YRCCC Region IV Meeting NotesAgency: Central States SER- Jobs for Progress, Inc.Program Coordinator: Jamie RothDate: October 27th, 2010Meeting Location:Instituto Del Progreso2315 West 24th Place10 am- 12 pm

I. Agency Spotlight: First Defense Legal AidA. Catelyn Patterson was the agency spotlight this month. First

Defense Legal Aid can represent anyone taken into police custody. All individuals taken into custody have a right to remain silent until their lawyer is present. First Defense Legal Aid provides an attorney to represent the client during police questioning and until a public defender or defense attorney is assigned. This is a free service. Attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once contacted, an attorney is sent on location to discuss the case with the person being detained, as well as, the arresting officer to ensure that the individual’s rights have not been violated. Catelyn then distributed presentation request forms, her contact information, and flyers providing additional information about the services that First Defense Legal Aid office provides.

II. Training SurveysA. Due to the poor response from Region 4, Riccadonna passed

out training surveys for the council members to complete and return. The workshops provide training and professional development for agencies.

III. Mapping ExerciseA. David (Region 1-YRCCC Lead) facilitated a mapping

exercise. He put names of communities on construction paper and placed them on the floor as they would appear on

a map. He then asked everyone to step into the community where their agency could be found. Everyone was asked to move to the community where most of their participants are coming from. Not many of the council members moved, which segued into an open discussion about boundaries/barriers in Region 4.

B. One of the council members made a point that if a participant grew up in a certain community and then moved away it is most likely that they will return to where they are most comfortable. There are many reasons why kids cannot participate in certain programs which require them to travel. Some of these reasons are:

- transportation- gang boundaries- safety issues - parental involvement ( motivation)- economic funding

C. Some of the council members are fortunate enough to have transportation services available to the children participating in their program. Another council member also pointed out that the age of the child can have an affect on their decision-making process. From the age of four to about thirteen, the child is open and willing to try new things. High school age youth are already set in their comfort zone with friends and surroundings.

D. There were many discussions triggered by this exercise including how to make the after-school programs in the region more accessible to the youth and keep them off the streets. Once this activity was complete group introductions were done.

IV. AnnouncementsA. Jonathan Projansky from Kenwood Oakland Community

Organization announced the Annual Halloween event taking place Friday, October 29th, 2010 at Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois (809 East 42nd Pl.) From 6 pm to 8 pm.Montana Butsch from Chicago Training Center announced a job opening for a Recruitment and Retention Specialist. He is open and willing to partnering with other agencies interested to resolve regional transportation issues.

B. Irene Lopez from the Back of the Yards Community Councilannounced a press conference taking place on November 10th

to inform the media about different programs in the community. Media coverage will include radio stations, Channel 5, and Channel 9. The Back of the Yards council will also select agencies to appear on television and/or radio

and speak about their program and address the issue of violence in the community.

C. Riccadonna reminded everyone about the “Waiting on Superman” movie outing at the I.C.E Theaters Thursday, November 4th at 10 am. There will be a discount on tickets. Refer to the email sent by Jamie Roth for additional information.

Next meeting: November 17th, 2010Valentine Boys and Girls Club3400 South EmeraldChicago, IL. 60616Contact: Dawn JimenezTelephone Number: 773-927-7373

Please R.S.V.P by November 15th, 2010