AGENDA
November 14th, 2012
Bozeman Job Service Conference Room
1:30-3:00

 
Welcome & Introductions
            Chair – Debbie
Review of Distribution Membership List
            Distribute Updated List for Corrections Additions Deletions – Debbie 
Review and Approval of Minutes
            July 11th, 2012 & August 8th, 2012 - Lesa
Treasurer Report
            Financial Report - Van Shelhamer
CMT Re-certification  
 Update  – Debbie Darla Joyce
Training Academy Committee 
            Resource Ring Project Update – Members:  Michele, Byrdeen Debbie
            September 14th Academy Update Members - Michele, Rebecca, & Stephanie
Website Development Committee
            Website Committee Update – Debbie
Partner Updates
            All in Attendance
Next Meeting Date, Location, and Time: 
            January Agenda Items 
                        Election of officers: Secretary
                        Frequency of Meetings
                        Committee discussion (Website – Zanya) (Training Academy) (Other?)

YELLOWSTONE SYSTEM AREA COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING
Minutes
Aug. 8, 2012 - 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Livingston Job Service Conference Room

Present: Zanya Betley – Liv. Job Service, Van Shelhamer, CWCTC, Rebecca Spencer – Gallatin Mental Health Center, Byrdeen Warwood – Bozeman Public Schools, – Liv. Job Service, Michele Letendre – Bozeman Job Service, Stephanie Gray – HRDC, Kristi  Wetsch - Career Transitions

Approved Motions
The training academy can spend up to $800 on lunch
The ring of resources committee can spend up to $800 on the ring of resources

Website Committee
Zanya and Lesa met prior to the meeting.  They have a base website and will continue to work on the website.  They will have a launch for the website at the academy.  CWCTC will have a screen available.  Maybe Debbie could use the website to introduce the organization.  The website address is http://yellowstoneareasystem.weebly.com.  Zanya will talk with Skip about redirecting the current url to the weebly address.

Training Academy
Rebecca and Stephanie reported on the Training Academy.  The training academy will start at 7:45 am on Friday, September 14 .  The time of 7:45 -8:15am will be set aside as a meet and greet.  The morning will consist of four breakout sessions.  Two agencies at one time will talk about their organization.  There is a noon panel – reducing recidivism. 

The training academy would like to use group funds to pay for lunch.  To have lunches catered, the estimated cost is $8-$10/person.  The estimation is $600-$800 total for lunch. There will also be information tables.  Michele made a motion to approve up to $800 for lunch.  Zanya seconded the motion.  The group approved the motion. Michele mentioned that Bozeman Job Service could provide plates and utensils. 

Stephanie showed the marketing material for the Academy. The invitation will be emailed in an “email friendly” format to all the members. 

Other misc. include: The group would like to see facilitators. The training academy included READI as a presenter.  The training academy will take a maximum of 60 people.  Kristi said that she could check with Valerie at Career Transitions to round up the projectors and laptops. 

If members have other thoughts on the training academy, please email Rebecca or Stephanie.

Byrdeen asked if there would be an evaluation process.  Some possible questions are, What did you like? and What would you like to change?

Ring of Resources
Michele reported that the Ring of Resources is almost complete.  She is going to change the dimensions on the cards to keep the cost down with Insty Prints.  Michele mentioned that Debbie is going to check on the new bid to make sure the bid is still being honored.  The group is going to print the number that was originally approved. Michele and her crew are going to make a cover.   Stephanie motioned to have the committee spend up to $800 on the ring of resources.  Michele seconded the motion.  The motion was approved. Zanya would like to see a geographic location served on each card. Michele said to send any changes to the ring of resources to her. 

Financial Report

 

Van reported that the organization’s net worth is $2294.24.  Any business transactions should be made/or invoiced to YAS, 189 Arden Drive, Belgrade MT 59714.  Van volunteered to create invoices.

The next meeting is Wed., Nov. 14th at Bozeman Job Service. 

 

Minutes
July 11th, 2012
Bozeman Job Service Conference Room
1:30-3:00

Attendees
Present: Zanya Betley – Liv. Job Service, Joyce Heiser – Liv. Job Service, Van Shelhamer, CWCTC, Al Maurillo – Job Service, Rebecca Spencer – Gallatin Mental Health Center, Byrdeen Warwood – Bozeman Public Schools, Debbie Berg – Bozeman Job Service, Darla Joyner – Career Transitions & CWCTC, Michelle Letendre – Bozeman Job Service, Lesa Pribyl – MSU Extended University, Jane Arntzen-Schumacher – Child Care Connections, Judy Callisto – Bozeman Job Service, Tacia Lee – Office of Public Assistance, Megan Collins – REO.

