taken on this point.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.  The next meeting of the YAC is January 11, 2021.