On Tuesday afternoon, each of the seven sub committees of Apex Austin gave a status report as to where they are and where they plan to go in the next year.

Friday, January 26, 2001

On Tuesday afternoon, each of the seven sub committees of Apex Austin gave a status report as to where they are and where they plan to go in the next year.

A new committee, Partners in Leadership, will be co-chaired by Miguel Garate and Joni Finnegan. Besides being the name of an Apex sub-committee, Partners in Leadership is a Blandin Foundation group, which is focused on finding and training emerging leaders in the minority community. The first meeting of the committee with be on Jan. 29.

Paul Johnson of Apex Austin’s housing sub committee reported that within the next year close to 300 new vacant units will be available, including in the Chauncey Apartments, Murphy Creek and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Whittier Expansion.

Transportation sub committee co-chairman Glenn Baker said that members of his committee and himself are working to create busing routes while still providing adequate dial-a-ride service in Austin. Additionally, they hope to expand children’s transportation services, from kindergarten to day-care.

Dr. Fred Bogott presented the objectives of the health and safety sub committee, which were compiled by Margene Gunderson. Many of the key points of focus involve educating individuals (including those in law enforcement, health professionals and the community at large) about cultural differences to ensure public safety.

The education committee will be working to expand workplace English as a second language (ESL) programs, as well as empowering primarily minority middle school students and community leaders through the Youth Empowerment Initiative and Blandin Community Leadership Training programs.

Liliana Silvestry of the Welcome Center sub committee reported that the group hopes to reinstitute community circles – town meetings where individuals can be honest about their cultural perceptions. They also hope to create and implement presentations which challenge people about their ingrained prejudices and stereotypes. She stressed that communication will be the key to the success of the sub-committee’s projects.

Silvestry has been given four hours of time on July 8, during the SPAM Jam Festival to create an "Ethnic Festival." She stressed that she is welcoming anyone who wants to help to donate their time and ideas.

The child care committee, which was previously headed by chairwoman Diane Sherman has been transferred to two new co chairwomen, Wendy Fleiner and Alma Cotter. Sherman spoke of the success of Catherwood’s seven employee partnerships: "Each has a different relationship with Catherwood, but it’s working."

She stressed that strides still need to be made in transportation available in the Austin.

The next meeting, set for 4 p.m. on March 21, is expected to show even more progress in the areas mentioned during this meeting.