2013-11-25 BOD Minutes

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association Inc. Meeting date: 11/25/2013 Call to order: The Board of Directors of FSFAPA monthly conference call was held by phone on November 25, 2013. The meeting convened at _8:30_pm EST, President Trudy Petkovich presiding, and Curtis Byrd, Secretary. Members in attendance: Trudy Petkovich, Curtis Byrd, Harriett Wynn, Lillie Blackshear, Kim Hernandez, Jonah Dorman, Dorothy Alvarez, Maria Bond, Coleen LaCosta, Trudie Poole, Karen Condry, Chris Johnson, Kara Jordon, Wendy Vernon, Charles Parker, Harry Dubia, and Trish Allen. Trudy Petkovich opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Members absent: Lynda Thompson (excused), Calvin Burton (excused), LaShaun Wallace (excused), Victoria Herin (unexcused), Keith Best (unexcused) Advisor in Attendance: David Brown, Gay Frizzell Approval on Minutes: Harriett made a motion to accept October minutes with modification. It was seconded. Motion Carried LaShaun Wallace reported that Harry Dubia had been added to all email lists and to the Google account. The next order for Duffels for kids will be in January 2014. Trudy Petkovich then discusses the upcoming FCC meeting in Tallahassee and asks who will be attending. She then discussed Children’s week in April the Chain of Love will be displayed and visits with Congress will be on Wednesday. Trudy Petkovich talked about the upcoming Mini Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, at this time a date has not been nailed down. Trudy then brought up that the Hilton in Orlando has expressed an interest in hosting our 2015 Educational Conference again. A motion was made that we proceed with talks with them for these conference. It was seconded. Motion Carried NFPA midyear meeting was attended by LaShaun Wallace and Harriett Wynn. Harriett reported that the major concern was Child Care. She went on to explain that all of this had been resolved. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm Est. Curtis Byrd Secretary Date of approval Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association Inc.

