Location:     Conference Room B, Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center, Lawrenceville, GA

Attendees:  T.J. Alvarado, Blaze-4-Life, Sgt. Tracy Lee, Gwinnett Co. Sheriff’s Dept.; Mike Leonard, Community Volunteer, Lynda Waggoner, Community Volunteer;  Kriss Clara-Garcia, District Attorney’s Office; Widline Ducerce (?), Tapestri Inc.;  Limia Obadir, Tapestri, Inc.

T.J. Alvarado, incoming President of the 2012 Task Force presided at the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.

The incoming officers for the 2012 Task Force are:

·         T.J. Alvarado, Blaze-4-Life, President

·         Sgt. Tracy Lee, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department, Vice-President

·         Lynda Waggoner, Community Volunteer, Treasurer

·         The office of Secretary is currently not filled.

Members discussed the gift card donations that were made to Tapestri, Inc., Gwinnett Children’s Center, PADV, Raksha, and the $100 cash donated to the Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center (GSAC).

T.J. announced that the palm cards have been distributed by the Solicitor’s Office to various local police precincts.

The members set goals for the year ahead.

1.       Increase membership from the current 34 members .

2.       A coordinated fund raising campaign(s).  Mike Leonard reported that there have been no donations through the web site. Lynda Waggoner suggested a mail or email campaign.

3.       A public event will be planned for the summer with guest speakers from various organizations, groups and agencies who serve victims of domestic violence. The event will be held in the GJAC auditorium and refreshments and display tables in the breezeway.

4.       Determine which committee chairs still plan to continue in their positions for the upcoming year.

5.       Branding – Purchase promotional and awareness products for the task force . Develop brochures and other written materials.

6.       Pictures of task force events are needed to update the Facebook page.

T.J. will reserve the auditorium for the summer event.

Committee Reports

·         Fatality Review – no members were present.

·         Community Relations – No members were present.

·         Communications Committee – Mike Leonard noted that a new episode of The Gwinnett Force was taped today. The show content is the TPO process, obtaining restraining orders. They will air general information about the Gwinnett Task Force and the web site.

Time:           1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location:     Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center Board Room, Lawrenceville

Attendees:  T.J. Alvarado, Mike Leonard, Lynda Waggoner

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.

 

Officers for the 2012 year are:

T.J. Alvarado, President

Sgt. Tracy Lee, Vice-President

Lynda Waggoner, Treasurer

Office of Secretary is currently not filled.

 

T.J. Alvarado, incoming President for 2012 suggested a review of the current task force bylaws. Lynda Waggoner will send out copies of the existing bylaws to the board members for review and suggestions.

 

The Georgia Secretary of State Website will be updated this with the names of the new officers at the time of renewal of the corporate registration.

 

Mike Leonard will schedule the conference rooms for the 2012 meetings and update the board.

 

As approved at the last Task Force Meeting, gift cards worth $25 each for gas and food were distributed to PADV, Raksha, Inc., Tapestri, and Gwinnett Children’s’ Shelter. An additional $100 was donated to the Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center and Children’s’ Advocacy Center (GSAC-CAC).

 

The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be January 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

The first general meeting of the Gwinnett Task Force will be January 20, 2012 in Conference B from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Attendees:

Ø      Meeting called to order at 2:04 pm

Ø      Meeting began with Welcome and Introductions

Ø      Announcements

o       The amount of money collected from the raffle was $1,215 - a profit of $855.01 after deducting the cost of the TV (359.99)!

o       Jennifer Hope reports that she has contacted a number of the raffle item winners but has not made successful contact. Tracy Lee is familiar with a number of the winners and will drop off their prizes. The remaining will be mailed to winner.

Ø      Discussion of October’s Free Law Enforcement Training. The 8 hour Post Certified training was sponsored and conducted by taskforce members and was held on October 27^th. Topics included: DV 101, Interviewing Victim and Perpetrator, TPO process, DV in the LGBTQQI Community, DV and Culture Barriers, DV and Latino Community.

o       TJ Alvarado provided a summary of the survey results, which was very favorable. The group enjoyed the training and one participant recommended that the training is extended to two day training.

o       Group members suggested offering the training to each specific police precinct.

o       The group also discussed ideas to increase attendance of training.

Ø      Discussion of Roll Call Trainings.

o       Group members discussed what we can do differently next year with the roll call trainings.

o       Group members discussed cities that roll call training has not successfully reached and barriers.

o       No current update on new roll call dates.

Ø      Status of Palm Cards

o       No updates on palm cards provided by Solicitors office. Members are still unaware if the cards will be returned back to taskforce or distributed by Solicitors office.

o       Members discussed development and printing of palm cards. Suggestions included reaching out to printing companies that may want to donate services.

