This month’s Youth Advisory Committee meeting was called to order on Monday, April 12, at 7:06 PM by Chair Jennifer Liebermann.  Once March 2021 meeting minutes were approved by members, Youth and Family Services Director Jaclyn Winer (below) presented the April Director’s Report, providing updates of recent programs and meetings.

Among the “Mission Moments,” Winer commended the Holliston Pantry Shelf for always trying to pull more families into the fold. One way the Pantry is attempting to help regards a partnership with Upswing Farm, who is offering a 16-week CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program where families will receive weekly fresh produce from the farm.  In addition, the Pantry Shelf has gift cards to local grocers and restaurants.

Winer also noted that interviews were conducted in March at Simmons College School of Social Work to select interns for the 2021-22 school year.  Present interns Will Sullivan will leave in June, and Carrie Buddington will begin in a new temporary position from June to August to fill-in for a maternity leave in the department. 

Winer was excited to present more information this month concerning the collaboration of “Self Esteem Through Art,” (created by Jean Pipe) with Holliston’s Youth and Family Services to launch the COVID Art and Remembrance Project.  The art-based community project marks the remembrance of one year of the COVID pandemic.  The themes of the project are empathy, connections, and resilience.  All members from the greater Holliston (and metro Boston) community are welcome to share their stories, reflections, art, and pieces of their heart with the project.  Submissions will be accepted through April 15 for an online Gallery event in early May.  See these websites for more information:

• General information:  https://jennpipe.com/hyfs-covid-art-remembrance- project/faqs/
• To submit a loved one:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeheycoHDcr4wICdveLkukizGPo72D_AT8o RDWgyN1m0st7qA/viewform
•  OnlineArtGallery:  https://jennpipe.com/hyfs-covid-art-remembrance-project/hyfs- covid-art-gallery/

The Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program is now in its third iteration.  This round presently has 8 applicants, but more funding is still available.  Currently $9,302 has been expended, leaving $15,698 remaining.  Call Youth and Family Services for more information.  (508.429.0620)  Winer also mentioned that she has been aiding community members obtain an appointment for their COVID vaccines.  She said her work has made her quite proficient at finding and locking in dates.

YAC member John Drohan provided the Committee members an update of the Holliston Community Action Fund student division. Drohan said, “Most members are presently Juniors at HHS, but all are welcome.”  Recently, he led the group in a cleanup of the Holliston Rail Trail.  They also have placed some signs in Holliston that display a new logo.  Meetings of this student group are by Zoom, and dates vary. 

Student representatives Stephanie Farrell and Brian Sahagian spoke briefly about going back to school in person on April 26.  “I was nervous, but now I’m happy,” said Farrell.  Sahagian mentioned that he had just received his first vaccine because as a grocery worker he is eligible.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.  The next [remote] meeting of the YAC is scheduled for Monday, May 3, at 7 PM.