Minutes of the Board Meeting of Durham Congregations In Action

December 12, 2006

Durham Center for Senior Life

1. President Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas called the meeting to order.

2. Mark Prokop, Director of Meals On Wheels of Durham, spoke about the building and the many agencies it houses. Meals on Wheels has a continuing need for volunteers. Mark asked present volunteers to stand; more than half the assembly stood up.

3. Rev. Lindsay-Lucas led the assembly in an opening prayer.

4. The DCIA Affirmation was read.

5. Treasurer Bill Youngblood said that donations are much appreciated.

BlueCross BlueShield of NC [BCBS] has extended its matching pledge for YO:Durham so that pledges made by December 31 will count toward the $30,000 match as long as they are paid by March 31. DCIA is seeking specific commitments and hopes that all DCIA congregational members will participate.

6. Guests were welcomed:

Ann Stock.

Martha Simpson, Chair of Meals On Wheels of Durham.

William Thomas, a long-time PAC member.

7. Maryann Crea reported that there was an excellent article in the Herald-Sun about YO:Durham and its new Program Director, Susan Blackmon. Susan has met with Durham Public Schools counselors, and several agencies working with teens.

Prospects are good for achieving the full benefit of the BCBS $30K challenge. Thanks to everyone who has helped. We need Mentor Teams, Internships and continued donations. We are also beginning to recruit teen participants – those who qualify for free/reduced lunch are of special interest. Please advise Susan of possible candidates.

8. Rev. Lindsay-Lucas advised that Teen Teams Building Bridges has been a very positive experience for teens so far. The main congregations involved are First Chronicles Community Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Nancy Safrit has been very helpful on behalf of WPC. The teens served 15 dinners to people confined to their homes over Thanksgiving.

9. Rev. Joe Harvard announced that the Nominating Committee has received additional nominations for Officers for DCIA in 2007. A slate of Officers will be presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting on January 16.

10. Ann Stock was introduced by David Winer. Ann is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and conducts the children's choirs for Immaculata School. She is Chair of the Jobs Action Team for Durham CAN. She is a former girl scout leader and Chair of the Board of Superior Community Foundation in Duluth, MN. She has degrees in theater and French.

Ann is focusing on children in poverty, and seeking congregational support. Poverty is about a lack of support systems, including transportation, child care, education, training, and housing. Child poverty is a segment of poverty that is not on most people's radar screen – children don't vote and can't communicate their needs by themselves.

All poor children are worthy of help. Ann believes YO:Durham is an example of an excellent program for teens. However, resources are most effective and efficient when directed toward early ages.

It is essential that small children learn to communicate. The good news is that babies are pre-programmed to learn languages in a variety of ways. However, what triggers language learning is the look and touch of loving mothers and fathers, the personal interaction. Without human contact, children do not learn how to talk. The video generation becomes handicapped in learning; 3D is reduced to 2D and the toddler's brain is developed less. At the same time, focus on videos leads to obesity.

Ann has initiated a project with Durham Partnership for Children to identify what is being done now for children by the 430 congregations in Durham. A Survey has been devised. Ann asked:

a. Is your congregation willing to sit down and respond to the Survey?

b. Does your congregation have volunteers to help conduct the Survey?

Responses to the Survey will be shared with congregations, and can help create networks and provide ideas for improvement. Ann provided sign up sheets for volunteers.

11. David Winer, Executive Director provided a listing of pledges and donations to YO:Durham. He asked that all present to assure that their congregation is counted.

David advised that there is a new anti-gang initiative by City and County Government and many other agencies. We are glad that Marcia Owen has been involved in this work for many years and will continue to do so. Rudy Henkel has been designated as the representative for DCIA.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the DCIA Annual Dinner Meeting on Tuesday, January 16 at Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church.

12. The Minutes of the DCIA Board Meeting of November 21 were approved.

11. The assembly thanks A Gracious Table for catering an excellent meal.

13. Prayers for those in need:

Priscilla Shepherd, DCIA Administrator, who has been ill recently.

A young woman, Tanisha, with two children, who is under care at Duke and needs a new heart.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church is celebrating a new addition, Vicar Rhonda Lee.

14. Rev. Duke Lackey offered a Closing Prayer

Minutes by David Winer