Welcome & Introductions
Chair – Debbie 

Review and Approval of Minutes
Jan. 2012 minutes were approved

Treasurer Report
Van Shelhamer – Financial Report & Position Update 
Dues collected in 2012 total $560.  The organization’s net worth is $2,244.24. 
Van is resigning from his position as board member from READI. 
The group moved that YAS attach to CWCTC status as a non-profit.  And open a checking account DBA with CWCTC.  This will close the DBA with READI.
Van has agreed to continue being the group’s treasurer and represent CWCTC. 
Joyce talked to Susan Suda, and voc. rehabilitation services’ dues are coming.   Debbie Berg will touch base with REO. (REO representative was late to the meeting but did attend and Debbie discussed membership dues with her following the meeting. Megan said these would be paid once she received a bill. Debbie gave Van Megan’s card.)  
The group moved to approve the treasure’s financial report.

CMT Certification Process
Regional Meeting Update – Joyce – Darla – Stephanie – Al – Debbie
Joyce gave a report from the regional meeting.  Certifications are going to be changed so that all one stops are certified at the same time.  Meeting attendees looked at the process of certification and how to make it more efficient.  The group discussed making our minutes available to officials of the SWIB.

Training Academy 
            Committee Update & Committee Members
Committee members are Michele Letendre, Rebecca Spencer and Stephanie Gray.  The training academy is Sept. 14th at the CWCTC in Belgrade, from8:00-4:00.

Resource Ring Project
            Committee Update & Committee Members
Committee members are Debbie, Michele, and Byrdeen.  Zanya will help with the review.  The ring of resources will be printed in Livingston.  Zanya agreed to review the Livingston resources.  Debbie will check to see if the printing quote is still accurate. Debbie will email YAS members to get an estimate of how many to print.

Partner Updates
Jane, Child Care Providers – There are many vacancies with childcare providers.  They recently lost the Hawk’s Nest.  The
YMCA is picking up the Hawk’s Nest.  Montana does not have a waiting list for people who are eligible. At a recent Healthy Gallatin discussion group held in Belgrade, The health dept. mentioned CWCTC, Inc. as a strength in the community and the fact that Job Service had an office there.

Van, CWCTC – They still have office space available.  The facility is setup for conferences. 

Rebecca, Gallatin Mental Health Center – Since Beacon Employment Services came on board, they have had 204 referrals.  98% have been placed in employment.  Their team is expanding.  They will be hiring another vocational specialist. 

Lesa, MSU Extended University – EU is offering MSU Bozeman’s first online undergrad degree in liberal studies.  Currently the degree has 16 admitted students and around 60 people who are interested in the degree.  The degree is focused on non-traditional students who want to finish their degree.  Students are from Montana and all over the U.S.

Meghn Collins, REO – She almost has her spots filled for her year.  If you know of anyone who has been working in the ag industry and would like more training, send them her way.  Rural MT Saves is specifically for rural counties.  For every $ the client saves, the REO matches it by 3. 

Tacia Lee, Office of Public Assistance – They have two vacancies.  They have a new division administrator and are changing the structure.  They are also getting a new computer system.  Applications are down from 420 to 313.

Byrdeen Warwood, Bozeman Public Schools – They have traffic education and adult basic education this summer.  They can serve post-secondary students who need extra help (bridge curriculum).  As of Jan. 1, 2014 there will be changes to the GED program.

Darla Joyner, Career Transitions & CWCTC – They are settling into their new facility.  Their training programs have been very successful.  One downside is that people are taking out their $500 saving.  Subsidized employment has been a success story.  The panther learning center is in the CWCTC.  The farmer’s market is running and doing well. They continue operation until mid-Sept.  

Al Maurillo, Job Service – They are involved in a state-wide strategic plan. 

Judy Callisto, Bozeman Job Service – The Bozeman office has been busy doing REAs.  It is a mandated nationwide program (extended unemployment).  Bozeman Job Service has 400 job orders (first time since 2008). 

Joyce Heiser, Livingston Job Service – Livingston Job Service is doing REA.  There was an OJT for a national emergency grant that is being extended for two more years.  BEAR program is going full-steam ahead. 

Zanya Betley, Livingston Job Service – Livingston BEAR (Business Expansion and Retention) and Bozeman BEAR are collaborating more with one another. 

Next Meeting Date, Location, and Time

            Wed., Aug. 8th, Livingston Job Service, 1:30-3:00.  The meeting will be focused on the ring of resources and the training academy.  

            

 

Low-Income Energy Assistance
The State of Montana, through the Department of Public Health and Human Services, offers two programs aimed at helping low-income individuals reduce their heating costs.

The Weatherization Program helps participants to improve the heating efficiency of their homes and thus reduce their energy consumption. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) pays part of winter energy bills for eligible people. Most utilities offer LIEAP recipients discounts on their bills.

Who Is Eligible
Eligibility for weatherization and fuel (energy) assistance is based on your income and assets. To be eligible for LIEAP, you must make no more than 60 percent of estimated state median income for 2012 if your household consists of seven or fewer, or 150 percent of the 2012 federal poverty level for households with more than seven members. Resource limits also apply. To be eligible for weatherization, you must make no more than 200 percent of the 2012 federal poverty level. Both homeowners and renters may apply for these programs.

