Monday evening’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was called to order following the reading of the statement for remote participation at 7:04 PM by Chair Jennifer Liebermann.  The Committee then accepted minutes from the April 2021 meeting which will shortly be posted on its page of the Town website.

Liebermann then requested Jaclyn Winer, Youth and Family Service Director, review her monthly update with members.  Winer made some brief announcements:  Intern Kirsten Rancourt has passed her LMHC exam, Winer herself completed the EMDR certification course, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 

Winer also reported the YFS Department is supporting the work of the Senior Center by arranging for vaccines and transportation to vaccine sites for our most vulnerable residents, including seniors.  Interns are in the process of transitioning clients both in and out of services. (Interns leave in June.)  Winer said there has been an increase in the quantity of calls and referrals this past month. The update on the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program shows that 10 applicants have received aid, and two new applicants and two pending applicants await assistance.  Winer reports $13,102. has been expended, and money remains in this program for others qualifying for assistance.  When members asked how people were learning about this assistance, Winer replied that Holliston Public Schools continue to be a primary referral source as well as the Senior Center. Contact Jackie Winer at the YFS for more details. 

John Drohan (above), YAC member and Chair of the Holliston Community Action Fund (HCAF) reported the student division, “Students Taking Action,” met tonight previous to the YAC meeting. Members are writing cards to senior residents that will be delivered with meals through the Senior Center.  The student group is planning another cleanup day in May and is conducting a social media campaign about recent yard signs explaining the work of the HCAF.  Drohan also noted the HCAF has received no requests for Emergency Action Relief in recent weeks.  The HCAF website reads:

The qualification criteria [for an Emergency Action Relief grant] is broadly defined as a person or family in the community who needs financial help due to an unfortunate event or situation.  The grants are designed to provide timely and temporary financial relief for a particular incurred cost in an effort to help the family get back on their feet.

Student representatives to YAC Stephanie Farrell and Brian Sahagian reported that students have returned full time to school and HHS is packed and fun.  Sahagian said, “ I missed it a lot really.  I took it for granted—seeing everyone.”

The next meeting of YAC is June 14, 2021, at 7 PM.