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Maryland Regional Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families

Monthly Members Meeting

January 18, 2007

10am-12pm

I.   Introduction & Welcome         Leon Henry/Johnny Rice

II   Upcoming Conferences/Events

•  Child Support Forum. Casey Family Services. Jan 23 rd 5pm @ 25 N, Caroline St . Baltimore . Contact: Darryl Green 410-342-7554

•  Head Start Region III Fatherhood Conference. February 8-10 Philadelphia , PA. Contact: Darryl Stutely 410-396-7415

III   Father's & Families Day in Annapolis

•  February 13 th 11:00 in Annapolis . Speakers: Del Curt Anderson (D). *Governor Martin O'Malley (Invited).

•  Panel discussion to include reps from child support, corrections, judiciary, fatherhood programming, *state administration, program participant & legal aid.

IV   Priorities for 2007

•  Re-focus on networking & advocacy

•  Sustainability, volunteer model

•  Re-design of website as marketing tool

•  Have MRPNFF be a well known repository of information regarding services around the state.

V   Announcements/For the Good of the Organization

General Membership Meeting. September 15, 2005

I   Introduction/Welcome       Attendees/Leon J. Henry

II   Board Update           Johnny Rice, II. President

New Board Members James Smith, CFWD

      Richard Dumas, PSI

      Dennis Ferrell, Department of Public Safety

      Lisa Nitsch, House of Ruth MD

      Christi Fogle, Formerly of DHMH

III   Update on Organization's Financial Stability

•  Abell Project -MRPNFF is working on a proposal to work with 8 th grade boys in the BCPSS on a pregnancy prevention model using Health Education, responsible fatherhood and Child Support as partners. Then goal is to get young men to think about health risks associated with risky behaviors and the financial and emotional issues that arise from early fatherhood. Plan to pilot in BC and spread to all 24 counties within 10 years.

•  Mayor's Office of Children Youth & Families- MRPNFF is request 25K to support above project

•  Open Society Institute- Seeking general support-75K

•  Fund for Change- General support 25K

The reality is that MRPNFF is in a fiscal crisis. We are hopeful that these funding opportunities will come to fruition, but we must all find ways to help invest in the agency to keep it viable. Please make sure that your dues are current-everything helps at this point.

IV   Review of CSEA Conference in DC -Overall assessment is that HHS wants states and stakeholders to work better together to find innovative solutions to encourage responsible fatherhood and to reduce the uncollected arrearages within states. HHS recognizes that much of this money is owed by low-income fathers who have several barriers in their way. Copies of the Strategic Plan were available at the meeting DEBT Leveraging was a key component of HHS's strategy.

V   Financial Planning mini-workshop Jim Musgrove presented on insurance and estate planning issues for members and their families www.Jim Musgrove.com

VI   Ron Samuels, YFSN Annapolis, MD Ron is looking for participants to take part in an NFI “Train the Trainer” session using an NFI curriculum. This may be free to members-but contact Ron using the Resources tab of the webpage. He will also send out a description and sign up sheet. Ron also informed MRPNFF that his community has taken in 65 families from New Orleans and many of the men are struggling with their sense of loss.

/ Lawrence Bracey Friends of the Family for Les Hill-Eastern Shore -Caroline County will host a fatherhood conference in April 2006. Looking for help planning, including speakers etc. Contact both Les and Lawrence via the website's "resources” tab

VII   For the Good of the Organization -Casey Family Services will also hold a conference in April. Details to follow per Darryl Green

Please submit al conferences, workshops etc to Leon and he will place it on the calendar.

General Meeting Agenda

Caroline County Department of Social Services
 Civil Defense Room
         207 S. Third Street
         Denton, MD 21629

WELCOME           Leon J. Henry

INTRODUCTION         Attendees

UPCOMING EVENTS       BOARD UPDATE   

OVERVIEW OF HOST SITE:    Les Hill, Project Manager

Caroline County Department of Social Services
Fatherhood For Now Program

Les is interested in talking to other members about their fatherhood programs in the various counties and has expressed an interest in learning about the Strive Model and opportunities to impact Ex-offenders returning to work.

