Fayette County

The council discussed the FCFC Director search, acknowledging the need for a full-time director hired through the health department. Jana Howell and Alex Johnson, Ohio FCFC Regional coordinators, met with council members and were impressed with the council's growth. Reports were given on service coordination, life coach activities, Family Connects, Help Me Grow, and Early Intervention. OhioRise shared updates on care coordinators. Judge King discussed the Blue Envelope program, and Larry Gray highlighted the importance of the program and Highland County's multi-system youth home. The council also touched on re-implementing parenting classes and the potential impact of the Federal shutdown on November 2025 SNAP benefit allotments. The "Hope in Ohio" event was also mentioned.

The meeting included discussions on the FCFC Director position, including Wendy Gatewood's opportunity and the potential hiring of Lori Cockerill. A committee was formed to interview and hire for this position. Juli Thacker announced Alex Johnson's upcoming visit to discuss service coordination protocols. Gratitude was expressed for the completion of fraud questionnaires. Reports were given on service coordination, including active cases and budget expenditures, and changes to the referral form. The Life Coach report reviewed the service coordination flow chart and discussed families' unique needs. There was discussion on Bethany's capacity to serve in a vacant service coordinator role. A monthly update from Ohio Rise was recommended. Family Connects, Help Me Grow, and Early Intervention programs were also discussed. Leslie Harrison's retirement was announced, and the next meeting date was set.

The meeting included a treasurer's report and updates on service coordination activities, including Bethany's work with families, attendance at the State Advocacy Day, discussions with the Fayette Co. Board of DD, and meetings with the Pickaway County FCFC director. There was also a presentation on the FCFC process. Agency reports were given on Family Connect and Help Me Grow programs. Samantha Gray from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities informed the Council of her role as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. The council discussed the Health Fair and potential involvement.

The meeting included a presentation by Cave Lake Center for Community Leadership on their services, followed by FCFC updates on the KIDS Summit, state budget, and meetings with various organizations to discuss program goals, services, and funding. A funding discussion was held, and the coordinator will follow up with surrounding counties for information on their funding operations. Updates were provided on service coordination and early intervention. A sequential intercept mapping discussion was held, and Fayette County is hoping to be a pilot. JFS was re-designated as the administrative agent for the upcoming SFY.

The meeting included a treasurer's report, a discussion on purchasing promotional items for the first annual baby shower, and an update on the Big Blue Bus summer food program. A presentation on OhioKan was given, and Big Brothers Big Sisters distributed volunteer recruitment materials. Updates were provided on the Family Connects program, FCFC's inclusion on the county website, and Service Coordination activities. Help Me Grow shared updates on a community-wide baby shower and the life coach position recruitment. Information on summer community activities was distributed, and announcements were made regarding upcoming events.