Joseph's Project Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes November 11, 2008

Attendees

• Mike Hakkarainen

• Steve Johnson

• Colleen Adams

• Karl Hakkarainen

• Lynn Hakkarainen

• Rich Deneault

• Sheila Diggins

• Meg Butman

Report on Halloween Fund-Raiser

The October 24 Halloween party raised $2250.

Action Items:

• Karl – Post Halloween pictures on Project web site

• Colleen – Send a public thank-you letter to Holden Landmark with acknowledgements to workers and donors.

Discussions

1. Mike received an offer of a set of bunk beds. Board members will report back if they learn of any families need such.

2. Colleen reported on plans for Thanksgiving baskets and the St. Mary's Giving Tree. The baskets will be available on November 24. St. Mary's needs the names of children (first names and gender) for the Giving Tree; gifts will be available on December 14 after the 11:30 Mass.

3. Sheila provided information regarding additional resources that the Project members can make available to families in need. Resources include information about applying for food stamps and fuel assistance and the WIC and Toys for Tots programs. Printed copies of the resource information will be included in the food deliveries. The resource information is available in the Resources section of the Project web site.
   Action item: Karl to post resource list on web site.

4. Board members may assist with shopping by making purchases and submitting receipts for reimbursement.

5. The Board reviewed a draft of a solicitation letter. Each Board member will send letters to family, friends, or other contacts.
   Action item: Colleen will arrange for letterhead stationery and envelopes for mailings. Update 11/13: the Board agreed via email discussion to authorize Colleen to purchase 500 sheets and envelopes for $180.
   Action item: Karl will distribute the letter in a Microsoft Word template file that each Board member can personalize prior to mailing.

6. The Board discussed options to provide non-food assistance such as grocery store gift cards, gas cards, and fuel assistance. The Board agreed that the Project's primary mission is food delivery, but that the Project may offer limited assistance in other areas on a case-by-case basis. See also discussion regarding additional resources for fuel assistance and related topics.

7. Colleen will arrange a meeting with Grace Riley at St. Mary's to make preparations to request additional cash and food donations from the parish. Update 11/13: the meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 after the 10:30 Mass. All Board members are welcome to attend.

Motions

The Board authorized the President or Treasurer to spend up to $200 without prior Board approval. Expenditures will be reviewed at the subsequent Board meeting.

Next Meeting

December 8, 2008 at 53 Raymond Street.