Call to Order
President Anna Harder.
18 Rotary Members attending.
Guests
Randall Nichol
Makeups
None this week
Announcements
Breakfast next week is ham and cheese quiche.
Our speaker next week is Stacy Strilchuk
Reminder that Flag season is quickly approaching. Please start thinking about who you could sell subscriptions to.
Days for Girls is hosting another sewing event on from 10:00-4:00 at Certified Training Group (5051-50 St) on April 11th, 2015. Please remember that we are always looking for donations of Large Ziplock bags (without the slider), colourful washcloths (not baby ones), colourful girls panties (brief style sizes 10-14 (Fruit of the Loom brand is best), and hotel size soaps. There is a sign-up sheet circulated at meetings for those who are able to attend that day
There is a sign-up sheet circulating for people who are interested in attending the District Conference October 1-4, 2015. The conference is in Dawson Creek and accommodations are filling up fast.
Food For Thought
Darren shared a Mohammed Ali quote “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”
50-50 Draw
Lisa drew the 7 of Clubs and the opportunity to share a food for thought moment next week.
Judge
Members who admitted to travelling south for part of the winter were subject to a “warmth in winter” fine.
Happy Bucks
Today’s happy bucks started with a sad buck for a daughter’s father in law who is struggling with Cancer. Happy bucks were given for the following reasons: 2 grandsons’ visit last week, an eldest son turns 18 on Thursday, leaving for spring break, the snow equals moisture, substitute teaching at the Composite High School and the Days for Girls display in the school’s library, an eldest son accepted to AUC, learned to close apps on Iphone, Husband is home safe after the bus he was driving ended up in the ditch. A happy buck was also given to ask the members if bowling would be a social activity option….the majority agreed it sounds like fun.
Guest Speaker
This week’s speaker was Randall Nichol who is the Executive Director of the Open Door. Randall shared the mission of the Open Door which is to meet the needs of youth aged 11-24 who find themselves at risk. The Open Door became an official registered organization in June of 2000 and this June there will be a 15 year celebration BBQ.
In 2006 the Open Door was able to purchase the old Smith Clinic building which provided them with much more space and a central location. In 2010 and arrangement was made with Gardner College to utilize one floor for emergency shelter space. In 2011 when the College closed, the Open Door was able to take over Maurer Hall to create 2 levels of youth housing with the upper level having 8 door style beds with a common area and staff apartment. The bottom level is divided in to 4 separate apartments which are currently occupied by 4 young ladies.
The Open door operates under the belief that if you don’t reach out as an organization, you remain invisible and intimidating. These are two things the Open Door wants to avoid at all cost, so they put a great amount of effort in to ensuring that they are welcoming and accessible and that the Outreach team is out in the community connecting with the youth of Camrose whenever possible.
Randall shared a number of heartwarming stories and wrapped up with a hint of what is ahead for the Open Door. He talked about a “Housing first” project in which housing is provided first and then supports are provided including physical and mental health, education, employment, substance abuse and community connections He also talked about an increase in follow-up support to help maintain employment and housing as well as an increase in their ability to reach out to youth in the community. Randall shared his hope to implement the “ELPIS” project (ELPIS is a Greek word meaning hope) to help build the self-esteem and skills of the shelter clients.
Randall encouraged us to get in touch if we had any question, concerns or would like to know more about what the Open Door does. Randall can be reached by email at director@camroseopendoor.com, by phone at 780 679-6803 or on social media via www.facebook.com/Camroseopendoor or www.twitter.com/OpenDoorED.
John presented Randall with an End Polio Now certificate ensuring another 10 children will be vaccinated.