Human Services Advisory Board Has Openings

A group of volunteers holds regular meetings to provide input on operations of Potter County Human Services. Directors of the county’s drug and alcohol, aging, mental health, intellectual difficulties and coordinated services programs depend on the Potter County Human Services Advisory Board in determining program priorities and other issues. Board meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in serving is encouraged to contact the Potter County Commissioners, c/o executive secretary Sharon Costa at scosta@pottercountypa.net, or 814-274-8290, Ext. 207.

Next meeting of the Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday, July 19, at the Human Services office in Roulette. Board members will meet for a 6 pm dinner and the public meeting will follow at 7.

During their most recent meeting, held on May 17, members in attendance were Anne Nelson, Cameron Kockler, Gail Allen, Gary Perkins, Linda Swift, Susan Kefover and Sue Valentine. Human Services staffers in attendance were Jim Kockler (executive director), Ken Hoffman and Colleen Wilber. Members reviewed the impact of state budget cuts and block-grant funding; efforts to improve delivery of services to younger children and their families; possible structural changes in the way the agency administers programs for those with intellectual difficulties, and changes recently made to the Medical Assistance Transportation Program due to state budget cuts.