Patty introduced Beth McCullough who spoke about the homeless teen situation in Lenawee County. Beth said that the program has really come together over the past several years. A total of 78% of the homeless she works with are graduating from high school versus 50% nationally.
Even better, 100% of the ones in in her "Road Map to Graduation" program are graduating. She was also encouraged by the fact that the number of homeless teens remained level last year. More good news is that Western Michigan University is offering 20 full-rise scholarships to homeless high school Seniors.
Unfortunately, she shared that help for the homeless Mother's with children is seriously limited. There are only two suitable units in Lenawee County. The Catherine Cobb shelter only takes domestic abuse victims and the other shelters are not appropriate for women or especially children. Money is needed for their temporary housing.
Side Note: Beth McCullough was named by the White House as a Champion of Change for her work in the fight against youth homelessness in July of 2012. McCullough is the homeless education liaison for Adrian Public Schools and homeless education coordinator for Lenawee County. McCullough was honored in Washington, D.C. as one of 13 individuals who have made a significant difference in the way their communities combat homelessness among children and youth, according to a White House news release.
The Art of Mingling – I can’t help but think that the Rotarians that stayed over after today’s meeting to “mingle” with approximately 60 students from our 3 local colleges/universities had as nice a time as I did talking with “tomorrow’s leaders” about the importance of learning basic skills that people need to be successful in today’s society. Thanks to everyone who worked with these young people for sharing their own experiences with them and confirmed the enormous value of the skills that were presented.
“New Member” Pin - President Mary presented Kevin Keller with a badge he can place under his regular Rotary lapel pin indicating that he sponsored a new member recently. New members, of course, continue to be the life blood of this organization and everyone is encouraged to bring prospective new members to lunch during our regular Thursday meetings encouraging them to join the best service club in the world!
Pasty Project – It’s that time of year again! More info coming if you want to purchase your annual supply of this tasty Polish dish! Rod Hokenson publicly extended to our club and the Image Center for their help on this project.
Get Well Wishes – This goes out to Patty Clark who had a tussle recently with a kitty who insists hang out on her back porch according to her Facebook posts. Frankly, I wouldn’t hesitate to put some lead in its ear! Sorry cat lovers. I just took some editorial liberty just then, didn’t I??
Fluency Friends – President Mary announced that there are currently 20 Rotarians who are reading to youngsters on a weekly basis. Mary said she was especially excited about the progress her student had made now that she is reading chapter books thanks to this program linking adults with students! Mary also said it was very gratifying to have seen the look on that girls face knowing she had just reached this milestone in her education!
District Conference – REMEMBER: Next year’s District Conference will be at the Grand Traverse Resort from April 30 – May 3, 2015.
Dates to Remember
March – We’ll be awarding 2 more scholarships – The 4-Way Test Scholarship and the Bob Haden Scholarship (goes to a Lenawee County student attending Siena Heights University).
April – Eggs-stravaganza
May 17 – Erace-Stima 5k Run (and walk Greg said)
May - District Conference
June – Change-Over Dinner and the transition to President-Elect Rod Pender’s year
GUESTS:Brittney Hoxsey from Onsted - guest of Rhonda Gage who has applied for membership in this club!
Yours Truly stepped in for Rod Pender who was under the weather but still present (contaminating fellow members in the meantime!) and fined: Wilke, Hokenson (2), Pender (3), Mary, Philp (3), Mark M., Dane (2), Chip (2), Smith, Dawes, Slater, Marti.
Patty introduced Beth McCullough who spoke about the homeless teen situation in Lenawee County. Beth said that the program has really come together over the past several years. A total of 78% of the homeless she works with are graduating from high school versus 50% nationally.
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