When to Apply
The Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) and Weatherization Program application is available on this website during the heating season, which is October 1 through April 30 of each year. 

You may apply for weatherization assistance or an emergency situation with a furnace or water heater at any time during the year by contacting the energy assistance eligibility office serving your community. 

How to Apply
To apply, download an application form from this website.  You may also visit the energy assistance eligibility office nearest you to obtain assistance with your application or contact the Montana Citizen's Advocate, toll-free, at 1-800-332-2272. 

All records and information provided by you or obtained through verification are confidential and are not available to the public.

After applying for weatherization and/or fuel assistance, you will be sent a letter of notification. It will tell you whether you are eligible for assistance and what benefits you may expect to receive.

If you think you haven't received the right amount of assistance, inform the eligibility worker immediately (eligibility office). You may ask for a hearing if you disagree with any action taken as a result of your application.

These are equal opportunity programs. If you believe you've been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, political beliefs, or religion, write or call the state Office of Fair Hearings, P.O. Box 202953, Helena MT 59620-2953; 406-444-2470.

Receiving Assistance Weatherization Assistance:
 All approved applications are ranked according to degree of need and placed in "priority groups." Special priority is given to older adults and disabled individuals. If your application is approved but you're not in a priority group-and if you don't receive assistance within a year of your application date - please reapply.

An energy auditor will set up a time to visit with you about your home's needs for weatherization materials. The auditor is trained to determine the most cost-effective weatherization measures for your home. These measures may include a furnace tune-up, caulking, client education, insulation, weather-stripping, storm windows, replacement of broken glass, or repair of exterior doors.

Weatherization workers may not be able to install all the materials you need, but they will do the most important weatherization within the dollar limits allowed. In some cases it may not be cost effective to install any weatherization measures.

When your home is scheduled for weatherization work, a crew or an independent contractor will come to install the necessary materials in your home. After the work is completed, you will be asked to sign a statement indicating that you believe the work was done properly and to your satisfaction.

Fuel Bill Assistance:
If you are eligible for fuel assistance, the payment amount is figured according to your household income, the size and type of your home, and the kind and cost of fuel. Most often, payments are made directly to your utility company or fuel supplier.

More Energy Assistance Ideas
For more ideas about how you can 1) lower your living expenses by conserving energy, 2) get help paying your energy bills, 3) qualify for an energy tax credit, or 4) volunteer to help your more vulnerable neighbors with their energy needs, visit the Governor's Warm Homes, Warm Hearts Web site.

Help Yourself To help you with weatherization strategies-many of which you can do yourself-the HRDCs and the Montana State University Extension Service offer many resources. Contact your HRDC or MSU Extension Office for brochures on these topics:

• Top Ten Home Energy Saving Tips
• Air Sealing - Keep Heat Where it Belongs
• Cool Your Home Naturally
• Energy-Efficient Lighting
• Water Heater Maintenance
• Storm Windows
• Home Insulation Choices
• Attic Insulation
• Insulating Side Walls of Existing Homes
• Floor and Foundation Insulation
• How to Save Energy
• Gas Appliances and Your Health
• Indoor Air Quality
• How You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Controlling Condensation
• Energy Tips for Mobile Homes
• Power Bill's Home Energy Activities

October 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 2012   
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
20 East Olive Suite LL 10, Bozeman
$175

Create professional-looking images for both print and Web. You will identify the components of the Photoshop environment, learn about the differences between raster and vector graphics, and learn how to use Adobe Bridge. In addition, you will learn how to work with text, layers, and layer effects. Finally adjust, retouch, and resize images.

October 2, 4, 9, 11, 2012
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
20 East Olive Suite LL10, Bozeman
$135

This class will provide hands-on computer lab experience in learning the basics of QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2012. This class will give you a basic overview on accounting terms and principles. You will learn how to create a company, enter credit card charges, write checks, create invoices, receive payments, make deposits, reconcile credit card and bank statements, pay bills, work with letters, modify preferences and templates. Bring a USB flash drive to class to practice backup and restore. You will be able to apply all information you learn to the QuickBooks Pro/Premier software 2012.

This course is brought to you by MSU Extended University, Downtown Bozeman Association, and the Montana Women's Business Center; which isfunded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Find Out More About the Course & Register Here

20 East Olive, LL 10
October 3, 4, 8, 2012
9:00 a.m. to noon
$98

Jump start your knowledge of Excel with this interactive, hands-on course. After an introduction to spreadsheet terminology and Excel's window components, you will learn how to use the help system and navigate worksheets and workbooks. Develop your skills by entering and editing text, values, formulas, and pictures. You will also learn about moving and copying data; absolute and relative references; and ranges, rows, and columns. In addition, increase your skills by learning simple functions, basic formatting techniques, and printing.

Click here to register