01/13/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 13, 1997 Pat Prinzevalle, Executive Director of Alexander House, requested $5,000 of CDBG funds to continue intervention services with the City of Lino Lakes on behalf of battered women and their children. She reviewed the process taken with their clients and services provided last year. As of November 30, 1996, the Alexander House had provided intervention services to over 69 Lino Lakes families and they anticipate providing close to that number in 1997. Ms. Prinzevalle said the Alexander House and Lino Lakes Police Department have a formal agreement regarding domestic assault situations. Council Member Kuether asked if the number of clients served in 1996 is higher in number than served in 1995. Ms. Prinzevalle indicated it is higher since 44 families were served in 1995. Council Member Neal inquired regarding an incident about one year ago where a mother and her two children were denied services at Alexander House and were placed at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Blaine. He asked what the qualifications are for service. Ms. Prinzevalle stated she does not know the exact circumstances of this particular situation but the qualifications for the woman and family is if they are in eminent danger and/or have been battered. She stated she does not know if there were any other extenuating circumstances with that particular situation but she will research and report back. Ms. Prinzevalle assured the Council it is very infrequently where a woman and her family are refused because Anoka County families are a priority and the Alexander House is never "full" for Anoka County and its families. Council Member Neal explained it appeared that Ms. Prinzevalle was not available so this particular woman and her two children were not allowed. Ms. Prinzevalle thanked Council Member Neal for bring this incident to her attention and stated she will follow up to determine what happened. Ms. Prinzevalle thanked the City of Lino Lakes for its past support and stated she looks forward to the City's continued future support. Barb Swanson, Forest Lake Area Youth Service Bureau (FLYSB), explained 1996 was a very busy year. They have been working with the Lino Lakes Police Department and early intervention services. Ms. Swanson reported on the number of clients they served which has grown from 89 people in 1989 to over 1,037 in 1996. She explained the FLYSB works very closely with the Police Department and has assisted with curfew efforts and the restorative justice program. Ms. Swanson stated she hopes Lino Lakes will continue to support the Youth Service Bureau so they can continue to provide services. Council Member Neal asked if this group can move some of its operation into the Police Department. Ms. Swanson explained they have been working with the Police Chief regarding this and it is their goal to do so once the Police Department has enough room. Ms. Tia Johnson, Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. (CEAP), reported they served 140 families last year and 75 families so far this year. She explained that this program provides assistance for families who are in immediate crisis and need emergency assistance for food and shelter costs. Ms. Johnson noted it is difficult times for many clients. She advised that 75% are working poor making $6.00 to $6.50 per hour, many without benefits, so a crisis creates serious problems. Ms. Johnson explained they try to assist, as appropriate, given the family's circumstances. PAGE 3