Seeds Of Hope Partners
September 17, 2008

  
DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER: Led by Marty Willard

MINUTES: Correction to the minutes- change words food pantry to emergency food closet. A motion was made by Dick Frank and seconded by Sylvia Sumner to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT: There is a balance of $1812.87 in the regular account. In addition there is a CD of $4200.00. The shares of IBM stock were sold for $5870.46 and that amount is deposited in the checking account. Our total assets are presently $11,8883.00. A motion was made by Diney Robinson and seconded by Maxine Mills that Carl should put the money from the sale of the IBM stock into an easy access CD with the best interest rate.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. The volunteer information has been updated and divided into the following areas: prayer team, home repairs, family issues, donations, and clerical. Through this process it was found that many of the current volunteers had not filled out forms. They were passed out and Maxine Mills will make a list of those who are not in the current data base and get it to Joel Young so it can be updated. The next step is to find someone who is willing to be the coordinator of one of these categories. They would be in charge of finding volunteers from their group to fill the requests that we receive.
2. The Agency has approved having five volunteers who are willing to do family transportation to appointments. These individuals will need to have their clearances and the Agency will pay for them if they don’t already have them. They will also have to fill out other forms required by the Agency.
3. Two boxes of Angel Food  and diapers were purchased.
4. Emergency Food Closet- We are to assure people that when there are requests for the Seeds of Hope  that we are not asking them to stop giving to their local food pantries. We will still give individuals and churches the opportunity to donate supplies to the emergency food closet. This food is most often needed to supply food for families on weekends and then they are referred to the food pantries.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. The employees of the Harrisburg Allstate Office made a monetary donation to SOHP. A thank you note has been sent.
2. Diney made a presentation about SOHP at the Holy Child Catholic Church.
3. A thank you note was read from the child that we helped send to the Harrisburg Diabetic Youth Camp.
4. Election of Officers- Maxine Mills and Carl Matteson were on the nominating committee and presented the following nominations: Secretary- Susan Heyler     Treasurer- Carl Matteson Those nominated were elected. Diney Robinson agreed to serve as Vice President and was elected to that position.  We are in need of someone to serve as President.
5. Our new storage facility has been secured.  The owner has agreed to a $350.00 per month tax deduction. She asked us to have a Release from Liability and that has been done. There will be a work bee at the barn on Saturday, Sept. 20th beginning at 8:00 A.M.  They will also be moving the items that are stored in Larry Miller 1 barn.
6. Carole Frank was in contact with Laurel Home Health Hospice and encouraged them to make requests as needed. We will consider them on an individual basis.

 

 

7. In consideration of the economy and high fuel prices, Diney was asked what the response is when families need help with rent and/or utilities. The families are referred to LIHEAP, Trehab, Salvation Army and other agencies. If SOHP volunteers get these requests they should refer the families to the Human Services Agency for assistance. In the past SOHP has paid for other needs so the families have money for utilities and rent.
8. The emergency food closet is in need of cereal, entrees, meats, soups, pasta, rice. NO DRIED BEANS PLEASE!
9. The diaper closet needs sizes 2 and 3.

 

 

Update on Families:
##117-08R – requested repair of basement walls. An assessment was done and determined that repairs were not feasible. They are now asking for help to purchase a trailer to be placed on the property. A motion was made by Dick Frank and seconded by Sue Wilber that SOHP along with the caseworker and the family need to do an assessment of the trailer before we give them money toward the purchase.

 

Families for September:
#136-08- request for gas money to go to Hershey for medical appointment- motion made by Diney Robinson and seconded by Rosalie Connelly that we purchase an $80 gas card. Motion carried.
#121-08R – Elkland family requesting floor tile or carpeting- we need more information
#130-08- clothing for two children, baby gate, safety locks- Agency will take care of this request
#133-08- baby gates, fans, baby monitor
#124-08-  set of bunk beds (mattresses not needed),bedding for three children, crib and mattress
 # ??-              Full size bed and bedding- Brett Weiskopf(caseworker)
#111-08R – Assessment  was done, extensive work is needed, pending on further information

The next meeting will be on October 15, 2008. Rosalie Connelly will do devotions.

Prayer requests- Tyler Bowshier, Cheryl Matteson, victims of recent storms, SOHP families, caseworkers, Families of Brenda Bowers and Stacy Crowley, Nancy Baker, Carol’s husband, hearts open to the needs of the families that we serve and how God wants to use us to meet those needs, the vacancy for the office of SOHP President, Lynn’s daughter and husband, travel safety for Rosalie’s sister.