Helping Kids Help Themselves

Reporter: Brian Saunders

 

 

Opening Procedures:

President Allen Bond opened the meeting at 12:30 with the ringing of the bell.  The invocation was led by Jackie  Ignon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jim Morgan.   Marc Mazorow led a rousing rendition of “God Bless America,” with everyone singing along.  Mel Schrier introduced the guests, including Bob Gulcher’s wife Suzi, and visiting Rotarians Dean Reuter and Warren Bobrow.  Marc led the welcome song, then Julia Parton led the birthday song – apparently everyone selected their own key and tempo – and the birthdays, wedding anniversaries and Rotary induction anniversaries were celebrated.  Of special note: it was Bob Gulcher’s 91^st Birthday! 

 

Announcements:

 

Youth Exchange:

Warren Bobrow (Sunrise Rotary) introduced our Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Sophia Smith. Sophia is heading to Spain, and will depart on September 1^st.  Of special note is the fact that Sophia used her Sweet 16 Birthday to raise money to send kids on Rotary exchanges! 

 

 

Rotary Foundation:

Julia Parton and Suzi Zimmerman passed out raffle tickets for the Rotary Foundation Centennial Celebration.  Tickets are $10 each, or 12 for $100.  The Foundation Dinner will be held on October 22 on the USS Iowa in San Pedro.  There is still space in the tribute book if you would like to place an ad.

 

Guest:

Julia Parton introduced our guest: Dr. Rebecca Foo, Executive Director of the Switzer Learning Center in Torrance, who gave a very interesting and encouraging talk on the Center’s purpose and programs.

 

The Switzer Learning Center is a school for children with learning or developmental disabilities, or who struggle with social, emotional or behavioral challenges.  The school is a state-certified non-public school, for children 4^th grade to 22 years old.  Current enrollment is about 90, with kids coming from many surrounding cities.  Most of the students live in communities that suffer from poverty and gang violence.  Many of them have endured substance and emotional abuse.   The Center includes three main programs: the Heritage Program, that offers special education for students that are typically two or more grades behind, the Spectrum program that works with students on the Autism spectrum, and the SAIL (“Self-Advocacy and Independent Living) Transitional program that supports students ages 18-22 as they develop  living skills and transition into independent living.  Typically, there are about 60 students in the Heritage Program, 10-12 in the Spectrum Program, and 8-10 in the Transitional Program.

 

70% of Switzer students go on to college, and each graduate receives a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition. Last June, the Center graduated 14 students, and three were transitioned back into regular high school. 

 

Dr. Foo shared the story of a young man named Victor, who, when he arrived at Switzer, got into fights every day.  It was counted as a success when he managed to whittle that down to fighting only once a week!  Eventually, however, as the program began to take hold, he learned to control his moods and behaviors.  He graduated, and went on to join the United States Army, where he serves today.  A great story!

 

President Allen Bond closed the meeting with the bell at 1:30 PM.   

 

I am very happy to send the Board the application submitted by prospective member Sahar Lashin.  Sahar is a doctor at UCLA Health and an RPV resident.  She was active in Rotary many years ago in Egypt and looks forward to getting involved again.  She was introduced to us by Allen Bond, who met her through the Chamber. 

 

Eileen Hupp