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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
<br />June 26, 2007
<br />Page 2
<br />B. Update on Northwest Youth & Family Services
<br />Ms. Kay Andrews, Northwest Youth & Family Services, explained that St. Anthony and eight
<br />other cities are in partnership with Northwest Youth & Family Services. She acknowledged
<br />Councilmember Gray as a member of the board. Ms. Andrews introduced Mr. Jerry Hromatka,
<br />Associate Director, Northwest Youth & Family Services.
<br />9 Mr. Hromatka reported that the Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS) has served the
<br />10 northern suburbs for 30 years, by focusing on a comprehensive, cost-effective services for youth
<br />11 ages five to 21. He explained there are 2,160 children in suburban Ramsey County with no
<br />12 health insurance. He reported that 70 percent of the youth needing mental health counseling
<br />13 never receive it and 12 percent of St. Anthony/New Brighton School District students are eligible
<br />14 for free or reduced lunches. I -le stated St. Anthony residents are eligible for a sliding fee and free
<br />15 services based upon income.
<br />16
<br />17 Mr. Hromatka reported that in 2006 NYFS provide $28,235 in services to St. Anthony residents.
<br />18 He stated the cost to the City was only $3,500. He explained the return on this investment results
<br />19 in lower property crimes, fewer domestic incidents, few at -risk children, and higher educational
<br />20 attainment. He reported that Mr. Art Rolnic, Senior Vice President and Director of Research,
<br />21 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis stated economic research strongly suggest that a key
<br />22 ingredient to economic growth is the investment in human capital.
<br />23
<br />24 Mr. Hromatka stated the NYFS Strategic Goals include: Services for Youth and Families,
<br />25 Growth Through Community Partnerships, Leadership at the Community Level, and
<br />26 Effectiveness and Accountability.
<br />27
<br />28 Mr. Hromatka presented the new Discovery Initiative. He explained that the new initiative
<br />29 engages youth in the community, develops emotional intelligence, offers a participant -centered
<br />30 perspective, is rooted in community experiences, and gives youth a sense of mastery,
<br />31 connectedness, and contribution.
<br />32
<br />33 Mr. Hromatka reported NYFS community partners include the communities of Arden Hills,
<br />34 Falcon Heights, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighten, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview,
<br />35 and St. Anthony. He reported the participating school districts include Centennial, Columbia
<br />36 Heights, Mounds View, North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale, Roseville, Spring Lake Park, St.
<br />37 Anthony/New Brighten, St. Paul, and White Bear Lake. I -Ie stated the collaborative partners
<br />38 include the Minnesota Youth Intervention Program Association, the North Suburban Gavel Club,
<br />39 the Polynesian Village Partners, the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative, the Ramsey
<br />40 County Children's Mental Health Collaborative, the Ramsey County Curfew and Truancy
<br />41 Collaborative, the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce, and the Youth Community
<br />42 Connections.
<br />43
<br />44 Councilmember Stille asked Mr. Hromatka to comment on the thrift store.
<br />45
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