With a full house of members, out-going Chair Jen Liebermann called the Youth Advisory Committee meeting to order shortly after 7 PM on Tuesday evening, June 21, 2022.  Director of Youth and Family Services, Jackie Winer (photo below), presented the Director’s Report to the group, beginning with a review of recent events.

Winer attended a “meet-up” with several other local communities to review the missions that—according to Winder— change yearly.  With some enthusiasm, she noted that within the 300+ Massachusetts towns, only 20 or so have established YFS programs similar to Holliston.  The following are other points highlighted from her report:

• Posting for a part time position is presently on the National Association of Social Workers, Linked In, and the MA Municipal Association.  Winer has done research on what the department needs in the long term, but the position is of 2-year duration.  Pay range is $25-30/hour. 
• Data-driven dialogues among several Holliston groups — YFS, Holliston Public Schools, Police, Fire, Senior Center, Board of Health and Veterans—were well-attended.  Final products include action steps and a commitment to meet more frequently.  Winer reported there was “good momentum.”
• An event in conjunction with OUT MetroWest and the Holliston Public Library entitled “LGBTQ Basics and Beyond” was live-streamed on May 26.  Both parents and grandparents attended.  Winer hopes this program will be repeated.
• Two interns for September-June have been selected, one from Simmons and one from Boston College.  They will be introduced at the September YAC meeting.
• A focus group led by a UMASS Boston Gerontological Institute included Winer.  This group will develop and disseminate a survey of the senior population of Holliston in the fall. 
• A meeting of the Wellness Committee led by Dr. Susan Kustka, Superintendent of Holliston Public Schools, included Winer.  The group focused on behavioral health, mindfulness, stress, among other topics.  Some discussion among YAC members followed during which time members voiced both concern for Winer’s time away from clinical work and encouragement of her involvement in the community’s efforts aimed at mental health.

Select members of the YAC reported on the following groups:

• Holliston Community Action Fund:  John Drohan reported that the student division held an end-of-year picnic, a mid-summer meeting to prepare for the fall is planned, and two fundraisers—a holiday-timed art auction and a fall fundraiser—are being discussed.
• Envisioning Future Holliston:  Matt Putvinski noted that the second EFH survey is presently available.  The group would like to receive at least 1000 completed surveys.

Student Representatives:  Outgoing student rep Brian Sahagian reported he will attend Boston University in the fall.  Caitlin Correia (photo below) will begin as a YAC student rep. in the fall.

Liebermann stated Matt Putvinski and Kate Cunningham would assume roles of Chair and Vice Chair of the YAC.  Outgoing members of the YAC—Liebermann, Lynne Rahim, and Kathy Cumming—thanked the group for gifts. The next meeting of YAC will be September 12 or 19, 2022, at 7 PM.  The group adjourned at 8:17 PM.