Belmont Wellness Coalition (BWC)
Meeting Minutes (Virtual)
Monday: Dec. 2, 2024 at 12:30
- Welcome [Introductions, Check-Ins]
Lisa Gibalerio (BWC Program Director), Danielle Topaz (BWC Program Assistant), Wendy Conroy (BWC Chair), Police Chief Jamie MacIsaac, Michael Crowley (parent, BMC), Sara McPhee Lafkas (parent, social worker/faculty), Beth Rumley (Head of Nursing, BPS), Lucia Sullivan (Assistant Superintendent), Portia Thompson (parent, Belmont Religious Council), Kim
- A Check-In with Police Chief MacIsaac
- Youth Issues/Concerns?
Chief MacIsaac provided an overview of the kinds of things the Department is seeing across town with regard to youth.
- 911 Calls
- Social Work Intern Concept (Sara Lafkas)
- Hours, supervision, etc.
Sara noted that she met with Assistant Superintendent Lucia Sullivan to explore the possibility of having MSW graduate students provide counseling to students at BHS. She noted that …
- Student Mental Health Advocate (SMHA) Updates (Dani)
Dani provided an update on her work with the BHS student group - SMHA.
- Meetings - There have been two meetings this fall and two more are scheduled for December. We had 5 teens at our last meeting.
- Focus areas - The students would like to focus on Stress and Relationships. We pick the topic of the next meeting beforehand. We want to create a space where teens can talk freely about their stressors and wonders.
- Upcoming Goals - We are doing a reband in January. A large social media push and advertising to 5 different clubs. We have gotten mixed feedback about times for meetings so we are working on creating a steady meeting date and time. We are looking to find a more secluded place to have meetings (other than the cafeteria area).
- BWC Updates - Brief Summary of Fall work. Lisa provided an overview of initiatives that BWC has been engaged in this fall.
- Romeo and Juliet cast workshop on mental health
- Twice Monthly BWC Videos - posted on our website and online
- Monthly Belmont Voice Column (Ask Lisa) - last Friday of the month
- Meeting with Morgan’s Message youth and BHS Athletic Director - the goal is to provide mental health training to the athletic coaches
- BWC Representation at School Dept’s Wellness Committee - the Wellness Committee is focusing on nutrition/food service and physical fitness - but Lisa and Kim are on standby in the event that the focus becomes more comprehensive.
- Upcoming:
- 2025 YRBS (April) Lisa in touch with JSI
- Parent Group meets next on Wed., Dec. 18 at 7:00 PM (Topic is Sexual Assault)
- Future Workshop Topics -
- Other Items?
- Wendy: Results of survey on how to meet: Zoom, switch to in-person, or alternate
Wendy noted that she received X responses and that staying remote seemed to be preferred.
- Upcoming BWC meetings, please mark your calendars:
- Mon., Feb. 3 at 12:30 over zoom
- Mon., Apr. 7 at 12:30 over zoom
- Mon., June 2 at 12:30 over zoom