Convened by the Human Services Coalition, the HSC Forum facilitates bimonthly community dialogues on topics impacting our local area. Topics and speakers that have been especially beneficial to the community have included Heating Tompkins (energy assistance programs), Planning and Implementing Successful Outreach to Underserved Populations, The Annual Local Funders Panel, and forums to discuss the impacts of state and local funding decisions.
The HSC Forum is free and open to the public and registration is not needed; all who are interested in human services and their efficient delivery are urged to attend.
Upcoming HSC Forums
September 11, 2019 – The Cornell Public Service Center
The Public Service Center (PSC) at Cornell engages more than 5,000 student volunteers annually in a variety of volunteer roles at more than 100 local not for profit organizations. There are many ways they can help mobilize volunteers for agencies.
At this Forum, members of the PSC will be on hand to discuss how the PSC and local organizations can partner to help support their missions and provide learning experiences for Cornell students.
Highlighted programs will include: K12 and pre-college programming; Community Work Study; Pre-Orientation Service Program (POST); student volunteer organizations; new pilot program to strengthen program coordination to serve more community needs.
Past HSC Forums
May 8, 2019 – The 2019 Tompkins County Budget
Please join us for a panel discussion of the 2019 budget. Panelists will include: Jason Molino, County Administrator; Shawna Black, Tompkins County Legislator and Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee; and Martha Robertson, Chair of the Legislature.
We will be discussing the factors, both state and local, that are the driving forces behind next year’s budget. There will be time to ask questions, get clarification and share your comments.
March 13, 2019 – Trends in New York’s Not for Profit Sector – Is your Agency Ready? – Doug Sauer, Executive Director of the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) will lead a discussion of the current and future landscape for not for profit organizations locally and in the State. He will describe the current environment and share his expert and informed perspective on the trends impacting the sector including regionalization, state funding trends, Medicaid reform, and partnerships & consolidations.
Questions to be discussed include: What does regionalization and scale mean for the future of not for profit agencies in New York State? What will agencies need to do to remain competitive and viable in a changing landscape? What can agencies do today to better position them for the future?
January 9, 2019 – Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Care: Best Practices for Human Services Organizations –
A presentation that will focus on the human experience of trauma. Agencies and service providers will learn strategies on how to utilize an evidence-based, trauma-informed care approach to create safe environments for consumers and staff alike.
Lisa Kendall, a social work psychotherapist and clinical gerontologist, will provide useful information about this emerging topic. She will explore definitions of unresolved trauma and trauma-informed care and provide case studies to bring the issue to life. She will also identify immediately accessible resources to avoid re-traumatization and best support survivors as they make peace with painful memories, affirm strengths, and continue to grow.