SAC MIN 1994-10-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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someone from the group to speak at a future Commission meeting to discuss what they need and want from the seniors. ITEM 3-PEER COUNSELING UPDATE Supervisor Mannia reported they had to cancel the peer counseling training again because only five volunteers signed up. The training will begin in January if the number of participants increases. She felt many people were not willing to participate in the program because of the long term commitment required to be a peer counselor. The training consists of attending class twice a week for 12 weeks, then meeting with a psychologist once a week to review their caseload. They must make a one year commitment to the program and handle a caseload of 1 to 3 clients. Commissioner Newell stated the Center in Palo Alto has operated a peer counseling program for several years. Their program involves a one year commitment but the training is less stringent and the peer counselors have less clients and do not meet as often with a psychologist. He suggested contacting Mimi Goodrich of the Center to find out more about their program. Supervisor Mannia mentioned the TEWCI Board and the Veterans Memorial Senior Advisory Council each voted to pay for half of the expenses of a psychologist ($1,500 each). Supervisor Mannia agreed to contact Mimi Goodrich for more information and will report back to the Commission. ITEM 4-SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT Supervisor Mannia reported the Hospitality Desk is doing very well since it began on September 6 and there have been no complaints regarding customer service. The volunteers have done a superb job in creating a user friendly atmosphere. The S.A.S.H. program has improved and more volunteers are needed for grocery shopping. The Loan Closet is doing well but needs wheelchairs. It was suggested placing a notice in the Redwood City Quarterly Newsletter to let the community know of this need. The Friendly Visitor Program is struggling but they have one new young volunteer visitor. The Phone Pal Program needs more volunteers. The Coffee Bar in the lobby is going well but also needs more volunteers. The Editorial Board is very good and they really enjoy their work. Focus Groups were formed and have helped to determine the other types of services needed for seniors. The Veterans Memorial Senior Advisory Council has ordered eight round tables for the lunchroom for the Center. ITEM 5-DISCUSSION OF HOUSING REGULATIONS Vice Chairperson Lloyd said Chairperson Anthony wanted to get a representative from the Housing Department for today's meeting but was unable to find someone. Superintendent Hartman will contact Debbi