Guest Speakers:   

Discussion:   

• Annapolis Wrap Up
• Maryland Fatherhood Commission/Medgar Reid

DHR intends to re-convene the Fatherhood Commission and has been talking to members for advice on potential members of the commission. MRPNFF will get more detail to give to members

• Father's Day Activities

Several Father's Day activities planned throughout the area. Members are encouraged to submit activities to be listed on the website.

• Public Forums on Fatherhood Issues

During the Father's Day in Annapolis Event, MRPNFF hosted a forum on a variety of fatherhood issues, Child Support being chief among them. That discussion took up a lot of time and energy. Ron Samuels of AA County suggested that we host several ongoing forums related to Child Support throughout the year in an effort to stimulate conversation around this issue and to serve as a training tool for Father's Day Participants.

It was suggested that we hold our first forum late summer/early fall. Ron has offered his center as the first host site.

In addition, 2006 marks the 10 th anniversary of MRPNFF. A lecture series, public forums and other events should coincide with this, culminating in an anniversary dinner/fundraiser.

• MRPNFF Grant Applications

At present, MRPNFF has applied to the Abell Foundation for a school based project, 2 Special Improvement Project (SIP) Grants with Health and Human Services to help make child support more effective and efficient and a Federal grant to work with Teen fathers in Maryland. MRPNFF is looking for opportunities to partner with members on grant opportunities.

Next Meeting June16th, 2005

1200 W. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD

Please submit Father's Day Activities to be posted on the Website

General Meeting Agenda

February 17, 2005 10 am – 12 noon

Hosted By: Daryl Green

Casey Family Services

25 North Caroline Street. Baltimore, MD

WELCOME           Leon J. Henry

INTRODUCTION         Attendees

UPCOMING EVENTS       Kenethia McCue

•  Newsletter -Will highlight a program each month and will be web-based to save on printing costs.

•  Dues, Dues, Dues

•  Misc.

BOARD UPDATE         Johnny Rice, II

• New Board appointments in the spring of ‘05. Members will receive application forms in April.
• Focus on sustainability-members should look for ways to collaborate with MRPNFF and other members on projects, proposals, grants etc.
• Members need to help bring in potential members or encourage participation from current members.

OVERVIEW OF Casey Family Services    Anees Abdul-Rahim (for Darryl Green)

• CSF has an after-school program for local school children
• DADS 101 program for new fathers
• Parenting/job readiness/ relationship building and prevention programs.
• Self esteem building for young fathers.
• Contact Darryl or Anees at 410-342-7554

South West Airlines    Rosalind Carroll

Southwest Airlines is currently hiring Ramp Agents. Contact 410-691-9631. Must be at least 18, driver's lic and complete background check. Jobs are located at BWI. Looking to hire 30-40 candidates. Mrs. Carroll explained the wage rates. Job particulars and the benefits offered by the airline and pledged to give MRPNFF notice of any and all job opportunities.

CFWD Policy Update    Donald M. Smith

• Status and update on Federal and State legislation regarding low-income families-particularly focusing on the Subsequent Conviction Bill, Expungmemnt of Nuisance Crimes and Debt Leveraging. www.cfwd.org or call Malcolm at 410-367-5691. MRPNFF & CFWD are collaborating on these issues and will give members updates on legislation.
• Steve Rohde (Maryland Committee for Children-MCC) Tuesday, February 22, 1pm in House Appropriations, there is a very important hearing on HB 563. This bill requires DHR to spend the monies allocated for POC on POC and not transfer them to cover other deficits in the Department. If you or your organization can testify or send letters of support, that would be great!!!
• There was a great discussion that followed which cannot be properly captured in the minutes. The underlying themes of the conversation were the need to collaborate on policy issues, the need to dialogue more on issues particularly with those outside of the fatherhood community, the need for practitioners and clients to stay engaged in the advocacy process and the need to bring parents back to Annapolis for testimony or letter writing.

