November 9, 2022
1:00-3:00 PM
WebEx Video Conference
- Welcome/Introductions (Niya Kelly)
- Roll Call (Taneka)
- Review & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (Gloria Yen)
- Public Comment (Taneka)
- OneDHS Listening Session (Taneka)
- Support for Asylum Seekers Presentation, Q&A (Taneka)
- Refine Committee Charge Statement (Niya & Gloria)
- Adjournment (Taneka)
MINUTES
Council Members in Attendance: Quiwana Bell, Westside Health Authority; Sherie Crabb, Arrowleaf; Christa Hamilton, UCAN; Barbara Harris-Woodard, Center for Community Academic Success Partnerships; Niya Kelly, Co-Chair, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless; Jeremy Rosen, Shriver Center on Poverty Law; Gloria Yen, Co-Chair, University YMCA
Committee Members Not in Attendance: Itedal Shalabi, Arab American Family Services
IDHS Staff in Attendance: Dana Kelly, Chief Policy Officer; Taneka Jennings, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs
Welcome/Introduction
Niya Kelly asked members to introduce themselves, and what is bringing them joy.
Approval of Meeting Minutes: August 10, 2022
Motion to approve the August 10, 2022, Meeting Minutes by Niya Kelly, seconded by Barbara Harris-Woodward. The Council voted unanimously to approve.
Refine Charge Statement & Role/Purpose of Committee:
Committee members refined shared priorities related to outreach, engagement, equity and policy. IDHS staff will finalize charter for approval at next Committee meeting.
OneDHS Listening Session
IDHS' Chief Policy Officer Dana Kelly facilitated a listening session regarding OneDHS. Key questions and included:
- How do community members engaged with your organization currently learn about or access DHS' programs and services?
- Does your organization have a system(s) that helps individuals navigate DHS and other public benefits?
- What do you think are some of the best tools and resources DHS provides to make its services accessible to your community members?
- What kinds of barriers does your community and/or organization experience in accessing DHS' services?
Themes from the conversation included challenges with access due to local office closure and transportation in rural communities, a desire for a universal, user-friendly online application for services; impact of immigration status on eligibility for benefits; language capacity; challenges with organizations' capacity to fulfill grant requirements, and a shift toward trauma-informed approach in which all people are deserving of support.
Housekeeping
Taneka sent an email reminder about training and informed members new training requirements.
Adjournment:
Motion by Christa Hamilton, seconded by Gloria Yen. The Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 1:52 PM.