Ø      Christmas Donation to Needy Families

o       Members discussed helping a family out for the holidays.  The taskforce agreed to provide (4) 25.00 gas cards to (4) Taskforce participating agencies. Agencies include Raksha, Tapestri, Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, and PADV.

Ø      Elections

o       It’s that time again to elect your 2012 Officers. Nominations forms will be going out via email for all positions on the board. Please submit your nominations. Nominations will close on Dec 2^nd and Elections will be taking place thur Dec. 14^th.

Ø      Other Committee Updates:

o       Communications committee reports that the Sexual Assault episode that was taped a few months ago is still airing. They are receiving a lot of good feedback on the show. The next taping is expected to begin in December and will focus on Family Violence basics. No additional Updates on the status of the PSA.

o       Fatality Review committee reports that they are still interested in donating items to Gwinnett Sexual assault kits. Committee reports that they have reached out to the center but has been unsuccessful at this point on the items that are needed for the kits.

Ø      Other Items for discussion

o       Lynda Waggoner (Treasurer) suggested that Taskforce consider purchasing accounting software to keep up with financial reports. Taskforce Members also discussed looking into getting laptop computer donated to the taskforce for business and note taking purposes.

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:14pm.

Ø      Next Executive and Subcommittee Meeting will be held on December 16^th. 

Attendees

Name	Agency
Frances Smith	PADV
Michele Holstad	ATL Family Counseling
Linda Newton	Lilburn’s Woman’s Club
Carol Vey	Gwinnett Co. Solicitors Office
Pam Woodson	ATL Intervention Network
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Megan Knapp	Gwinnett Co. Solicitors Office
Anne Marie Lugo	Gwinnett Legal Aid
Tracy Lee	GC Sheriff’s Dept.
Jennifer Hope	ATL Family Counseling
Sabrina Toney	PADV
Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
David Tillis	Medlock Bridge Counseling Center
Jeremy Brown	Gwinnett Sheriff’s Dept.

Ø      Meeting called to order at 2:05 pm.

Ø      Welcome by Jennifer Hope, Introductions.

Ø      Taskforce members discussed learning experiences at this year’s GCFV Annual Conference.  The conference was held Sept 12-13 in Atlanta.  Members discussed increased use of Technology in domestic violence, and stalking.

Ø      Jennifer Hope opened the floor for any announcements:

o       Oct 1^st-Police and Fire Public Safety Fair will be held at Gwinnett Braves Stadium (Coolray Field) in Lawrenceville.  Gwinnett Taskforce will set up a booth and is in need of a morning volunteer to setup and man the booth until Jennifer H. arrives.  Carol Vey volunteered to do morning setup. 

o       Linda Newton (Lilburn Woman’s Club) announced Community of Hope event that is planned for the 3^rd Thursday in January. Linda reports that the Woman’s Club is still in the planning stages and is looking to partner with Gwinnett Taskforce and PADV to put on a community wine and cheese event. The purpose of the Community of Hope event is to engage community organizations and present to the community the roles of a DV advocate as a source of support for DV victims.

o       Free training for Law Enforcement/Probation developed by Gwinnett Taskforce members will be held from 9-5 on Oct 27^th at GJAC Conference room C.

o       Hero Awards is scheduled for October 21(in place of regular subcommittee meeting) in GJAC breezeway. The Hero Award is a light refreshment reception that will honor a Hero in community that works to end domestic violence.  Nominations can be sent to Mike Leonard at Mike.Leonard.Remote@Gmail.comby September 30, 2011. Taskforce members will also raffle off several items during the reception. So get your tickets today.

o       Jennifer Hope announced a FVIP provider meeting on September 23 @12 at Atlanta Family Counseling Center. Providers should be prepared to discuss low numbers in FVIP enrollment.

o       Anne Marie Lugo talked about Gwinnett Legal Aid’s Family Violence Project.

Ø      Committee Updates

o       Community Response: No report, no updated roll call dates. Jennifer Hope reminded taskforce members that we are looking for ideas on a new design for palm card. Megan Knapp will follow up on if the Solicitors Office will be able to reprint new palm cards and distribute them to local precincts.

o       Communications: Members report that the sexual assault episode has been taped and will be airing soon. This Episode will feature Jeremy Brown (Gwinnett Sheriffs Dept.). Tracy Lee will follow up on the status of editing of the PSA that was developed to create awareness in the community.

o       Fatality Review: Jennifer H will present a date to deliver water, teddy bears and other items needed for sexual assault kits to Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center.

