Quick recap

The meeting began with introductions and website login instructions for ASAP's programming team, followed by discussions about Senate Bill 12 compliance and its impact on youth prevention services across school districts. Participants shared challenges around meeting program measures, staffing issues, and the effectiveness of community partnerships, while exploring strategies to address compensation and funding concerns. The group reviewed resources and guidance materials for SB12 implementation, including a social worker guidebook, and confirmed the next meeting would take place the following month.

Next steps

• Lakeysha: Share the SB12 guidebook for social workers and FAQ with the group (already sent during meeting, but Noelle to distribute via email to the group as well).

• Noelle: Follow up with HHSC regarding expectations for meeting program numbers given SB12 implementation challenges and potential for reduced numbers or grace period; report back to the group.

• Noelle: Consult with HHSC about creative ways to meet program measures and share findings/strategies with the group.

• Noelle: Offer to connect interested members with Heather from Nexus and Vaughn for fundraising and creative salary supplementation strategies.

• Noelle: Email out the SB12 guidance for social workers and Q&A fact sheet to the group after the meeting.

• Noelle: Bring up the issue of salary alignment and nonprofit staff retention challenges (especially in relation to university contract salaries) in future meetings and with relevant stakeholders.

  
  

Summary

ASAP Programming and SB12 Implementation

Noelle introduced Anna, who will be assisting with programming at ASAP, and discussed the implementation of SB12 prevention regulations. She encouraged attendees to create their usernames and logins for ASAP's website, using their work email for verification. Noelle also asked for feedback on the implementation of SB12 regulations ahead of January's deadline, but no specific concerns or questions were raised during the meeting.

SB 12 Compliance and Youth Services

The group discussed concerns about Senate Bill 12 compliance and its impact on youth prevention services, particularly in larger school districts like Houston. Terrence Frazier, YP Program Director from Civic Heart Community Services and Region 6, raised questions about TEA's guidance and its effect on service delivery. Julie shared that her organization maintained steady presentation numbers but increased communication with school staff about SB 12 requirements. Lakeysha offered to share an SB 12 guidebook for social workers, and the group discussed the upcoming Rider 57 hearing on December 19th. Cindy expressed concerns about meeting program measures given the challenges of reaching distant schools and the impact of SB 12 compliance on youth prevention numbers.

Challenges in School-Community Partnerships

Noelle discussed challenges with meeting state-mandated numbers, particularly as schools are seeing a drop-off due to SB12, and explored the possibility of partnering with community organizations. However, participants shared that community partnerships have been inconsistent and not as effective as school-based programs. Cindy highlighted staffing challenges, noting that two key employees left for higher-paying positions at Texas A&M's TOPS program funded by federal opioid abatement money, which was not aligned with state funding for nonprofits.

Nonprofit Compensation and Fundraising Strategies

Noelle discussed common challenges nonprofits face regarding compensation and shared strategies to address them, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive work environment and leveraging connections to the organization's mission. She highlighted resources available for fundraising, including connecting members with experts like Heather from Nexus and Vaughn, and encouraged exploring various funding sources, including grants and individual donations. Lakeisha provided attachments, including SB12 guidance for social workers, which Noelle shared via Google Drive and promised to email to the group. Noelle expressed gratitude for the participants' input and confirmed the next meeting would be held the following month.