The Catasauqua Communities That Care coalition identified a new priority during the May 18 meeting.

Meghan Lynn Blevins, from Penn State EPISCenter, returned to help the group take the next step as part of the coalition checkup. EPIS stands for Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support.

During the March 18 meeting, the group had discussed its areas of strength and weakness, as identified by the 148-page feedback report. This laid the groundwork for the next step - action planning.

Blevins shared the previously identified strengths and weaknesses and asked the group to choose one to focus on. Choosing only one priority allows the group to really focus on results and helps ensure efficiency.

After discussing for a few minutes, it was agreed the group should work on creating a developed mission and communication plan. Conversations revolved around this priority as well as community awareness and support.

It was noted developing a communication plan can create a strong foundation to better help build community awareness.

“It makes sense we’re at that stage,” Denise Continenza, a Penn State Extension educator and one of the group’s coordinators, said.

She noted the coalition had an unconventional start since it was a separate committee that morphed into a CTC coalition. Continenza mentioned the group changed structures quickly and could benefit from strengthening some of the foundational aspects such as more developed mission and vision statements.

Blevins will share formalized procedures with the group to help members formulate a mission and communication plan.

In other business, Lois Reed, the CASD business supervisor and organizer of the Catasauqua Community Cares Program, reported the C3P group received a $1,500 donation from Hanover Township and a $2,925 donation from Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union.

These funds will help sustain C3P and assist in feeding the students who need extra assistance.

Reed reported Joann Heffner, a Life Skills instructional aide at Catasauqua Middle School, noted there was a need for a separate food pantry at Catasauqua High School. It was reported those students are often underserved when it comes to the C3P efforts. The new Roughie Pantry will also include personal care products like shampoo and body wash options for the students.

The C3P pantry out of CMS will continue to serve the middle and elementary school students.

Reed also reported the district is planning food distributions over the summer. It was noted families often do not utilize these distributions, so Reed noted she wants to identify what barriers exist, such as transportation, etc.

Amy Dymond-Jones, CMS counselor and CTC coordinator, and Shelley Keffer, coordinator of student services, reported the district is looking into getting a universal screener for mental health to check on the emotional well-being of students. This will help identify students who need assistance and will help them better support the students.

It was reported behavioral problems are easier to identify, but a universal screener would give a glimpse into the mental health side of things.

“It allows us to be proactive and to reach the students before they are in crisis,” Dymond-Jones said.

It was also reported other mental health programs are being planned to assist and educate the students in the district.

The Catasauqua CTC next meets 2:30 p.m. June 15.