Ø      Meeting Adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

Ø      Next Meeting (Hero Awards Reception and Raffle): October 21, 2011.

Ø      Next General Meeting: November 18, 2011.

Attendees:

Ø      Welcome and Introductions

Ø      Announcements

o       Jennifer H. followed up with Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center about their needs for sexual assault kits. GSAC expressed need for snack items, water, and stuffed animals. In the upcoming months, taskforce members will be working to develop sexual assault kits for victims. Sabrina also informed taskforce members on Covenant Counseling and Emory Eastside Sexual Assault collaboration.  Kits may be developed for that program as well.

o       Taskforce members will be working on designing a new palm card. Instead of the tri-fold, the new palm card will be printed on the front and back of business cards. Any ideas or agencies that would like to donate printing services are welcomed. 

o       We are gearing up for Hero Awards. Reception will take place on Oct. 21^st during the October taskforce meeting.  Nominations forms will go out in September. Raffle tickets are on sale now for only $5. We are asking all members to sell at least 10 tickets. Please see Jennifer or Lynda to pick up your set of tickets. Raffle items: 46 inch RCA 1080P LCD HD flat screen TV, $50 Visa Gift Card, Spa Package, and (2) Self Defense Class passes at Blaze for Life.

o       Jennifer reports that the California Kitchen Fundraiser raised over $125. Go Gwinnett Taskforce!!!!

o       Taskforce members discussed training dates for police training. Proposed date is Oct. 27^th at GJAC. This free training will be an all day training for police officers on Domestic Violence and responding to DV calls. Food Donations are needed for the training. If you have any restaurant contacts that may be interested in donating food for the training please let a member of the executive committee know.

o       The Gwinnett County Police and Fire Department will host a free community event “Public Safety Day” on Oct 1^st. at Gwinnett Braves Stadium in Lawrenceville from 10am-3pm.

o       Jeremy Brown reports on behalf of Tracy Lee and Communications Committee that they are currently taping the newest episode of the Gwinnett Force. This show will focus on sexual assault.

Ø      Next General Meeting  is scheduled for September 16, 2011 at 2pm

Ø      Next Sub Committee Meeting/Hero Award Reception is scheduled for October 21, 2011 at 2pm

Attendees	Agency
Jennifer Hope	Atlanta Family Counseling
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Sabrina Toney	PADV
David Clark	Atlanta Intervention Network
Tracy Lee	Gwinnett Sheriff’s Dept.
T.J. Alvarado	BLAZE 4 Life, Inc.
Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
Stan Hall	DA Office
Amita Rao	Raksha, Inc.
Diana Soto	Road to Recovery
Jeanette Soto	PADV

Ø      Meeting called to order at 2:00 pm

Ø      Welcome by Jennifer Hope and Introductions

Ø      Updates

o       Thank you to the Alpharetta Junior Women’s Club for their financial donation made to the taskforce. AJWC has also agreed to partner with the taskforce in putting together sexual assault kits for sexual assault victims.

o       Roll Call trainings are still on a roll! TJ Alvarado and Sabrina Toney talked about their experiences in conducting the recent police trainings with the city precincts. They are going well.

o       It’s Hero Award Time! Nomination Forms for Hero Awards will be sent out late August/Early September. Selected Hero will be honored at the October Taskforce Meeting.

o       We are still in need of items to Raffle off during October’s Hero Awards Celebration scheduled for Oct 21, 2011 @ 2 pm. Taskforce members are in the process of securing a television as on raffle item. Raffle tickets will be sold by interested taskforce members for $5.00.

o       Jennifer H. discussed the 2011 Georgia Family Violence Taskforce of the Year Nominations and distributed forms to present members for completion. Forms are due no later than August 1^st.

Ø      Committee Updates

o       Community Response: As reported the committee continues to conduct roll call training. Committee reports that they are still waiting on additional dates for the city precincts.

o       Communications: Committee reports that the elder abuse show that was filmed earlier this year is still airing. Committee reports that the upcoming show will focus on sex offenders and will feature Jeremy Brown from the Sheriff s Dept.

o       Fatality Review Team will be partnering with the AJWC to put together sexual assault kits.

Ø       Guest Speaker: Stan Hall from DA Office spoke to the group about Human Trafficking in Gwinnett County.

Ø      Next  Sub-Committee Meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2011

Ø      Next General Meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2011

Attendees:

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. Treasurer, Lynda Waggoner reported that there are four registrants who have signed up for the training and paid through the web site.  Jennifer Hope announced that she has spoken to several people who will register and pay at the door. Jennifer Hope will send out an additional reminder email and suggested it would be helpful to pass out more flyers this week at various police precincts.  Several members volunteered to distribute the flyers.