DISCUSSION:

• Father's and families Day Re-cap

Suggestions for next year:

• Planning Committee should start earlier in the year
• Have ongoing Round table discussion throughout the year prior to the event.
• Program persons should work closely with clients to prepare them for Annapolis.
• Limit panel to one expert from a particular area (i.e., 1 CSEA person, 1 health person, etc.).
• Time limits on questions
• Use of index cards and time limited questions & answers
• Look at using cable access and possibly MPT to record session
• Overall, members were pleased with the turnout of over 100 participants and liked the idea of a panel.

• Article for Baltimore Times -Article about Father's and Families Day will appear in the next few weeks. Will notify members when published.
• DJS/MRPNFF -Working with The Abel Foundation on a proposal to work with detained youth who are fathers and incorporate member agencies.
• Meeting w/ Senate majority leader (McFadden)- Leon Met with Senator McFadden's staff as an introduction. His office expressed an interest in collaborating on fatherhood issues including working with DJS in the future

Next Meeting March 17th

Montgomery County Department of Human Services

1301 Piccard Dr.

Rockville, MD

Contact Person: Nathaniel Parks

240.777.4767

April 2005 Meeting: Baltimore, MD

Maryland Regional Practitioners' Network for Fathers and Families

General Meeting

September 16, 2004. 10am-12pm

Hosted by: Policy Studies Incorporated (PSI)

1 N. Charles Street. Baltimore, Maryland

Agenda

Welcome         Leon J. Henry

Board Update         Dr. Willie L. Barber/Johnnie Rice, II.

• Board is pleased to announce the completion of the Strategic Plan.
• Thank you to Suzanne Kondner, consultant who helped develop plan.

Training Update       Avon Bellamy

• Baltimore Free University Classes are set to begin in October. The MRPNFF course is entitled “Why fathers are important: Fatherhood as a social concern”. Individuals can sign up for courses by calling 410.516.4777.

Upcoming Events/Newsletter     Kenethia McCue

• 100 Fathers Conference, Wash DC 9/22/04
• Youth Explosion, Baltimore 9/25/04
• All events are posted on website using the calendar tab.

Guest Speakers:       Christopher McCabe, Secretary of DHR

                              Floyd Blair, BCDSS

• Both Mr. McCabe and Mr. Blair spoke of a desire to work closely with MRPNFF, particularly on revising the Maryland Fatherhood Commission.
• MRPNFF & DHR talked about working collaboratively on issues where we have agreement and continuing a positive dialogue.
• MRPNFF & DHR will share information regarding fatherhood issues/obstacles faced by clients receiving services from DHR.

Discussion

• There was a very long and intense conversation regarding child support and the young men served by Practitioners. Clearly, there needs to be more dialogue and collaboration with fatherhood programs and CSEA or its affiliates. Some counties and some programs have better relationships between practitioners and CSEA than others, which means that we need to replicate what works well and eliminate those practices that are not working.
• PSI (the private vendor in Baltimore City) has committed to partnering with fatherhood organizations as a strong ally.
• Lisa Nitsch, from the House of Ruth and Ron Samuels both spoke about the need to share information among members about events, ideas and opportunities to work collaboratively. It was suggested that each meeting provide a forum for this, including ways in which members can jointly seek funding.

Strategic Plan Review

• Published copies of plan distributed for members and guests.

Child Support Article -Tabled for next meeting

Legislative Agenda -Tabled for next meeting

Fathers Day in Annapolis

• Planning Committee meeting, October 14 th 10:am 10 S. Wolfe St.

Follow Up Mtg. with DJS

• Leon/Avon are meeting with the DJS deputy Director, V. Colter on October 13 th .

