Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Child Homelessness and the Township


FIRST RULE OF THUMB: DON'T MAKE IT WORSE


One of the Township's responsibilities is responding to requests for assistance with rent or mortgage.  We carefully evaluate the household's situation and, if children are in the household, their security factors into our decision.  Further, I believe that the Township has a responsibility NOT to contribute to the homeless population.  Especially when children are involved.  Hence, my interest this morning when I saw in the paper an article about a new report out on child homelessness and well-being, which has been issued by the National Center on Family Homelessness. 

The report is called America's Youngest Outcasts and can be found on their website.

It's great that the Township can choose to keep a roof over a child's head for one more month, but that's not enough.  Here is the Center recommends for effectively addressing child homelessness and well-being, with which I agree:

Effective responses to child homelessness must include:
• Safe, affordable housing.
• Comprehensive needs assessments of all family members.
• Family-oriented services that incorporate trauma-informed care.
• Identification, prevention, and treatment of major depression in mothers.
• Parenting supports for mothers.
• Education and employment opportunities for parents.
• Further research to identify evidence-based programs and services for children and families.


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

IT TAKES A VILLAGE!


I have received many lovely congratulatory messages from friends and family and fellow campaigners. My daughter's adoring accolades may warm my heart the most.
However, friends, I am blessed to share a vision with many others for a Township, for government, that is professionally run and fiscally responsible as well as responsive to the public, but, foremost, a township that is compassionate toward all. This shared vision includes dedication to collaboration as the way to meet the challenges facing our community.


Party headquarters Election Night
photo by David Snodgress, Herald Times
I am also blessed that Linda Sievers (my inspiring predecessor) agreed to manage the campaign and that a great team was formed with Board candidates Kim Alexander, Barbara McKinney and Bill Sturbaum. The team and inspiration blossomed because so many great and loving people stepped up to help with the campaign generously giving their time, energy, and resources to help us build on this vision for the Township. I am grateful to the Democratic Women's Caucus for their endorsement and training and to the Monroe County Democratic Party leadership for the training and resources they provided. They made our ability to be strategic so much easier.

And, to my father, Warren Henegar, who set an example for what a public servant and leader should be, whose shoes I strive every day to fill, and who told me many times "Lillian, you should run for township trustee"!

I am a bit awed by the challenges facing the Township in the next four years. But, like this campaign and the work we've enjoyed so far, it is a team effort. Nothing we do, except maybe dying and that I'm not so sure about, is done alone. A great group of people have shared our vision thus far, which makes me hopeful for the future.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

Township Staff who put the vision
to work everyday!


Bloomington Township Trustee
Lillian Henegar (D)   3427
Bill Eggleston (R)     1698


Bloomington Township Board
Matthew Shute (R)       1739
Michael A Lakes (R)     1686
Kim Alexander (D)        3165
Bill Sturbaum (D)          3222
Barbara McKinney (D)  3285