02-12-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 2014 YOUTH & Services (NYFS), appeared before the Council to present an annual FAMILY report on the organization. He began by providing some background on SERVICES on NYFS reporting that the organization primarily serves individuals aged 5 through 21, but in doing so works with families as well. The organization is a partnership of 15 cities, 3 school districts, and works collaboratively with several organizations. NYFS has three program areas: mental health, youth development and day treatment. Hromatka then expanded on the service components of each of these program areas. Hromatka informed the Council that services are assured for all residents of the 15 participating cities, regardless of an individual's ability to pay. NYFS does ask for payment for services, however, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. He indicated that NYFS goals for participants are to improve educational attainment, prepare them to be part of an effective workforce and better citizens. Hromatka indicated that the services provided by NYFS result in reduced costs to the public given that negative behaviors are addressed and participants redirected in a positive manner. Hromatka also noted that the support provided by NYFS allows the organization to leverage other resources in the form of grants. FIe then reviewed a service summary comparison for 2012 and 2013 and estimated that for the City's $15,109 investment in 2013, $27,290 of contracted $27,290 in contracted services and $61,905 in non- contracted services were provided to Little Canada residents. Hromatka then summarized current trends that NYFS is seeing. These include increased mental health issues with individuals experiencing these problems at an earlier age; an achievement gap for individuals coming from lower income families; the ripple effect of the recession which is resulting in a new normal and as a result NYFS is revisiting their models, and an aging population. Hromatka noted that in the Roseville and Mounds View School Districts, 80% of households do not have school - aged children. Hromatka noted the efforts that NYFS undertakes in the Senior Chore program which pairs up youth with seniors, and results in good connections between these age groups. Hromatka reported that in response to these current trends, NYE'S has instituted new day treatment programs to help address increased mental health issues. It has undertaken an "opportunity" focus relative to addressing achievement gap issues. The merger occurred as a result of recession issues. NYFS's diversion program has been remodeled; and due to the aging population, NYFS has expanded its senior chore program. 2