At the Jan. 17 Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting, Melissa Fausey, with Penn State EPISCenter, attended to discuss next steps for the coalition checkup.

The coalition checkup project provided a feedback report for CTC members to identify potential focus areas to help the coalition grow. During the past couple of years, coalition members worked on developing vision and mission statements and community outreach and awareness.

Fausey shared the feedback summary of the survey coalition members took toward the end of last year. This feedback summary outlined areas of growth and strength as reported by the CTC members. The next step of the process was for the coalition to decide on its next focus area.

Some potential focus areas included new member retention, community awareness and support, shared understanding, committee meetings, cooperation with different organizations and coalition support of programming.

It was noted the member rate has remained pretty steady. The question of who else should be around the table was asked. Denise Continenza, Penn State Extension educator and CTC coordinator, suggested having students from Catasauqua Middle School and Catasauqua High School attend to help provide insight into the mindset of the students.

The coalition reported having a solid support from the community for the prevention efforts of the CTC. Additionally, extending the community’s knowledge of the coalition’s work was a previous focus area for the group. School support remains high for the coalition.

Regarding shared understanding, Continenza mentioned it could be beneficial to have programs discussed at the CTC meetings prior to implementation. This would allow for the coalition to explore if the programs are evidence based, if they have future funding plans and other concerns. Continenza noted programs are usually announced to the group, instead of discussed.

The coalition has not held committee meetings and usually just meets as a larger group. Busy schedules do not often allow for extra meetings, but it was noted committee meetings could be held during a portion of the regular monthly meetings.

In regards to cooperation with different organizations, it was asked if information, resources, personnel or other cooperation is shared with outside organizations.

It was also questioned what support the coalition could offer regarding the programming offered in the district.

Coalition members voted to focus on increasing shared understanding to ensure everyone is on the same page. This will include understanding all the programs offered in the district and sharing that information with the community.

Presentations can be given during meetings on a different program each month, so the coalition members would have an increased understanding of all the programs offered.

It was mentioned a one-page summary could be made for each program as a quick and easy reference. The possibility of creating description videos was also noted. These videos and summaries could be shared on the district and CTC websites.

It was agreed this area was a good one to focus on since it shares some overlap with other areas.

In other business, it was noted the CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools) program still has a low number of referrals. Donna Tercha, district nurse, said she will help connect with the Student Assistance Program organizer. Tara Roseman, CHS counselor, also said she’d mention the CBITS program at the SAP meeting. According to Roseman, the SAP referral numbers are also low.

Continenza reported the Thrive program is a virtual, online option for helping parents. The parent education program includes eight modules parents or guardians can complete at their own pace.

Amy Dymond-Jones, CMS counselor and CTC coordinator, questioned the status of winter coats the Catasauqua Community Cares Program was waiting for from Whitehall Area Rotary Club. Continenza reported the Rotary Club ordered 84 male coats to be split between Catasauqua Area School District and Whitehall-Coplay School District. It had been noted more coats were needed for male youths in the district.

Dymond-Jones also reported C3P gave away 177 coats so far this year, according to a report sent by C3P organizer Lois Reed.

The next Catasauqua CTC meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. March 21 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.