The Ken – February 13, 2023
Fine Master: Holly Nowak
Attendance/Split Club: Dick Hanaburgh
Ken Writer – Linda Sroka
Invocation – Brandon Blatz (for Chuck Patterson)
Brandon Blatz called the meeting to order at 12:28 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Brandon also led the invocation.
Announcements: Steve said our dinner on Wednesday, February 8th went well. Donna was extremely surprised and overwhelmed to receive the Paul Harris Award. Reminder if you are interested in attending the Bandits game on Saturday, April 15th, contact Brandon by March 1st. Ticket prices start at $26.00.
There is a Rotary Board Meeting on Friday, February 17th at 8:00 a.m. There is no meeting on Monday, February 20th.
A Centennial Committee will need to be formed in the near future. Larry brought in a plaque which stated the Charter Issue date, April 10, 1924. Founding members named on the plaque.
Cathy Piciulo reminded the group the State of the Town with Joe Emminger is Thursday, Feb. 16th with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and the presentation at 9:00 a.m. at Elmwood Commons.
Confessions: Paul’s granddaughter won two silver awards for diving! Steve finished his term as President of the Board of Family Promise.
Guest Speaker: Steve introduced our guest speaker, Luanne Firestone, Executive Director of Family Promise of WNY. Family Promise is an emergency shelter for homeless families. They are one of two shelters in Erie County that do not separate families experiencing homelessness. The other shelter is Salvation Army.
Family Promise hosts 20 families at a time. The small environment helps children not to feel overwhelmed. During 2022, hosted 10,184 bed nights with 120 children and 45 adults. Most guests stay between two months to six months depending upon their circumstances.
The shelter assists with medical care, mental health services, education, housing and finding jobs.
Many of their families fall into homelessness due to medical issues, drug abuse, divorce, mental health, inhabitable housing.
Those in need of Family Promise services start the process with the Erie County Dept. of Social Services. Initially the families are housed in motels in Erie Co/Niagara Co until shelter placement is available.
Homelessness brings a host of other emotions: loss of dignity, confidence, belongings, neighborhood, and school. There are circumstances which make placement difficult such as: owning a pet, disabilities, large families, LGBTQ+
Beyond sheltering the homeless, FP provides summer camp experiences, activities at the Old First Ward Community Center, therapy dogs, birthday parties and gifts for the children. 70% of Family Promise guests are children.
There are many ways to support the organization from donations to volunteering.
Split Club: Cathy Piciulo won $11.00. Larry picked the King of Hearts.
Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.