Kathy Williams, a board member of Neighbors of Hope (formerly the Lenawee County Mission), introduced Pastor Steve Palmer who updated us on their new effort for a homeless shelter to house women and children. ProMedica, she announced, was turning over to them their Herrick Manor Nursing Home facility in Tecumseh.
Steve took the podium to tell audience members that planning for a facility began some 18 months ago. The Tecumseh Planning Commission is dealing with its “use” so it is compatible with “transitional housing” in that area that also offers counseling and housing for clients.
This facility, Steve said, was a hybrid. Steve said he was confident that they would be approved in two weeks by the Tecumseh City Council since they are concerned that once ProMedica vacates their current facilities to build a new one on M52, they won’t have to worry about what they do with vacant buildings. It’s a win-win situation. Neighbors of Hope will then submit their site plan to the Planning Commission.
There are approximately 300 homeless women and children in Lenawee County, he said and the new facility will hold 38. The organization has been working with homeless males for the past 12 years so this will be a new endeavor for us, he said. The Good Neighbor Campaign was launched last May to assist with the costs of a facility. To date, 92% of their goal has been reached and they hope to achieve their goal by Thanksgiving.
Steve said he envisions clients who come to the shelter to stay no more than 6 months after which time their needs will be assessed during that period and determine if it is a relationship or educational issue, financial or otherwise. The goal is to get each of them to a position of self-reliance, Steve said.
Thank You – President Nate thanked Kathy Williams and Susan Tobey for arranging the club Christmas Social last Friday evening at Kathy’s house. It was a super fun time for everyone who attended. Pictures are on the club’s Facebook page. A special thanks to the Simay’s for providing all of the beverages! A lot of beer and wine was left over so look forward to another gathering somewhere soon!
Simay’s Last Meeting – President Nate wished the folks farewell as this was their last meeting. They informed the group that their house here did not sell but that they were ready to move into their new one in California so will be leaving shortly. President Nate presented them with a going away gift. We will really miss you guys!
No Meeting – December 28th – The meeting on Thursday, December 21st will be our last one for 2017!
Adrian Rotary Foundation Donations – REMEMBER that this would be a good time to make a donation to the ARF as we are approaching the end of the calendar year.
Check Presentation - The club presented the Sam Beauford Workshop with a check for $5,000 which Luke Barnett, club member and on staff at the workshop (second from right) accepted. The workshop purchased a much needed piece of equipment with the money. Also shown are from L to R: Noon Rotarians who are on the board of the workshop Jim Philp and Dane Nelson, President Nate, Luke and Noon Rotarian and another workshop board member Patty Clark.
DATES TO REMEMBER - DECEMBER – Disease Prevention & Treatment Month
December 16 - Toys for Tots – REMEMBER that the program is in full swing again this year thanks to Midwest Energy at their location. Donations need to be made by December 15. There is a box in front of the Adrian Chamber office at 137 North Main Street down from Citizens Gas for donations.
December 16 – Adrian Center for the Arts – Luke Barnett and the Sam Beauford Workshop is hosting a day for kids where they will be taught to weld and make benches in addition to other things. Come out on Saturday, December 16 and work a shift from either 8:45am to 11:45am or from 11:45am to 2:45pm or from 2:45pm to 5:30pm. Volunteers are asked to dress warm as some of the activities will be outside. Luke said he’s hoping for about 100 kids that day!
January – The Art of Mingling - More info coming.
January 26 - The Great Pasty Project - President Nate reminded members that about 8 people were willing to help members from the Morning Club prepare pasties at the First United Methodist Church on January 26th. There will be 2 shifts: 8am-10am and 10am to 12 noon. More info coming.
Upcoming Club Program Presentations
December 21 - TBD
December 28 - NO REGULAR MEETING – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GUESTS: Mark Williams, guest of Mark Murray; Janet Salzwedel from Adrian College, our speaker.
Smith, DuMars, Wagley (2), Burg, Sherman, Sack, Mark M., Mary M., M. Tobey, S. Tobey, Hokenson, Barnett, John B., Moore, Marti, M. Simay, B. Simay, Chase (2), Bendes, Williams and Smith.
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Kathy Williams, a board member of Neighbors of Hope (formerly the Lenawee County Mission), introduced Pastor Steve Palmer who updated us on their new effort for a homeless shelter to house women and children. ProMedica, she announced, was turning over to them their Herrick Manor Nursing Home facility in Tecumseh. 
