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Council member responds to public testimony on ACS and veteran services
1:58:08
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Council Member Althea V. Stevens engages with public testifiers Pedro Gonzalez and Tabitha Kamonis, addressing their concerns about ACS and support for families, particularly those with special needs and LGBTQIA+ members. The council member acknowledges the need for less bureaucracy and better support systems.
- Stevens expresses agreement with the need for streamlined services and less bureaucracy
- Gonzalez suggests appointing a liaison for military special needs families and LGBTQIA+ individuals
- The council member mentions a recent initiative for veteran services in city council districts
Althea V. Stevens
1:58:08
I just wanna say thank you to both of you last for being here today.
1:58:11
I really appreciate.
1:58:12
I do remember you from testifying at the last hearing last year, and I know that we took your information.
1:58:20
And we still wanna be supportive and help as much as we can on anything that you guys need.
1:58:25
I know ACS is here.
1:58:27
They're also here, and and and I'm sure you'll be able to speak to them as well.
1:58:30
But we wanna make sure that we continue to give you the support that you need and and point you in the right Sure.
Pedro Gonzalez
1:58:35
One more thing I'd like to add after we spoke to Mister Downs or, you know, we did let him know that I think it's about time that ACS from the top up should be reforming as a person who's trained in the military.
1:58:46
I believe that leadership is vital in holding their personal accountable.
1:58:51
Oftentimes, I don't wanna make accusations that the agency may be double dipping or committing some sort of fraudulent activity with respect to the Department of Social Services and federal funds and state funds that are being administered and utilized.
1:59:04
Oftentimes when the family asks for that support, ACS is oftentimes dissuading the family or ourselves in this case when we ask for assistance.
1:59:12
It's one hurdle after the other, whether it's for benefits for SNAP through HRA or whether it's through OCFS and the Department of Social Services, there needs to be some sort of easy streamline communication between the state and city in order to best implement the assistance needed for families, especially those who live in vulnerable housing.
1:59:30
That could be considered sub par.
1:59:33
So, again, thank you guys.
Althea V. Stevens
1:59:34
Listen.
1:59:34
I a 100% agree with you, and I think that's some of the things that we are always trying to figure out how to create less bureaucracy and how to make things easier and getting the services to the people who need it most.
1:59:45
But unfortunately, the government often is about bureaucracy, but I'm all about figuring it out because I say it all the time.
1:59:51
I don't like things that don't make sense, and some subjects don't make sense.
Pedro Gonzalez
1:59:54
And to be honest with you, I think, appointing a liaison to over military special needs families and for people with LGBTQ AI would be very beneficial.
Althea V. Stevens
2:00:03
That it
Pedro Gonzalez
2:00:04
should be that this body appoints somebody that would be experts and not just having childcare professionals, but actually the parents involved in the process as well.
2:00:11
So that the parents can give their feedback and input based on their personal experiences.
2:00:15
For whether we all like it or not, our personal experiences shape our development and who we are and what roads we lead in life.
2:00:22
And I want that opportunity to be presented for my children when I fought tooth and nail to get to where I'm at today.
2:00:28
Again, thank you guys so much, and we don't wanna take up any more of your time.
2:00:31
But if you have any questions or anything, you have our information, you can feel free to reach out to us.
Althea V. Stevens
2:00:36
Thank you.
2:00:36
And thank you for your service.
2:00:37
And I know even as city council, we did just do an initiative with veteran services coming out of all of our districts.
2:00:44
So definitely we'll be in touch so you can have that information as well because we are trying to make sure that we are giving more support to our veterans and people who serve our country.
2:00:51
So thank you guys for being here today.
Pedro Gonzalez
2:00:53
Thank you guys again.
Farah Louis
2:00:54
Thank you.