Commissioners, Almultairi and Abreu seemed interested and offered their help as resources and/or participants in the activities with the subcommittee regarding immigration. Commissioner Abreu stated that often it takes going to the doors of some populations to get them to either participate in activities or take advantage of services.

Chair summed up the similarities of the two groups. Despite the fact that Human Services Needs Advisory Commission doesn't implement programs, they like the Human Rights Commission, focus on the fundamental rights of consumers/citizens regarding health and home environments that are safe and affordable.

As the discussion continued, there were questions asked about employment services and group homes. Mr. Goodwin stated that the Commission is looking at two employment services that are being provided. One employment service being explored is the One-Stop Shopping Career Centers with regard to funding and access.

Another question that was asked of Mr. Goodwin was that of the quality of group homes in Rockville. Specifically, the question posed was related to the City's system for monitoring group homes. There wasn't an answer at the time, but the question was taken under advisement for future discussion with the Human Needs Advisory Commission.

At the close of Mr. Goodwin's discussion, it was agreed that both Commissions should work closely especially when it comes to exchanging information. Staff will be able to obtain census data from coworker so that the Commission can become aware of the population breakdown. Both chairs agreed to keep in touch with each other to make sure that they knew what was taking place with each other's Commission.
   
IV. Chair Report:

Chair welcomed the two new Commissioners, Andreas Vassilas and Jeff Rosen. He then began to discuss the interest that had been sparked regarding the Commission. An example of such interest came from Nancy Taubman, instructor at Rockville High School, that requested the HRC utilize/incorporate Rockville High Students into their programs. Chair suggested that all HRC Members should think of ways that these students could be of assistance.

Chair continued his report with a discussion of outreach activities done by the Commission.  Commissioner, Onley made a presentation to the members of the Twinbrook Community Association. He stated that the group found her presentation very informative and took the materials that she had on hand. Another outreach effort that was highlighted was the participation of the Chair, Commissioners Thomson and Etleson, and staff in the Community Networking Series sponsored by the City of Rockville's Neighborhood Resources Division. The group spoke to attendees about the process of mediation and did a role-play that added to their knowledge. The audience, who came to the information session, seemed to feel confident that they would be able to share the information with their neighbors and community groups.

V. Staff Report:

Staff handed out the case report. The mediations that were most requested were neighbor to neighbor during the past month.  
      
VI. Commissioner and Committee Reports:

A) MLK Subcommittee:
Chair stated that he has obtained a Rabbi to do the Benediction for the Ceremony. He will be working with Commissioner Almutairi to get a Cleric. Staff stated that she was still searching for a Latina Minister to do the Invocation. It was suggested that if she couldn't find a Latina Minister that the choice should still be a female.

B) Citizens' Police Academy and Misc. Outreach:
Commissioner Etelson will be speaking to Fallsmead Homeowners Association on October 30th about mediation and available local social services. Commissioner Love volunteered to assist Commissioner Etelson in this outreach effort.

In January, Commissioner Etelson and Commissioner Krishna will be teaching a class in mediation.

C) Latino Outreach:
Commissioner Abreu is still awaiting the date to attend the CHARLAS Meeting. She is currently focusing on the Latino population in the Lincoln Park area and Twinbrook. She will be attending a mass at a local church in Twinbrook soon.

D) Mediation Subcommittee:
Meeting for the Community Mediation Subcommittee will take place for November 18 at 7:00 p.m. (Subsequent to the meeting, it was learned that the person that was to provide information to the group to get it started might not be able to be physically present for the meeting). Plans are being made to have the meeting on that date and then to engage consultant when possible. It was discussed who would lead the meeting each time that the subcommittee met. Commissioner Abreau was selected for this task. Staff will contact the Community Mediation Mediators (volunteers) to invite them to participate in this meeting.

E) Commissioner Initiatives:
Commissioner Love updated the Commission on the advertisement that was taking place to spread the word about the Home Buying Information Session. Methods used were word of mouth, flyer distribution, newspaper, the web, and the bulletin board through the Cable Department. The Cable Department will be taping the program for those unable to attend the seminar. The Washington Post and Gazette were contacted and asked to run an article. 

VII. Open Forum:

Commissioner Vassilas volunteered to bring snacks to the meetings Staff will supply the beverages.

Commissioner Abreu asked if there might be a way to obtain some statistics regarding the mediation recipients. Staff will be providing the basic statistics to Commissioner Abreu about the types of mediations that have occurred over the year.

VIII. Old Business

There was no new business.

IX. New Business

There was no new business.