2013-10-19 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES Mini Conference Port Richey October 19, 2013 Present: Trudy Petkovich, Harriett Wynn, LaShaun Wallace, Lillie Blackshear, David Brown, Dorothy Alvarez’, Victoria Herrin, Calvin Burton, Lynda Thompson, Kara Elliott-Jordan, Karen Condry, Chris Johnson, Trish Allen, Jonah Dorman, Kim Hernandez, and Trudie Poole. Excused: Curtis Byrd, Maria Bond, Coleen LaCosta The Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by the president Trudy Petkovich who asked if anyone needed a certificate for the day and the forms were passed accordingly. Trudy asked visitors to introduce themselves: Cindy Strickland, TLC President in Circuit 10, Lori Dobia, Polk – Highland Vice President, Keith Best, Southwest Region, Mary Burton, adoptive parent and wife of Calvin Burton and Gina Marie Darbouze, adoptive parent. The Election: Trudy also announced that the folk who helped with the ballots were William Presswood and Keith Best. She also asked if there were any questions about the elections or ballots and will hold onto the ballots and the tally. Reports – Regional Vice Presidents: Harriett Wynn – having RVP meetings, working good no calls about situations – they are taking care of things. Calvin Burton – everything thing is OK – most associations in the south are doing good, Shemele’s association is growing and working with teens in karate, going to plays and other community activities. Broward association is grown and there is a new executive at ChildNet not sure of their name – but there is a meeting on the last Tuesday, October 27, 2013 and I will be attending. It was noted that the new director is someone who use to work for DCFS. Karen Condry – everything is good. Will attend One Church One Child Conference and would be happy to have any talking points – will be speaking at the conference on FSFAPA behalf. Trudy asked everyone to get talking points information to Karen and she will be taking information for the exhibit table as well. Kara Elliott-Jordan – ELC issues are not unique, things are being resolved and Coleen is helping to make sure things get done appropriately. Getting help from Tallahassee as well. The duffle bags are in. Lillie Blackshear – everything is quiet except a lot of training, there are three in November along with QPI. I have ten new members – paid memberships! Jonah Dorman – everything is good, Eckerd’s is taking over Hillsborough County, SCC is recovering from budget issues and the foster liaisons were affected by budget cuts and are recovering from that. Coordinated details for FSFAPA Fall Mini Conference. Chris Johnson – connected with new association, Kid Central in Circuit 5. Thanked the board for their support in sending he and wife to DC to received their____________award. Enjoyed the opportunity to make new friends. Connected with PA rep? ______________who is also a foster/adoptive parent, good contact. Dorothy Alvarez’ –  childcare in Port St. Lucie have adjusted to what needs to be done. Palm Beach did the walk, everything went well and Ft. Myers is doing Princess Day soon and doing their walk today (10/19/13). Working on improving communication. Trudy commented that it sounds like things around the state are going well. Victoria Took on a huge roll – independent living and was asked to give an update. Victoria Herrin – reports working with different CBC’s and that KCI have been wonderful extending invitations to meetings, committees, etc. She found that no one has a roll out plans for IL and no law will be written until there is some type of evidence. It would be great to form committees/ networks to gather information and have help to input names of people interested in Independent Living – very capable on phone contact. My thoughts are on music and “IL” wanting to help kids speak with the guitar and other musical instruments. I have reached out to a group for sponsorship and support in giving music lessons; I’ve sent two letters for support and looking for youth to be part of a band: have a guitarist, female vocalist, need a drummer, flute player, etc. Band members don’t have to be in Ocala can be from other areas and they can be instructed from the Guitar Center in their area for music lessons.  Professional musicians will work with the kids’ band and make sure they know three songs before going to Tallahassee – the band will help build excitement for Kids Week.   Victoria announced that she drafted a letter to John Travolta, he’s a member of Planet Fitness and he has agreed to travel to Tallahassee to introduce the band. Chris Johnson mentioned that he may have a drummer for the band. Kim Hernandez – Trudy announced that Kim will be moving to Regional Vice President for the Southeast Coast, and that Charles Parker will be appointed to take over the Public Relations position. The website will be placed under public relations and Charles will connect with Victoria. Lynda Thompson – registration for the 2014 NFPA / FSFAPA Annual Education Conference will be handled through Trudy as there will be scholarships involved. The board was asked to help promote the conference. Will provide information about sponsorships, childcare, Teens, and youth program. If DCFS comes through for sponsorships dollars more support will be available to other areas of need. There is a breakdown of cost in the report, Tweens limited to 150, NEX GEN limited to 50 and child care of youth 0 – 9 limited to 200. Childcare will again be provided by Super Sitters who are changing radio in order to have extra sitters for kids and will assign parent/child attendee to sitter so they can get to know each other. The only problem is that there is no outside activity area. Trudie Poole – the activities in kinship care include making contacts and connecting with providers to build a data base to form a state-wide navigator kinship care program of existing services and resources that can be developed and replicated to other

2012_04_14 General Membership Mtg

MINUTES of Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association Inc. Meeting date: 4/14/2012 Call to order: A Quarterly meeting of the FSFAPA, was held in Jacksonville, Florida on April 14, 2012. The meeting convened at 1:30 pm EST, President Trudy Petkovich presiding, and Curtis Byrd, Secretary. Approval of minutes: Motion was made by Lillie, and seconded to approve the minutes of the January 2012 meeting. Motion carried. Trudy welcomes everyone and brings meeting to order. She then introduces herself. Trudy thanks everyone for coming. Trudy turns the meeting over to Harriett Wynn who then introduces Deidre Lane and Yvonne Mitchell who will discuss “Different Together”. This was a very informative educational experience we all learned how different we all are and just how alike we all are. Postponed the vote on Bylaws due to not having a quorum. Trudy Adjourns Quarterly meeting Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm EST. Curtis Byrd Secretary Date of approval Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association Inc.

