Guest, Christine Ouellette from the Westwood Education Foundation (WEF) spoke about WEF as a funding source for life-long learning opportunities for residents of Westwood. The sole purpose of WEF is to raise money to give away to others in support of the WEF mission. Examples: “Entertaining for Education” raised $30,000 dollars to be given away to groups promoting education. Past grants included funding activities leading to greater police awareness in dealing with residents with Autism and the Westwood Reads Library Program.

Grant information may be downloaded from the WEF website. On Jan. 28 there will be an information night to toss around grant ideas.

Grants generally do not fund refreshments, supplies and transportation, but do support speakers. In its purest form a project becomes self-supporting, such as the HS canoe building project. (After a grant covered the first kit, sale of the canoe funded future canoe building projects.)

There are 3 grant cycles: October 1, December 1 ($1000 or less), and March 1 (small or large amounts).

SEPAC will consider applying for a WEF grant. Thank you Christine for sharing this information.

SEPAC Business:

1. Volunteers needed for Projects - please sign up for your interests:
   • Help develop a social skills program for children with disabilities.
   • Development of a lending library of materials related to disabilities for parents/teachers/staff….Gather resources, review for credibility and to categorize, set up a location , and possibly collaborate with librarians for management ideas.
     
     Audrey Seffert, Director of Student Services, recommended including DVDs in the library and added that the library could also benefit older students looking for information about their own disabilities..
     
     Question was raised, “Where will the library be located?” Not yet determined – Suggestion was made to house it within the public library.
     
     
   • Help Carmel Sterling keep the SEPAC Website up-to-date. Will be adding a section on specific disabilities in the near future.
     
     Volunteer as a HS Liaison to post announcements/flyers with the school principal, and on bulletin boards at the main entrance and guidance.
2. On February 28, nominations will be accepted for all executive board openings. Next Election of officers to be held on April 30.
3. Treasurer’s Reports: – Family Photos Fundraiser has been organized by treasurer, Tracey Stoll. So far, 40/60 slots have been taken. Afternoon slots still available. Volunteers needed to help with refreshments and registration table the day of fundraiser, Nov. 17.
   
   Several PTOs have answered a request for donating funds to SEPAC. Our assets now at $1300.
   
   
4. Next general Meeting December 4, 2007, along with guest speaker discussing “ Public Health Benefits”.