The Western Neighborhood Outreach Center held their monthly Birthday Party on May 7^th and a total of 19 children were able to attend. The kids formed into two teams and played relays races, computer games and completed puzzles for points. The Center’s monthly Parent Dinner was on May 21^st. A total of 23 children made a meal for the 10 parents in attendance. The menu consisted of barbeque chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and four types of pie.

The Chippewa Center had a big Mother’s Day meal on May 14^th with more than 50 people in attendance at the Eagles Annex Building by the Lake. The kids prepared the meal of spaghetti, chicken alfredo, salad, drinks and desserts.

Upcoming plans at Chippewa include a Mask Making workshop with the Bellefontaine Cultural Arts Commission on July 14^th. The Annual Golf Cart Rally and Parade will be July 19^th and the Talent Show at the Moose Lodge will be on July 25^th.

Director Holtkamp Reported on:

-         Accreditation: The preliminary Accreditation Report has been received and responded to.

-         State Social Services Audit (Child Protection Oversight Evaluation: CPOE): This review of services is conducted every 2 years by the State pursuant to federal guidelines. The reviewers spent 3 weeks with them.

-Counties our size typically 25-35 exceptions which require Quality Improvement Plans (QIP’s).

-Two yeas ago, Logan County had 16 QIP’s.

-We will have 6 QIP’s this time.

-         Schools: Plans are to enhance our Outreach efforts, increase visibility with more visits to the school by In-take and In-Home. Also plan to have a ‘liason’ for each school system.

-         Efforts are underway for a collaboration of Juvenile Court Children Services and Mental Health to review every new committal to Juvenile Detention within 24 hours to see if community placement is possible.

-         Foster Care Month Activities.

In response to foster parent comments and requests during the foster care program evaluation, the number of events held during Foster Care month were increased this year. Three events were held, two of which has recruitment components built in.

The first event was the Foster Parent Picnic themed “Backyard Fun” that was held at Oldfield Beach. There were nearly 45 people in attendance including foster parents and children, staff, and one of four board members with their family. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves between the food, the comic strip ice breaker and the backyard games.

The second event was the “Fishing for Foster Parents” boat in the Memorial Day parade. For this event there were around 15 people walking or riding the boat and passing out information about foster care and adoptions. For this event, we even had one of our Family Court Judges participate.

The third event was the “Foster Care Gone Wild” day at the zoo. There were around 50 people actually attending the event despite the rainy weather. Everyone enjoyed the shelter from the rain, cool drinks and free food at the zoo. There was also a zoo scavenger hunt for fun facts at the zoo. The first and second place winners of this were two daughters of one of the foster parents.

The next regular meeting of the Board will be Thursday, July 10^th at 5:00 p.m. at the Agency Offices located at 1855 SR 47 West.