A fundraiser will be held on June 18 at the California Pizza Kitchen at The Forum at Peachtree in Norcross. Participants will be able to help raise funds by dining in, taking out food, or ordering catering services by presenting the flyer. California Pizza Kitchen will donate 20% of the proceeds to our organization.

The Alpharetta Junior Women’s Club is sponsoring a Memorial Day Race. The task force will set up a table at the event. Jennifer and Melanie will represent us at the event.

Megan Knapp from the Solicitor’s Office announced that the domestic violence palm resource cards are at the printer and will be available early next week.

The task force is seeking nominees for the annual Hero Awards. The Heroes will be honored during domestic violence awareness month in October at the general task force meeting . The event will be held at the regular meeting time at 2:00 p.m. in the atrium area of the Lawrenceville court house. A raffle will also be held to raise funds for the task force. We are still in need of a donation for the grand prize.

Sgt. Tracy Lee announced that he is being transferred back to the Family Violence Unit of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department.  Sgt. Lee also announced that the last episode of The Gwinnett Force was taped two weeks ago with air date pending. The topic was elder abuse. Sgt. Lee will meet with reporters from the Gwinnett Daily Post next week to promote the show and to increase public awareness about elder abuse issues.

Stan Hall from the District Attorney’s office will speak to the task force at our July meeting. The subject will be on the topic of human trafficking.

The next subcommittee meeting is June 17.

The next general task force meeting is July 15.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Attendees:  

Ø      Meeting called to order at 2:05 pm

Ø      Welcome and Introductions

Ø      Updates:

o        The palms cards have been developed and are on their way to the printer.  Megan Knapp from Solicitors office provided information on the content of the palm card and expects to have printed copies ready for distribution in approximately 3 weeks.  Palm cards will be provided to law enforcement so that officers with have pocket resources to give out on domestic violence calls.

o        Sgt.  Tracy Lee presented the taskforce with a gift card from Wal-Mart for the upcoming raffle. Sgt. Lee was able to obtain the gift card through his solicitation efforts. Other raffle items include American Express Gift Cards, Self Defense Classes, and Salon Package. Taskforce members are still looking for items to be included in the raffle. If you have items or contacts please reach out to a member of the executive committee.

o        2010 Fatality Review booklet has been released and the Gwinnett Family Violence Taskforce was highlighted for the implementation of roll call trainings.

o        Members of the taskforce discussed and revised the program outline for the upcoming domestic violence training for Law Enforcement that will be held on June 2, 2011 at the Gwinnett Sheriff’s Department. Jennifer H. will be working on securing food donations.

Ø      Committee Updates:

o        Community Response Committee: Committee reports that they are still working to secure contacts for city precincts to being the roll call training in each city. Jennifer Presley offered to assist in obtaining a contact in Suwanee and provided us with information on the differences in the schedules for city officers and county officers. Jeanette S. and Jennifer H. also discussed going back to the county precincts that have already been trained to do refresher training and provide them with the new palm cards.

o        Communications: Committee reports upcoming topics for shows which include surviving domestic violence, and elder abuse. Sgt. Tracy Lee is currently looking for survivors to share their experience on the show.  Committee also reports that they are still working on editing the PSA and hope to have it finalized for the Hero Awards in September.

o        Fatality Review: No report other than the release of the 2010 Fatality Review Booklet.

Ø      Announcements:

o        Sabrina provided information on Gwinnett Coalition Non-Profit Minute, an opportunity for local non profit agencies to be highlighted on Gwinnett TV. Information provided to Jennifer H.

o        PADV is preparing for their annual When Domestic Violence goes to work conference on April 28, 2011 at the UPS World Headquarters (Atlanta Georgia). Please visit www.padv.org for registration information.

o        KSU Taskforce on Interpersonal Violence and Verizon Wireless will be hosting a Telling Amy’s Story Screening Project at KSU on March 23, 2011 from 6:45pm-8:45pm.  Telling Amy’s Story is a documentary based on true story about a domestic violence homicide.

Ø      Other Discussions:

o        Jennifer H. presented an opportunity to help an individual obtain community service hours. The individual will primarily serve as a intern with the taskforce; learning more about the taskforce and supporting the taskforce by assisting with resource and other assigned task. Supervision of hours will be provided by Jennifer H.  Present Taskforce Members had no objects to the proposal.

o        Taskforce members discussed TPO and Compliance and ways to get a compliance officer in Gwinnett.

o        Meeting adjourned at 3:15 pm.

