President Craig called the virtual meeting to order shortly after noon. Ken Wenger led us in the Pledge and Prayer.
Attendance:
28 members were in virtual attendance. No guests.
Announcements:
--Ralph Jodice- provided an update from the Scholarship Committee-applications have been received from students from the 4 schools( Delone, Hanover, Southwestern, and Spring Grove) . The committee members have submitted their recommendations to the chair to be tallied. Will communicate the recipients once they have been determined.
--Ralph on behalf of Alicia- Ruth’s Harvest has changed to packing during the day. We were unaware and went at our usual time. Will notify Club once the new time has been determined.
--Craig provided an update from the virtual board meeting this morning:
-in the process of making preparations for the change in officers etc for new Rotary year beginning July 1st. There are 3 open positions- Treasurer, President Elect and Board Member for the Club Service Lane.
-Please notify Craig if you would interested in chairing or joining a committee to discuss how we prepare to have Rotary meetings in person once restrictions are lifted.
Program- Juliet Sharrow, Thrive Ministry
Juliet is the founder and executive director of Thrive Ministry -she is a survivor herself of domestic violence and founded the ministry to provide services to victims of domestic violence.
1 billion people worldwide have or are experiencing domestic violence. 1 out of every 4 women or 1 out of every 7 men will be victims. It is the best kept secret- no one wants to admit that they are a victim and don’t want that label. The mission of the ministry is to move beyond surviving to THRIVING. They work in conjunction with 19 agencies across 4 counties to bridge the gap between what services are offered elsewhere. For example, they help to provide furniture and move their clients to an apartment…..sadly, many children in our communities do not have a bed to sleep in. At times they will provide financial need as appropriate. They work with clients to meet monthly goals and provide mentors who have been victims of domestic violence themselves.
They build a relationship of trust with their clients not just providing services but want to provide the support of family. So far this year they have helped 65 clients and 216 pick up of donations of furniture. They want these women and children to be safe and to change their circumstances.
The ministry has 5 locations where they store furniture and are looking to build a large facility that a builder has donated their time. They have 50 volunteers and 9 Board members with varied backgrounds with 5 former victims on their board.
They are always looking for volunteers and furniture donations and also take gift cards for groceries, gas cards etc. and are a 501(c) 3. For more information go to www.thrivepa.org or call 717-640-2951.