The Southborough Youth Commission introduced Emily Bordeaux as its new program coordinator at its Jan. 14 meeting and outlined several program initiatives led by the commission, including a community needs assessment, a universal financial assistance application and changes to camp scholarship eligibility.

“I recently completed my master's in public health from Boston University,” Emily Bordeaux told the commission, saying she is focused on health equity, access to care and health communication. Bordeaux said she has experience running community assessments and focus groups and that she will work with staff and a data partner on the commission’s upcoming community needs assessment.

Commission Director Sarah Micas described Bordeaux’s background and said Bordeaux will help lead a three-pronged needs-assessment approach: a communitywide survey, key-informant interviews and focus groups. Micas said the commission has contracted Trendline, a data-analytics firm, to provide technical support for focus groups and facilitation. The commission will seek groups of 5–10 participants, Micas said, and offered both in-person and virtual options.

Micas also described work on a universal financial assistance application intended to consolidate multiple town assistance forms. Micas said she and Town Treasurer Brian Valentine are developing an income-eligibility grid and evaluating which town programs will pilot the unified application in 2025, with trust-fund applications considered for 2026. The goal is “one-stop shopping” so residents do not submit financial information multiple times to different departments, she said.

On camp scholarships, Friends of the Southborough Youth Commission reported recent fundraising that has supported Winter Wishes and camp aid. Friend representative Karen Englum said the group raised about $22,000 for Winter Wishes this season and reported current fund balances: $13,114 in a combined Winter Wishes/camp scholarships bucket, $8,237 in a legacy South Square extended-day bucket, $4,591 in an unrestricted bucket and $12,000 in an emergency fund. The Friends are pursuing additional grants and fundraising; Micas said Recreation will contribute $2,000 and that the remainder of scholarship funding will be split between both friends groups for this year. Micas said the commission will move to a tiered camp scholarship system rather than automatic 100% coverage for all eligible applicants.

Other items in the director’s report included ongoing outreach at the senior center, library and food pantry; a planned accessibility committee across town departments to improve translation and accommodations; and the rescheduling of a mindful-art program. Micas said Emily Bordeaux is “picking everything up very quickly” and that staff will continue to refine outreach and program details.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (Dec. 3): A motion to approve the Dec. 3 minutes was moved and seconded and passed by roll call. Votes recorded as Aye from Karen Englum; Laura Chiocco; Sarah Micas; Nancy Sutton; Susan Beyer; and Lauren (participating member). Motion result: approved.

- Adjournment: A motion to adjourn the Jan. 14 meeting was moved and seconded and passed by roll call with the same members recorded as Aye. Motion result: approved.