Open-Space Conversations

Finally, at the end of a productive day of great work, Gwen and Jean encouraged those people who were interested in continuing the conversation to stay from 3:15 to 5:00 or to come to the Lancaster Community Library the next day, Thursday, June 11th, at 9:00.

One of the guiding principles of the Open-Space Conversations is that whoever comes are the right people. Quite a few people indicated a willingness to stay that afternoon. They were interested in discussing the recent designation of Bay Aging as a Community Action Program. We were lucky enough to have Kathy Vessely-Massey from Bay Aging with us.

The following summary is courtesy of Lindsy Gardner:

Kathy explained that they had been pursuing CAP designation for some time and were awarded it in May of this year. It will take effect on July 1 and they will receive several hundred thousand dollars in one-time stimulus money to establish the agency and conduct programming. George Morris has agreed to serve as interim director of the CAP. Currently, they are looking for a Development Director who would write grants and seek resources to continue operations once the stimulus money has been expended. When Bay Aging got word that they were going to receive CAP designation, they sent a memo out to local governments, schools, and social service agencies in the eight county area asking for ideas for programming for the summer. Because of the overwhelming response from localities, Bay Aging decide to fund an internal suggestion - a Work Ethics Camp. The concept of the camp begins with recruiting interested children ages 12-20 who meet income and secondary barrier requirements. These children will be guided by Team Leaders for certain geographic areas to do volunteer work for local individuals or businesses. As the children accrue volunteer hours, they also qualify to attend a camp of their choice over the summer. In the future, the CAP will be required to do a community assessment to determine needs and resources in the community. This information will be used to develop future programs.

Kathy went on to describe other programs currently offered by Bay Aging that will benefit from stimulus money including weatherization programs, in-home care programs, Meals on Wheels, to name a few. Bay Aging has also constructed elder housing in Lancaster County, as well as other sites in their service area.

Thank you, Lindsy, for your great notes! We hope that some of the action strategies that come out of the conference conversations and future meetings can dovetail with Bay Aging's initiatives in some way.

Several people also found their way over to Lancaster Community Library the next morning. One point they wanted to share was that we will need to "make the case" or develop a clear and consistent message that communicates how people will benefit. They also felt it was important to know what assets and resources we have in the community so we can leverage what we have. Finally, they felt it was important to raise expectations, starting with upper elementary and middle school students.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting some of the ideas that came out of the follow-up meeting of the Visions steering committee on Thursday, June 11th.