New Office Space for MRPNFF

Next meeting October 21 st AACDSS

80 West Street. Annapolis, Maryland

Suite C

Contact: Ron Samuels 410.269.4491

Maryland Regional Practitioners' Network for Fathers and Families

Members Meeting

August 19, 2004. 9:00am-12:00pm

10 South Wolfe Street. Baltimore, Maryland 21231

Welcome         Leon J. Henry

Board Update         Dr. Willie L. Barber, Ph.D.-President

• Board reviewed the Strategic plan on 8/12/04. Accepted with grammatical changes to be completed by 8/19/04

Notes from the NPNFF     Donald H. Christian

• No notes at this meeting N No notes at this meeting N

Upcoming Events       Kenethia McCue, Admin. Asst

• Please refer to www.mrpnff.org and click on the calendar tab for events and upcoming conferences.

Training Update       Avon Bellamy, Training Coordinator

• Avon has completed the Training Manual-a workshop for practitioners, staffers and all others interested in starting fatherhood programs.

Update of McCabe mtg.     Leon/Avon

• Leon and Avon met with Chris McCabe of DHR originally to talk about providing training to DHR staff on fatherhood issues. The meeting quickly turned to issues dealing with the state budget. DHR, like all departments, was forced to submit a budget representing a 12% cut. MRPNFF was asked to help justify keeping funding intact for fatherhood programs-explaining how fatherhood was part of the “core mission” of DHR. A report was submitted to DHR outlining the impact of fatherhood programs on Maryland families.
• Members who were present at the meeting stated that programs had received cuts across the board, but many were still in existence. An intense conversation about creative ways of bringing in additional revenues to programs began, including the idea of MRPNFF collectively going after large, broad funding sources. Targeting national foundations and federal money was discussed with an emphasis on members working together to present holistic solutions to larger funding sources.
• In addition, members spoke of moving MRPNFF towards becoming a “clearinghouse” of funding so that members might tap into additional resources at MRPNFF to help close “funding gaps”.

Upcoming meeting with DJS     Leon Henry

• MRPNFF will have a meeting with DJS Secretary, Kenneth Montague to discuss similar issues that were brought up with DHR. Specifically how MRPNFF and DJS can partner to provide services to youth and staff alike.

MRPNFF Strategic Plan Presentation:

“Maryland's Fatherhood Connection”

• Members reviewed a power point presentation outlining MRPNFF's strategic plan. Plan will be published on the website and in print form by the September meeting.

Discussion

• It became clear that members are struggling with maintaining funding and meeting their goals/quotas. Clearly MRPNFF and members have to become more visible and begin demonstrating the positive aspects of father involvement. A discussion ensued regarding whether or not MRPNFF takes an active role or position in regards to the state budget, i.e.-the promotion of slots. MRPNFF has never taken such positions in the past, only advocating the increased funding of programs throughout the state. No conclusions were reached, but this discussion will continue and intensify as the legislative session draws near.

Next meeting: September 16th @ Policy Studies Incorporated

1 North Charles St. Baltimore, Maryland.

We are looking for a host for the October meeting.

Need updates? Try www.mrpnff.org

MRPNFF

Maryland Regional Practitioners' Network for Fathers and Families

General Member's Meeting

May 20 th 2004

10am-12pm

Welcome                                                                                   Leon J.   Henry

Board Update                                                                           TBA

The Board is working on the development of the Strategic Plan.   Suzanne Kodner of Human Advantage has been utilized as a consultant.   Plan will be ready for Member's approval this summer.   Board is also looking into finding new office space for MRPNFF as well as seeking additional grant opportunities for the Network.

Newsletter/events                                                                    Kenethia McCue

MLK Head Start in Baltimore is looking for a Male Involvment Coordinator (see jobs tab).