Attendees: 

Name	Agency
Jennifer Hope	Atlanta Family Counseling
Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
David Tillis	Medlock Bridge Counseling Center
Tracy Lee	Sheriff’s Department
Jeremy Brown	Sheriff’s Department
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Amita Rao	RAKSHA, Inc.
Sabrina Davis	Partnership Against Domestic Violence
Megan Knapp	Solicitors Office
David Clark	Atlanta Intervention
Michele Holstad	Atlanta Family Counseling
Claire Horner	Covenant Counseling Center
Jennifer Presley	Suwanee PD
Julie Mauney	Community Rep.
Linda Newton	Lilburn Woman’s Club
Frances D. Smith	Partnership Against Domestic Violence
Jeanette Soto	Partnership Against Domestic Violence

Ø      The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm.

Ø      Welcome and Introductions

Ø      Approval of Meeting Minutes from Nov/Dec Meetings

Ø      Thanks to Jeremy Brown (GCSO), the taskforce will be holding a one day training (9-5) for Law Enforcement on June 2^nd   at the Gwinnett Sheriffs Office/Detention Center. This event will not only be an education piece on family violence for Law Enforcement but also a fundraiser for the taskforce. Taskforce members discussed cost for training and decided on 25.00 and Lynda W. will look into different payment options for the officers. Jeremy B will also look into ways POST credits can be offered for the training. Taskforce members are looking for ideas of presentations that should be included during the training as well as people who are interested in helping out with the planning and coordination of the training. Instead of developing a new committee the planning for the event will be place under the fatality review team. If you are interested in joining our efforts please contact Jennifer Hope or Julie Mauney.

Ø      A date has been set for the next HERO Awards!!! The award ceremony will be held during the regularly scheduled October taskforce meeting (Oct 21, 2011 2:00pm-3:00pm). Mike Leonard will be working to secure the atrium (GJAC) for the event. Nominations for the award will be accepted until August and voting will take place during September meeting.  The HERO award is awarded to a individual or agency that is providing outstanding service in the community. We will also raffle off the following items during this event:

·         Sgt. Tracy Lee       TV set from local retailer to be determined.

 Tracy provided an update on the TV donation. Tracy reached out to Wal-Mart (Lawrenceville) and is waiting on a confirmation on whether or not they will be making a donation.                                               

·         Major Hulsey        Jewelry items to be determined.

·         Jennifer Hope        Two $50 gift cards from Carol Cox, Mall of Georgia.

·         TJ Alvarado          Self-defense classes, Blaze 4 Life.

·         Lynda Waggoner  Products and services from Anazao Salon.

Tickets will be sold for 5.00. We are also looking for donation of other items for the raffle. Ideas discussed: Gwinnett Braves, Thrashers, Gladiator tickets.  Please contact Jennifer H. for more information or would like to donate.

Ø      Members discussed ways to increase membership. Some suggestions were to draft a letter and send it out to different agencies that are not currently involved with the taskforce. Sabrina will work on this initiative.

Ø      Community Updates:

o       Community Response: No updates on the pocket card, Megan Knapp from Solicitors states that it is still a work in progress. The committee has been charged with creating a schedule for the upcoming city police roll call trainings. The committee chairs are still working to secure future dates for the roll call trainings. The committee is also asking for additional volunteers to help with the upcoming training. Contact Jeanette Soto for more information on how you can become involved.

o       Communications: The committee reports that they are still working on the edits for the PSA.  Once completed the committee plans to link the PSA to the website as well as post on Facebook and Youtube.  Tracy Lee reports that the Gwinnett Force Show is now available for viewing on U-Verse. The next planned taping of the show is scheduled for either late February or March. Tracy states that the show will focus on survivors of domestic violence. He is currently looking for DV survivors to participate on the show.

o       Fatality Review: Lynda W. reports that she is stepping down as the Co-Chair of the Fatality Review team. Lynda has played a pivotal role in reviewing cases for the team. Thanks Lynda for all your hardwork!!!!! The team is now looking for someone to fill the position of Co-Chair of the taskforce. Please contact Julie Mauney if interested.  Jennifer H. reports that the Commission is working on completing the edits for the 2011 Fatality Review book.  She also reports that she had the pleasure of writing an article for the Fatality review book and that the Gwinnett taskforce will be featured in the book for our implementation of roll call trainings and development of resource pocket cards. Great job team!!!!!

Ø      Other Announcements

o       David Clark of Atlanta Intervention announced an upcoming training on Motivational Interviewing. Please contact David Clark for more information on date and location.

o       Sabrina Davis of PADV announced Teen Dating Violence Conference that will be held on February 19 at Georgia Tech. More information will be emailed out.

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:15

Ø      Next Sub-Committee Meeting is February 18, 2011

Ø      Next General Meeting is March 18, 2011