2012-01-30 BOD Minutes

MINUTES of Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association Inc. Meeting date: 1/30/2012 Call to order: A Board of Directors meeting of the FSFAPA, was held in Tallahassee, FL on January 30, 2012. The meeting convened at 9:00 am EST, President Trudy Petkovich presiding, and Curtis Byrd, Secretary. Members in attendance: Trudy Petkovich, Maria Bond, Curtis Byrd, Harriett Wynn, Dorothy Alvarez, Calvin Burton, Chris Goncalo, Karen Condry, Lillie Blackshear, Gerald Waters, Lynda Thompson, Dave Allen, Coleen LaCosta, Gay Frizzell Members absent: LaShaun Wallace – unexcused Visitors in Attendance: Jane Soltis, Chair, Independent Living Services Advisory Council via telephone, Dee Wilson, Jack Levine, George L. Askew, MD & guests Approval of minutes: Motion was made by Dave, and seconded to approve the minutes of the _10/15/11__ meeting. Motion carried. Approval of minutes: Motion was made by Dave, and seconded to approve the minutes of the __10/30/11 meeting. Motion carried. Approval of minutes: Motion was made by Dave, and seconded to approve the minutes of the ____12/26/11 meeting. Motion carried. Trudy asked that everyone sign the Affidavit of Good Moral Character form and return to Curtis now. Trudy thanked Gay for preparing dinner for the Retreat. Harriett recognized and welcomed Karen Condry as the new RVP for the North Central Region in which is Tallahassee. Karen reported that Everett took her place in meeting the families at the Circus and it was a big success. At 10 am Gay facilitated a phone conference with Jane Soltis. Jane went over the Independent Living legislation and explained as Dave had where we stand and what needs to be done. At 10:30 am Jack Levine arrived with Dr. George Askew M.D. Jack had the Board introduce themselves and then the distinguished guests he brought with him. Jack then introduced George Askew. George spoke of his position with the Department of Health and Human Affairs under George Sheldon. He discussed the need for partnership and collaboration to support our children in the child welfare system. Jack then made sure we all had our picture taken and we thanked Jack, George Askew and their guests for taking the time to come and meet us. Pete gave a report about tomorrow’s activities. Everyone will meet at the Capital to setup our table at 8:00am. The Pancake breakfast is from 8-10 am. The Quarterly membership meeting will begin at 1 pm with Nan Rich as our speaker. Maria has all the giveaways for the table, Lillie has the tent and Curtis has the Save The Dates for the conference. Pete has provided everyone with an updated schedule of appointments. Gay Frizzell will facilitate the Installation of Officers at the meeting. Discussion followed regarding having our own day at the Capital for all the children and families involved in the system of care. This may need a legislator to support but we think Mike Cusick at FCC is going to be able to work something out for us. It might now be 2013 but hopefully by 2014. At this time Pete Pazer and Dee Wilson left to go to the Children’s Week Luncheon. Trudy asks if there were any amendments to the Quarterly reports that had been submitted to Curtis earlier. Trudy and Dave had an earlier conversation about having either a banner or a poster board with Our Mission and Vision statements printed on them. These items will be present and visible at all future meeting once acquired. David Stimmell informed Harriett that due to his working out of State he did not feel he would be able to fulfill his position as RVP. Trudy wrote him an email asking for a letter of resignation but has not received it yet. It was discussed about putting a time limit on responses. But, it was decided that according to the By-Laws that after missing two required meeting it is considered abandonment of the position. Charles Parker has been approached to take over this position and we are awaiting his answer by February 15th. Everyone will meet at the Capital to setup our table at 8:00am. The Pancake breakfast is from 8-10 am. The Quarterly membership meeting will begin at 1 pm with Nan Rich as our speaker. Maria has all the giveaways for the table, Lillie has the tent and Curtis has the Save the Dates for the conference. Pete has provided everyone with an updated schedule of their appointments. At this time we know we have two buses from Miami, Jacksonville and other families coming from Tampa and the Panhandle, so please make sure we greet our families that traveled to attend. Discussion followed regarding having our own day at the Capital for all the children and families involved in the system of care. This may need a legislator to support but we think Mike Cusick at FCC is going to be able to work something out for us. It might now be 2013 but hopefully by 2014. Unfinished business: Public Relations position was offered to Kim Hernandez by Trudy. Kim has asked for some additional time to consider the position. Chris motioned that this be tabled until word has been received from Kim. Motion carried. License Plate: Chris motioned that a committee be formed to handle this issue. Gerald Waters volunteered to head this committee. Motion carried. Second Survey: Chris motioned that we table the need for the second survey. Maria believes that we should check with Mike at FCC Motion carried. Harriett brought up the RVP bi-monthly conference call. She is having trouble getting the RVP’s to be on the call and also to get in their reports. There was much discussion regarding which reports are due and when. All was explained again and Dorothy made a motion that we table the decision on the RVP call until April and see how effective it is between now and then. Motion carried. New business: Local Association Membership was discussed and what would be the need or reason for a local association to join FSFAPA. One reason seems to