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MINUTES

Maryland Regional Practitioners’ Network for Fathers and Families

Monthly Members Meeting

June 19^th, 2003. 10am-12pm

10 S. Wolfe Street. Baltimore, Maryland 21231

I.       Opening remarks/Welcome                 Leon Henry

II.      Board Update                           Dr. Willie L. Barber (President)

Johnny Rice, II-Vice President provided the Board update

·        MRPNFF is working on a Mgmt. Assistance grant from Goldseker, which will be used to enhance board expertise and functioning.

·        Board looking for committed members to keep the organization strong and diverse.

·        Board continues to work on steadily improving the quality of service delivery to members

·        Stressed a need for members to pay their dues in an effort to help defray the cost of services.

III.     News from the NPNFF             Donald Christian

·        NPNFF is applying for a grant from Head Start which, if successful, will involve all State affiliates in fatherhood training around the country.  Award will be a substantial figure allowing for the participation of several practitioners.

·        NPNFF will hold a series of meeting with Directors/Presidents of the State affiliates, under the direction of new president-John Pride.  Mtg. will be announced shortly.

·        Donald passed out several handouts and brochures, which are available in the office.

·        Drew attention to an article in the newspaper Youth today (www.youthtoday.org) in which a national figure in the fatherhood movement expressed extreme displeasure with the current presidential administration.  A must read for all interested in policy issues concerning fatherhood.

 IV.            Current Events:

a.      Mike Steele Update-

·        A meeting has been scheduled between MRPNFF and the Lt. Governor.  It was suggested that we use the opportunity to ask specific budget questions concerning funding of fatherhood programs.

·        It was suggested that we send a letter to the Gov. requesting that our programs be spared and use the meeting with Mike Steele to inquire further.  The members decided that in addition to a letter, MRPNFF should send a petition signed by some members and their clients.  Both the letter and signature sheet was agreed to be sent out in draft form by Monday.

b.     Letters to legislators

·        See above

c.     CSEA-New Vendor Selected

·        Upcoming Conferences MRPNFF participated on the CSEA privatization selection committee.  PSI was chosen over the current vendor Maximus, although there currently is an appeal and Maximus was given 6 months extended on their contract until the appeal is resolved.  We were joined by Jarnice Johnson of CSEA/DHR, but she explained that her comments had to be very limited.  She could only confirm that there was an appeals process and that it may take some time to sort things out.  She did however state that CSEA hoped to remain a partner with fatherhood CBO’s around the region-which was welcome news to everyone.

d.     Conferences

·        Information available at www.mrpnff.org

V.      Derek Richardson  Research Project Volunteer

·        Mr. Richardson introduced himself and expressed an interest in volunteering some time to work on Policy & research issues.  Mr. Richardson is participating in the Advocacy Leadership Program and is seeking an opportunity to volunteer.

VI      Special guests

·        Jamal McFadden introduced himself as a private attorney who has been working with the Genesis group, an MRPNFF member.  Mr. McFadden is interested in partnering with members to work on issues related to Child support and low-income fathers.

·        Teresa Riddle of Dayspring Programs Inc., talked about her programs drug treatment and transitional housing component.  Program is available to men and women with housing issues.  Also, Ms. Riddle asked for support from MRPNFF, particularly some volunteers to work with the children of her clients, many of whom have no positive father figure involved with them.

·        Tonia Aroya of the House of Ruth spoke about a willingness to become more involved with fatherhood issues as a partner.  MRPNFF has been in discussion with the House of Ruth over joint ventures such as family violence training and creating a hotline for men who are stressed and might become potential abusers.  The members agreed that MRPNFF should schedule a training by the House of Ruth on family violence issues at an upcoming meeting.  Leon will follow up on this.

VII     For the Good of the Organization.

 * Next Meeting July 17 tentatively @ 10 S. Wolfe Street.