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Home My WebLink About2023-11-28 Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Minutes ACREIHR Advisory Committee of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Minutes for the Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Meeting 6:OOp � Council Chambers Members Present: Chair Liana Fellis, Vice Chair Katie Brydon, Member Theron Letterlough, Member Andre Chasse, Student Rep. Rebecca Jones Members not present: Member Julie Davis, Member Gabrielle Wiley, Member Melissa Bulcholz City of Bangor staff and guests present: City Manager, Debbie Laurie; Pam Proulx-Curry, Exec. Director of the Maine Multicultural Center; Jason Canniff, newly appointed ACREIHR member to start in January 2024 Call to Order Call to order at 6:OOpm Introduction of advisory board members and city members Approval of Minutes • Approval of October meeting minutes. • Need to review and approve September 2023 notes Education: Maine Multicultural Center Updates from Executive Director, Pam Proulx-Curry • Created to address decline in work force in 2016 under the guidance of Sean Faircloth • License as non-profit in 2017 • All volunteer run org. until 2023; Pam Proulx-Curry was hired as Executive Director Evolved from being work force focused to being a space to welcome new migrant families. Goals: to be established as a refugee welcoming center • Paused after 2020 election when immigration was halted • Moved to focus on education and virtual expansion during pandemic • In 2019, WIN (welcoming immigrant neighbors) established to support asylum seekers 2021: Bangor is officially named a refugee settlement city • Catholic Charities opened Brewer office during this year • Allotted 50 slots for families to resettle in October 2022 o First resettled families in February 2023 • Refugees arrive with green card and work certifications; have six months to return payment to the United States government • Resources provided through adult ed.; UM, Augusta intensive language programs; grants provided through Catholic Charities • October 2023—September 2024: 100 new slots allocated for families to resettle to Bangor Opportunities for families • Catholic Charities sets up families with TANF and federal assistance • Screenings provided by PCHC for healthcare • MCC connects them with resources and trainings, language support, etc. • Volunteers assigned to families to support o Accompaniment model: family determines what they need and volunteers fill in where asked o Accompaniment companion require background check, orientation, etc. to ensure all vols. connected with families are vetted and understand confidentiality 1 Advisory Committee of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Minutes for the Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Meeting 6:OOp � Council Chambers • Families aren't required to stay in Bangor, but resources, support, and payment are provided only if they stay in the area • Families will continue to resettle as long as Catholic Charities and community can support the numbers Support for MCC: ways committee members can help • Develop and support policy and procedures that encourage and support immigrant families • Be advocates for the programs in MCC Office for New Americans established by the Governor • Developed to be a part of the Governor's office; chairs will make a recommendation on permanency • Chaired by individuals who are currently traveling the area to ask questions, meet with community leaders, and resettled immigrants to ask questions and make recommendations to the legislators Working Group Assignments • Education and Engagement subcommittee has been tasked to work on giving updates, finding events, and giving updates re: MLK Day • Review of subcommittee updates for new members and goals for 2023 • Chair Fellis and Vice Chair Brydon will review city meetings for culturally significant holidays to ensure no overlap/conflicts City Manager Update Equity Index: moved to December, possibly move to January to include more members Present the draft of the Annual Report to the Council Operations Committee on Wednesday, January 17 Facility committee to review the Dorthea Dix Psychiatric Center • 99 acre facility owned by the state • At least 2 will need to be removed, pending historic memorialization • Stakeholders include state agencies, healthcare facilities, and Bangor City staff Housing needs • 30 individuals who are in need of housing; working meeting to determine the number of individuals who will need housing immediately re: winter/cold • PCHC looking to determine/establish new partner to take over the operations of the low barrier shelters • Will include information on housing (resources, supports, etc.) in our onboarding packet and expect members to share on a regular basis with their communities New Business Next meeting: December 28 Change in location: will be held at 262 Harlow St at Penquis Meeting adjourned at 7:04; moved by Vice Chair Brydon, seconded by Member Porter. 2