Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Today Johnson County said goodbye to seven case managers, because they were layed off from Managed Care changes. Johnson County Mental Health/Disability Services went from 31staff members to 11 now with all the other work outsourced by Kim Reynolds to an out of state for profit company.

People with MHDS and families are paying for this mismanagement of important services. The lack of a local case manager and a for profit company looking for profits is making an already challenging situation much worse for the most vulnerable amongst us.

The Johnson County staff has handled this uncertainty and life changing new jobs/layoffs with grace and good humor. They have not once stopped caring about their clients and the needs of these folks and their families. 

This is an example of how elections matter. A single election of Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds made this happen. That means a single election of removing Reynolds from the Governor's office can reverse this mess of unmanaged care.

#electionsmatter

The staff brought in a cake today that simply said "It Sucks." I found this sign hanging on a door ar MHDS
and post it to show you their humor.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Affordable Housing


Robin and I attended the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition Winter Mixer tonight at Big Grove Taproom. Please note it was the winter mixer. Robin was on a bicycle and I was on the Harley. The doors were open and we stayed and had dinner on the outside patio.

I've been attending affordable housing events in Johnson County since 1992 when I worked for the Congressional office. Robin has worked at the Iowa City Housing Authority for over 17 years.  The need for affordable housing for everyone is something we are passionate about.

I am proud to have helped advance the discussion about affordable housing within the County, area cities and communities. In the past few years, the County has stepped up with significant funding for affordable housing to about $1.9 million. I have led in increasing that funding.



I hope people will learn more about the Affordable Housing Coalition and attend their events and educational forums. We couldn't have asked for a better night for a "winter" mixer.

https://www.facebook.com/jcaffordablehousing/

Friday, February 23, 2018

JC Aging Specialist


Johnson County has hired our first ever Aging Specialist. Jeff Kellbach is the Johnson County Aging Specialist. With a growing population of people that want to age in place, be part of livable communities, engage and stay active, it has become clear the individuals and their families need information and referrals to assist them. This is just another step in our award winning Livable Community initiative. In his new role, Jeff will provide outreach, information, education and referral services to older adults, family members, service providers and organizations, and caregivers.

More info at https://t.co/YJ3tiia30W. https://t.co/xNQ8uROxFf

Thursday, February 22, 2018

DVIP Souper Bowl

We attended the Domestic Violence Intervention Program Souper Bowl fundraiser tonight. In addition to a great cause, lots of cool soups and fun people, DVIP Souper Bowl has an added benefit of the music of the soulful Kevin BF Burt.

We have attended this fundraiser many times, but the first time I made a rookie mistake of trying a small bit of a number of soups. They all mixed in my stomach and I got a bit ill. So tonight, I settled on just two soups. Thanks to all the great restaurants that donate these wonderful soups.

Unfortunately, DVIP's services are needed now more than ever. Domestic Violence has not decreased and with modern technology the ability to stalk and find victims is easier than ever. With the State mandated regionalization of services and decreased funding, DVIP needs our support now more than ever. Please help DVIP if you are able.

https://dvipiowa.org/



Wednesday, February 21, 2018

County to offer youth development grants to nonprofits

County Block Grants for youth development have been very important in helping youth develop and avoid instances with the criminal justice system. I have been supportive of increasing this funding from $200,000 that it was for many years to the proposed $300,000 for this coming fiscal year. The needs for youth development programming keep growing each and every year.

Immediate Release

County to offer youth development grants to nonprofits

Johnson County, Iowa – The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications for youth development programming for the FY19 – FY21 grant cycle.

Up to $300,000 will be awarded to non- profit organizations providing evidence-based and trauma-informed youth development and delinquency prevention services to Johnson County youth 10 to 18 years of age. Successful bidders will receive an annual contract with the option of two additional renewals, contingent on the availability of funding and successful progress toward scope of services and performance measures.

The application and instructions can be found at www.johnson-county.com/ss under Juvenile Justice Youth Development or www.johnson-county.com, under Bids, Proposals, RFPs.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, March 29. For more information contact Lynette Jacoby, Social Services Director, ljacoby@co.johnson.ia.us.
-END-

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Roads experiencing flooding

PSA...@JohnsonCountyIA has flooding impacting a few roads:
Chambers at the level B portion;
140th West of Ely Road; Sandy Beach Road by the beach; Blackhawk south of Black Diamond at Old Man’s Creek; Cosgrove Road at Rohret Road are temporarily closed with water on these roads.

My spuse, Robin Butler, and I have walked in the NAMI Walk a number of times, often with our dog, CJ. It was an great honor to serve as the Honorary Co-Chair of the walk a few years ago. The NAMI Walk is always important, but even more so this year. Mental Health is in the headlines, very often with misinformation and a stigma applied. NAMI is there for people and their families as they deal with a sometimes difficult and often misunderstood illness. NAMI needs our support.
Please support the Johnson County employee team JC Lift the Stigma.
https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=141465