Bollinger County Caring Council minutes

Bollinger County Caring Council met at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, in the conference room of University of Missouri Extension-Bollinger County in Marble Hill with the following in attendance: Sue Brewer, BCCC chairman, Salvation Army; Kristy Mayfield, BCCC secretary; Juanita Welker, BoCo Health Center; Cathy Trentham, Workforce Development/EDSI; Brittany Essary, Healthy Blue; Stephanie Wall, BCCC treasurer, BoCo Health Center; Liz Yokley, Aging Matters; Beckey Hayes, Crown Hospice; Nikki Wolfe, Southeast Prevention Resource Center; Julie Elfrink, BoCo Health Center; Jessie Green, Safe House for Women; and Kristy Hawkins, Community Counseling Center.

• New business: 2004 officers elected: Sue Brewer, chairman; Candy Wilfong, vice chairman; Kristy Mayfield, secretary; and Stephanie Wall, treasurer.
• Introduction of all parties present: The BCCC chairman requested that all members introduce themselves and highlight new programs they may be working on or have available, as well as employment opportunities.
• Juanita Welker, BoCo Health Center and Long-Term Recovery Committee: Welker reports the Long-Term Recovery Committee has assisted some of the tornado victims who have applied through Catholic Charities. Flood victims will be considered for assistance after the USDA buyout program decisions are made.
• Cathy Trentham, Workforce Development/EDSI: SkillUP program still assisting newly employed individuals with budgeting and savings plans. This is a 90-day program. Individuals can earn matching dollars for saved earned income while completing the program.
• Liz Yokley, Aging Matters: Assisting with Medicare open enrollment. Helping with choices on Medicare plan choices and drug plans.
• Sue Brewer, Salvation Army: The Salvation Army bell-ringing season will run through Christmas Eve. Bell ringers are needed. Call Sue Brewer at (573) 238-0045 to schedule a time. Also assisting with special projects as needed as well as emergency situations.
• Beckey Hayes, Crown Hospice: Volunteers always needed. Sitter, CNA, and nursing positions available.
• Julie Elfrink, BoCo Health Center: COVID vaccines and flu shots are available. Call (573) 238-2817 for appointments.
• Jessie Green, Safe House for Women: Safe House for Women Thrift Shop and Outreach is now located at 2350 Independence in Cape Girardeau.
• Debbie McFarland, EMAA: Applications accepted for energy assistance.
• Kristy Hawkins, Community Counseling Center: Open for counseling services. For information, call (573) 238-1027 or email krhawkins@cccntr.com.
• Meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, in the conference room of University of Missouri Extension-Bollinger County.

KRISTY MAYFIELD is secretary for Bollinger County Caring Council.