Meetings
Nancy Hunsicker & Nancy Englander
Claire Hanssen & Barb Crist
General
WIGS is specifically organized to minimize overhead costs and unnecessary meetings. We recognize how busy our members are and want to maximize the use of their time while allowing them to direct how best to use the groups funds.
Oversight Committee
The WIGS Oversight Committee, consisting of both Founding and Sustaining members, is responsible for organizing an annual spring members’ luncheon at which the Executive Director of PHP presents the various programs. At the Annual Meeting Members vote on the programs they wish to support and the Oversight Committee compiles the votes as a basis for their funding recommendations to the PHP Board. The WIGS Oversight Committee acts as an advisory committee to the Board of Directors of People Helping People.*
* Although the expectation is that these recommendations will be followed, as required by law, it is the Board of PHP that makes the final allocation.
2010 Annual Luncheon
Lunch is served! The first annual WIGS luncheon was hosted by Phyllis Hennigan at the Quail H. ranch in Santa Ynez on Wednesday, March 31st. The luncheon was attended by 34 members. The food was prepared and donated by Mila Hart and dessert was provided by Gerry Shepherd.
Phyllis and Nancy Hunsicker welcomed guests and thank them for their generous contributions and commitment to helping those in need. Dean Palius, C.E.O. of People Helping People (PHP) was in attendance with other PHP staff members Lois Craig, Chief Operating Officer; Arcelia Sencion, Director of Health Care and Social Services; Mary Conway, Drug Free Youth Coordinator; and Mary Welsh, Development Assistant. Dean made a presentation regarding the four programs he recommended for funding consideration by WIGS. He and his staff then answered questions regarding the four programs as well as other programs provided by PHP before members completed their funding ballot
 WIGS members break for lunch |
 |
 From left to right Claire Hanssen, Ann Pejsa and Fiona Uhler share a moment prior to lunch. |
| The luncheon was held at the Quail –H Ranch of Phyllis Hennigan. |
||
2010 Funding revise $ based on final amount
In 2010, $ 31,000 was raised to support PHP programs. At the 2010 luncheon, WIGS members voted to fund the following four PHP programs at the designated levels:
| Advocates for Domestic and Child Abuse Prevention (ADCAP) | 47% | $ 14,100 |
| Family Resource Centers | 27% | $ 8,100 |
| Emergency Services | 13% | $ 3,900 |
| Buellton After School Youth Program | 13% | $ 3,900 |
Description of Funded Programs
Advocates for Domestic & Child Abuse Prevention (ADCAP)
PHP’s ADCAP program is the only domestic violence intervention/prevention program serving the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding area. Certified PHP Advocates respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to Sheriff’s calls to the scene of each domestic violence crime. Advocates provide immediate intervention with the victims of the violence and help can include medical attention and shelter. Long term assistance may come from PHP’s other direct service programs or help with successfully navigating the criminal justice system.
Buellton Youth Program
In 2008, PHP forged a partnership with the Buellton School District and Buellton Recreation Department to start an after school program specifically designed for at-risk middle school students. Fifteen 6th—8th graders attend the “Seeking Success” program each day at Jonata School. The program focuses on academic improvement and provides computer education, leadership training and recreational activities to supplement homework assistance and tutorials.
Family Resource Centers
PHP has developed a ‘model service delivery program,’ integrating services for infants, children, youth and adults into a “one stop shop” that has multiple neighborhood access points. Those in need can make a single contact with a PHP Advocate at one of five school based Family Resource Centers to receive any of PHP’s 20 program services and/or referrals to other non-profit or government agencies. This minimizes overhead and increases access to services.
Emergency Services
The program’s goal is to furnish a temporary bridge to individuals and families during times of urgent financial need. Services include rent/mortgage payments, temporary shelter, food/meals, transportation, utility payments, mobile home repairs (seniors), & household goods.
Other PHP Programs
PHP is a unique multi-program organization and has 14 other programs in addition to those described above. PHP has developed a model delivery system integrating services for infants, children, and adults into a “one stop” shop with multiple neighborhood access points. PHP continues to meet clients' basic needs while working to reduce those needs. Major programs include Basic Needs: Food and Emergency Services (Rent & Mortgage Assistance, Mobile Home Repair, Utility Assistance); Health Care: Community Health Care Access, Children’s Dental Fund, Drug and Personal Counseling; Youth Programs: Buellton Youth Program, Workforce Investment, Coalition to Promote Drug Free Youth, and Early Mental Health Counseling; and Family Support: Domestic Violence Prevention, Advocacy, Parent Education, Scholarships, Christmas-Fulfill-A-Wish, and five school based Family Resource Centers including one at Solvang school.
If you would like to find out more about PHP and its programs and services visit their extensive web site at www.syvphp.org.