SENATE VETS SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND SENIORS, ADDRESSES CHALLENGES IN DATA COLLECTION AND PROGRAM FUNDING
ST. CROIX – The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks, led by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Representatives from Lutheran Social Services and the Virgin Islands (LSSVI) and the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) shared an update on operations and services provided to youth and seniors in the community. Additionally, officials from the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development shared recommendations for Kids Count while the Paradise48 Film Festival programs delved into an in-depth view of their services.
Senator Bolques expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the testifiers for their diligent efforts in the operation and maintenance of pertinent services for seniors and children. He underscored the significance of maintaining a positive attitude and collaborating to identify solutions, despite the substantial amount of work that lies ahead.
As a result of the Family First Prevention Services Act, the Queen Louise Home for minors no longer provides extended housing for minors under the age of 12. Alternatively, Junia John-Straker, CEO of Lutheran Services Social Services of the Virgin Islands, asserts that LSSVI, in collaboration with the DHS, facilitates emergency placements for children, ensuring that they are placed in households. Sister Emma Cottage, a 24-hour residential care facility for children, and the Early Head Start Program, which offers developmental services in education and health, are among the additional juvenile services. In the Head Start program, there are 794 students enrolled, according to DHS Assistant Commissioner Denelle Baptiste. Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., inquired as to whether the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is encouraging parents to participate in their children’s education. Baptiste responded by emphasizing that Head Start is a program that actively engages parents and is designed to improve kids’ school preparedness. DHS and the Department of Education organize an annual conference during which they distribute relevant documents to parents.
Senator Bolques pursued a series of inquiries regarding the recruitment and provision of staff trainings for St. John residents who are special needs students and require speech therapy, among other services. DHS Assistant Commissioner Carla Benjamin responded by stating that the department collaborates with the Department of Education (DOE) and private providers who possess specialized skills to provide support to students with special needs. Senator Bolques subsequently inquired about the obstacles that the LSSVI was encountering. John-Straker noted that fiscal challenges are precipitated by the ongoing maintenance of senior facilities, increased living expenses, and insurance premiums. LSSVI offers various services to seniors, such as affordable accommodations for low-income seniors, adult assisted living group homes, and adults with disabilities.
Deana James, President/CEO of the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, highlighted the status of KIDS COUNT and emphasized the significant obstacle posed by the lack of standardization in data collection, a challenge that frustrates many government organizations involved in the collaboration. Moreover, local data systems face numerous challenges, including limited funds for technology and human resources, unstable power grids, lack of access to high-speed internet, and reliance on paper-based records. Another significant challenge is the lack of personnel and training for data collection and analysis in both public and civic sectors.
Lastly, Laurika Jude, the founder of the Paradise48 Film Festival programs, identifies the necessity of securing consistent and sustainable funding as one of the most significant obstacles. She clarified that the funds are allocated to educational initiatives, marketing, operations, prize money, and participant resources. Senator Marvin Blyden advised that the organization file for grant funding and become a nonprofit organization. Jude remarked that one of the long-term objectives is to transition to non-profit status. In addition, there are plans to expand the festival, fortify international relationships, and implement a year-round program. Paradise48 has previously obtained funding through corporate sponsorships, government grants, submission fees, and ticket sales.
Senators present at the committee meeting are Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Samuel Carrion, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Franklin D. Johnson, and Milton E. Potter.
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