Minutes of Lowndes County

Children’s Policy Council 

October 7, 2009

District Judge Terri Bozeman Lovell called the Lowndes County Children’s Policy Council meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. on October 7, 2008, at the Lowndes County Law Library.

The meeting was attended by Valencia Aaron, ABC Board; Judge Terri Bozeman Lovell, District Judge, Mel Brackman, Lutheran Ministries; Sam Cooper, BancorpSouth Bank; Katina James, STEP Program; Liletta Jenkins, Department of Children’s Affairs; Adrian Johnson, Attorney; Shirley Jones, Helping Families Initiative Director; Vera Larkin, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services; Mary Anne Martin, Alabama Character Initiative; John Olsen, FDIC, Audrey Peterson, Lowndes County DHR, Gloria Simmons; Rachel Waters, Lowndes County DHR; Barbara Yelder, Hayneville Parks and Recreation, Eldon Zimmerman, Lutheran Ministries.

Judge Bozeman Lovell welcomed Council members and introduction of members and guests followed.  The members approved the minutes of the August 4, 2009, meeting. 

Shirley Jones was introduced as the new director for the Lowndes County Helping Families Initiative.  Shirley gave an overview of her work history and told the members a few things about herself.  She received a warm welcome from all the members present.  John Olsen invited members to attend the Booker T. Washington Economic Summit at Tuskegee University from November 18 – 20.  John also gave an update on Money Smart and agreed to send as many CD’s as possible for distribution by the CPC.  Vera Larkin gave a report regarding Kid Check and the dates that the program would be held at each school in Lowndes County.  Judge Bozeman Lovell also recognized that Lowndes County Public Schools had been recognized state-wide for their efforts with this program.  Members of the CPC were asked to participate and assist as volunteers at the events.  Gloria Simmons announced that the Family Service Center would begin adult literacy classes from 5:30-7:00 p.m. 

Committee assignments were made for 2009-2010 and the committees broke out into work sessions.  Each committee was asked to set short term and a goal that could be completed by June of 2010.  Adrian Johnson reported from the Economic Development and Parental Involvement committees.  There committee agreed to work with the Family Service Center to hold a parenting workshop and to develop a Pocket Parent Resource Directory as a short term goal.  Long term goal was to have clean-up days at the school, teach financial literacy classes for seniors and parents.  

Vera Larkin reported for the Health and Safety committees.  Short term goal was to be in compliance with alcohol and tobacco sales, promote more public relations and neighborhood watches throughout the county.  Long term goals were to continue to promote health fairs and clinics, Kid Check, recreational activities, obesity clinics, and to try to partner with the YMCA to do activities in Lowndes County.  The committee also wanted to consider working with local law enforcement to have a Cops & Kids day in the county. 

Shirley Jones reported for the Education and Early Care committees.   Short term goals were set at developing a community service program by providing service learning opportunities for students in Lowndes County.  Set up some form of application to show the student’s interest in volunteering.  The long term goal was set a developing a mentoring program. 

The meeting concluded at 4:45 p.m.