11/27/23 Meeting Minutes

11/27/23 Carroll Rotary Club Meeting Minutes
 
Attendees: Catti, Adam, Ron, Dave, Bob F., Bob W., Hubert, Deb, Katie, Casey, Trevor
 
Brag Bucks:
Bob F. – IA State and Green Bay Packers won.
 
New Business:
  1. Kid’s Xmas: Saturday, December 1st at 6:30 AM at Bomgaars
    1. Pella raised $1773.00 to contribute to the cause.
    2. Please wear your Rotary shirts so we can take a picture.
    3. If you can attend, please do. We will need all the hands we can get to help with the shopping and wrapping to be out of the store by the time it opens at 8 AM.
  2. Spouse Xmas Meal
    1. Monday, December 18th at The Hub at noon
  3. Upcoming meetings:
    1. 12/4 – no speaker
    2. 12/11 – no speaker
    3. 12/18 – spouse Xmas meal
    4. 12/25 – no meeting
    5. 1/1/24 – no meeting
Speakers:
Yazmin Acosta and Stephanie Henrich from CASSA (Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault)
  1. Responsible for coverage of 19 counties in NW IA
  2. Non-profit agency
    1. Funds are obtained from fundraising and donations.
    2. Currently operating with a 22% budget cut
  3. 28 clients in Carroll County
    1. 5 human trafficking cases in the last year
      1. HWY 71 and HWY 30 make it easier and quick.
  4. Free and confidential services are available to anyone at anytime regardless of when the abuse occurred.
  5. Having an advocate is the most important service for those that have been assaulted.
    1. There is a 24/7 crisis line that is always available.
    2. Bilingual services are also available.
    3. Assist with housing for victims or homeless.
  6. Facts:
    1. 85% of sexually abused victims are <14 years of age.
    2. 35% of cases go to court and sentencing occurs.
    3. Sexual assault is completed by someone the victim knows most of the time.
    4. 16–19-year-old females are 4 times more likely to be abused.
  7. How can you be supportive:
    1. Start by believing.
    2. Respect their confidentiality.
    3. Avoid judgmental comments.
    4. Ask how you can be of assistance – don’t give advice.
    5. Respect their decision, even if it is different from the one you would make.
    6. Be a good listener.
    7. Offer unconditional love and support.
    8. Suggest they contact the CAASA Hope Line at 877-362-4612.
  8. What do you do if you are assaulted?
    1. Get to a safe place.
    2. Call the crisis hotline.
    3. Get medical attention.
    4. Report to law enforcement.
    5. Talk to a therapist.
    6. Talk to family/friends.
  9. How do I get involved?
    1. There are many opportunities available to the community to help CAASA. Please visit their website: www.caasaonline.org for more ways to get involved.
  10.  Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.
 
Next meeting is on Monday, December 4th at 12 PM at The Hub.