• NFI Conference June 7-9 Atlanta, GA www.fatherhood.org
• 6 th Annual NPCL International Fatherhood Conference June, Detroit Mich. www.npcl.org
• MRPNFF has purchased an LCD projector for trainings.   MRPNFF will develop a rental agreement so that members may rent the projector for special projects.   Contact Kenethia McCue for more information.

Gov. Council on adolescent pregnancy Male                      Leon Henry        

Involvement Task Force update

• MRPNFF is participating in this task force and will help with conferences, networking etc.   Christine Fogle,   foglec@dhmh.state.md.us is the contact person for the task force.   The goal is to reach out to male teens, providing information and referral regarding parenting and to stem the rise of unplanned pregnancies among teens.

Training Update                                                                       Avon Bellamy

• Several members expressed an interest in helping to shape MRPNFF's training goals for the future.   Avon Bellamy, Coordinator, avonjbel1@hotmail.com   has created a small, working task force to help develop our training program.   An outline will be made available to members.   Please contact Avon if you are interested in working on this project.

Guests

Discussion of June 17 th Mtg with DHR & DJJ

For the Good of the organization

At our upcoming meeting, June 17 th we will have the pleasure of introducing DHR secretary Christopher McCabe and DJS Secretary Kenneth Montague.   Both are coming to learn more about MRPNFF and to talk about future collaborations.   TO ALL MEMBERS.   WE MUST HAVE A STRONG SHOWING AT THIS MEETING!!! Even if you are going to a conference or have other plans, please, please make sure that someone from your organization is able to attend this meeting.   This is a golden opportunity for MRPNFF and individual members to be heard and to be apart of making a change for the better in this state.   Contact Kenethia to RSVP 410.534.4202.  

Leon

Next Meeting:

June 17 th 10am-12pm

YO Baltimore

1510 W. Lafayette Avenue

410-545-6950

MRPNFF

General Member's Meeting Minutes

April 15, 2004

Welcome

Notes from NPNFF

NPNFF is working on TANF reauthorization and is looking to create funding opportunities as a result.

Training

Avon Bellamy has started as MRPNFF's Training Coordinator. This position will be responsible for recruiting trainers, coordinating training's/workshops on behalf of the agency and seeking new revenue generating activities for the organization. Avon will contact interested members who want to do training and create a database.

Newsletter

The new newsletter is at the printer and will be mailed out this month. Please send articles of interest to Kenethia McCue at kmccue@mrpnff.org . We are looking for members to submit articles about their programs, participants current events or just their thoughts on particular issues. Newsletter is a quarterly production.

Web site

Web site now includes a link to available Grant opportunities. Shortly, Web site will include a “tips for dads section” and an updated database of current programs/members across the state. Web site is updated every 2 weeks or as necessary.

Legislative wrap up

See legislative section of Web site

Meeting with McCabe/Montague

MRPNFF will host DHR Secretary Chris McCabe and DJS Secretary, Kenneth Montague. MRPNFF members can use this time to discuss the current state of fatherhood in Maryland and about the possibility of future collaborations with both agencies. With a Training Coordinator on board, MRPNFF is able to capitalize on any fatherhood training needs either department is willing to partner on. Important that as many members come to this meeting as possible!!

For the good of the organization

Louis Cook of Young Fathers/Responsible Fathers (Baltimore City) reports that our friend Anthony Williams is very ill and would appreciates your thoughts, prayers cards and well wishes. For more information on Contacting Anthony, please call Louis Cook-his phone number is available under the resources tab of the Web site

MRPNFF is presenting at the 7 th Annual Family Involvement Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center, April 22 nd . Don Christian and Leon Henry will discuss ways schools can reach out and engage fathers.

Please send in notices of upcoming events so that we may post them on our Web site!!!

General Members Meeting

March 18, 2004

I.                    Welcome                    Leon Henry

II.                 Board Update               

§        Board in the process of completing the Strategic Plan.  Ms. Suzanne Kodner has agreed to pull together a document by April/early May.

