Commission on Family Services — Skokie, IL
Date: 2022-12-07

Commission on Family Services
 Meeting Agenda – Skokie Village Hall
 December 7, 2022
 7:00 pm



I. Call to Order
 A. Approval of Agenda

II. Approval of Nov 2, 2022 Minutes

III. Presentation: Co-Responder Team

IV. Chair’s Report: Chair, Harold Primack

V. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch

VI. Old Business:

 A. Seniors Subcommittee: Boomers and Beyond 2023

 B. At Risk Children and Families

 C. People with Disabilities


VII. New Business:

VIII. Citizen Comments:

IX. Adjournment


 Next Meeting: January 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Commission on Family Services
 Meeting Agenda – Skokie Village Hall
 December 7, 2022
 7:00 pm

Present: Commissioners Harold Primack (Chair), Marjorie Goran, Shajan Jose, Daniel Mann, Arnie Oskin,
Naadirah Shapley-Wells, Daniel Stalilonis, London Summerville (NC), Edie Sue Sutker, Melissa Versch
(Liaison),

Absent: Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Jo Hammerman, Laila Iqbal, Linda Lara, Heather
O’Donnell(R), Nicole Perry, Valerie Riley, Nancy Schwartz, Annie Shear, Phillip Shefren, Michael Stiehl,


I. Call to Order at 7:00pm
 A. Approval of Agenda by consent.

II. Approval of Nov 2, 2022 Minutes
 A. Minutes approved by consent.

III. Presentation: Co-Responder Team, Brian McHugh and Kimberly Blue
 Brian reported that the Co-Responder program was initiated May 2021 with support from
 Trustee Sutker. After a pilot program, data was collected, and it was determined that the 10am –
 6pm shift had the greatest need. The Co-Responder program just completed the first year. Brian
 and Officer Blue have been able to develop connections so that residents reach out directly to
 them, rather than calling 911 and getting a response from multiple first responders. A Channel 5
 news report about the Skokie Co-Responder program was played. Ofc Blue explained Crisis
 Intervention training for police officers and shared that the team can be flexible in their hours.
 Currently, they are working with a local school to help address truancy issues. Objectives are to
 de-escalate situation, reduce use of force, and divert mental health issues out of the jail system.
 The team is connected with services in the area to help provide appropriate resources to
 individuals. The program responds to approximately 100 calls per month. Types of calls include
 mental illness, well-being checks, domestic violence, suicide and threats, death notifications,
 homelessness, substance abuse, elder issues and hazardous homes. Shajan asked how calls are
 direct to the Co-Responder program. Ofc Blue stated that they listen to the radio for calls. They
 also get referrals from other departments. Brian and Ofc Blue shared case examples. A
 Commissioner asked about self-care; which Brian and Ofc Blue shared how they manage stress.
 Trustee Sutker shared that the co-responder program was able to launch due to support from
 leadership.

IV. Chair’s Report: Chair, Harold Primack
 A. Commissioners introduced themselves to new commissioner, London Summerville.
 B. Boomers and Beyond senior resource fair will be Nov 3, 2023. The Seniors Subcommittee
 has been in contact with the Park District, library, the Village and others for the steering
 committee. The next steering committee meeting will be January 18. Goals include getting
 speakers, vendors and sponsors for the event.
 C. The Commission has been working in subcommittees: Seniors, Children and Families at
 Risk, and People with Disabilities. There is a possible advocacy effort for a 708 board, which
 would bring in money specifically for mental health services. That would be a lengthy effort to
 see how to get the information needed to present to trustees and the mayor.
 D. Harold reported that because he needed to leave, co-chair Shajan would take over the
 meeting.

V. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch
 A. Melissa reported that the Oakton Workforce Program may be opening applications.
 B. Today is the last day of Medicare Open Enrollment. SHIP volunteers assisted over 66
 residents.
 C. The coming Saturday is scheduled to be the Holiday Assist-A-Family distribution event.
 325 families qualified for the program, which is double the number of families helped last year.
 The program is for Village residents who meet income criteria.

VI. Old Business:

 A. Seniors Subcommittee: Boomers and Beyond 2023
 Shajan reported that the Seniors subcommittee meeting met. The next meeting will be
 January 18 at the library. Boomers and Beyond is an excellent program for seniors. The
 program was suspended due to the pandemic. The next program will be in November
 2023.

 B. At Risk Children and Families
 Arnie shared that the subcommittee is in the early stages of looking at 708 board to
 provide funding, especially for children at risk. Arnie wants to make sure the
 subcommittee works closely with Trustee Sutker. The subcommittee is continuing to
 meet. The subcommittee had recommended the presentation from the co-responder
 team.

 C. People with Disabilities
 There was no report from the subcommittee for people with disabilities.


VII. New Business:
 None.

VIII. Citizen Comments:
 None.

IX. Adjournment at 8:21pm.


 Next Meeting: January 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m.