Meeting this past Monday evening with the members above, including John Hall on the telephone, began with our speaker, Russ Partridge, Executive Director of The WARM Center. He told us that through this crisis they have continued to provide over a hundred meals daily in Anita's Kitchen, seven days per week. 3,500 people have been cared for. The Emergency Shelter program, a 19-bed facility, was "designed to help homeless men and women who suffer from a variety of circumstances." They must remain alcohol and drug free, follow house rules, meet with their peers and staff. Other programs that continue to be successful include Attire for Hire, Harvest Homes, Supportive Homes, Street Outreach, Community Outreach. Russ said that all have remained in good health. WARM has received a Rhode Island Foundation Grant to provide financial assistance for people having financial issues. He believes that the level of need is increasing as people learn that WARM is there if help is needed and reach out. Most staff has been working from home.
Russ said "when people come to WARM their lives change." He told of one individual who had been living with substance abuse and came to WARM. He stayed with the program and eventually attended college, graduated and is now in a Master's Program. While we thanked Russ for all that has been accomplished at WARM for the community, he thanked us for our support.
Bob Elmer provided a Foundation Moment, telling how Habitat for Humanity and Texas Rotary Club helped to build a home for a family in Milawi, Africa.
Chikumbuso virtual walk/run/bike to be completed by May 23 - Club participants include President Kathryn, Rona, Doug, Dan and Rose. Following is a picture of Doug and family. The Club is contributing $125 to this event which will help to continue the program of providing food to the women and children of Chikumbuso.
The Scholarship Committee planned to have a Zoom meeting on Wednesday to discuss the applications and make their selections. Rose received this information Wednesday evening and sent the information to Amy Roy at the high school.
On 28 May there will be a District 7950 Assembly via Zoom from 7:00-9:30pm with three great speakers - George Camp - Polio Plus/Foundation, Louisa Horne - Membership, Laura Spear - Public Image. The link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88694036501?pwd=T2oydTA3d0pyQkRqR1FHdWlLTm9UUT09 Meeting ID: 88694036501 Password: 089228
All are welcome to attend.
Bob and Suzanne Lane did much research on ways for our Club to recognize front line essential workers. There was much discussion and some of us took on some specific tasks and we will follow up at next meeting or through email or zoom discussions.
A thank you note has been received from Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.
Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day. We remember our Veterans in grateful prayer - and sadness at missing the annual parade. There will be NO meeting on Monday.
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