§        Board welcomes Londell Owens of Talbot County Responsible fathers Program.

III.               Notes from the National          Donald Christian

§        Postponed till next meeting

IV.              Newsletter/Program listing/Trainer portfolio      Kenethia McCue

§        Newsletter being planned for release on April 15^th.  Articles requested by April 9^th.

§        Kenethia is developing a trainer’s directory.  Please supply information on your area of expertise.

§        MRPNFF plans to create a web-based directory where programs can register their organization on-line for our databank.

V.                 Father’s Day Feedback

• Follow up with Chris McCabe

A thank you letter and a plaque were sent to Secretary McCabe.  MRPNFF plans to have a follow meeting to discuss 1) Re-establishing the Maryland Fatherhood Commission 2) Possible training collaborations between MRPNFF and DHR.

• Meeting with Ken Montague (Sec., DJS)

A letter was sent to DJS proposing a meeting with the Secretary of DJS to discuss needs/training opportunities for MRPNFF with DJS.  Specifically we are targeting

Youthful offenders who are fathers along with sex ed. for sexually active young men who are not yet fathers.  In addition, it was suggested that we also propose working with staff as well on a variety of issues.

• Training Proposal

VI        Advocacy/Bills pending

A.

The Child support bill to eliminate the accumulation of arrears for incarcerated obligors is “dead on arrival” in the House.  However, it may be possible to create a system internally without the need for legislation.  PSI, the private vendor in Baltimore City and QA County has proposed a process, which would allow incarcerated obligors who are sentenced to 12 months or more to have their payments modified.  MRPNFF hopes to work cooperatively with PSI on this demonstration project in hopes of studying its effectiveness for the entire state.

B.

Both expungement bills have a slim chance of passing.  The first, a bill to expunge nuisance crimes has been re-worked to an acceptable definition of nuisance crimes.  This is a step in the right direction even though it may not cover everything we would want.  The second, the subsequent conviction bill is too close to call.  Lawmakers are concerned about career criminals being able to remove things off of their record and they are also concerned about what exactly should and should not be expunged.

C

Their is a bill in the House called the  "Marriage Promotion Act".  This bill would provide monies for CBO's to do marriage counseling/relationship training.  Attached to the bill is a debt leveraging component.  This may or may not cause problems for the bill's passage. Leon will keep members updated.

VII       Guests

·       Paquin School

Erica Ray of the Paquin School came to visit and spoke of her program.  The school is a middle/high school for pregnant students and provides comprehensive educational and health care for them.  Often, fathers contact Ms. Ray looking for support/guidance/resources as well.  Ms. Ray is interested in partnering with MRPNFF to provide resources to the fathers of the young ladies she serves.  The fathers may come from all over the city and or surrounding counties-so there is a need to develop a comprehensive listing of service providers.  Please contact Leon or Kenethia so that we may forward your information to the Ms. Ray or you can contact the school directly and leave your information.

* It is necessary to note that as a middle/high school, sometimes the fathers may be older or have reached the age of majority.  For the school, the issue is to provide services to the client, period.  If your program will have issues providing services to a client in the event it is revealed that he is an adult and the mother is a minor, please let that be known up front!!  For most situations-this will not be an issue, for a few however it is something practitioners need to discuss with their program managers or legal advocates.

·       PSI

Postponed till the next meeting.  PSI is the new Child support Enforcement Vendor in Baltimore City and QA County.

·       Healthcare for the Homeless

Lauren Siegel of HCH spoke about healthcare, prescription drug and housing services for homeless individuals.  HCH defines homelessness broadly so individuals may not have to be sleeping outside to qualify for many services.  There are programs, which help pay for prescription drugs, provide mental health services, addiction counseling/treatment along with simple health care.  Lauren left a supply of information in the office.  Please call or visit if you would like these resources for your clients.  All of the programs are statewide and available across the state.

      VIII            For the good of the organization

Next Meeting April 15th