By Tim Dempsey

 

President Schoeneman rang the bell, Greg Hill gave the pledge and Tom Gore led us in prayer. No song!

 

-Seb Karasu came into town last night and stayed in a motel to be with us this morning!

 

-John McDonald welcomed his 8^th grand child born in England.

 

-We are passing the hat for the Township Food Pantry today. $370 raised!

 

-Yours truly is celebrating 30 years in Rotary.

 

-Foundation Minute: The Rotary Foundation and clubs invest in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding Global Grant Scholarships for graduate studies. Our District 6440 awarded four such grants in 2020-21 and one in 2021-22 at $30k per year. Global Grant Scholars are for graduate students studying abroad in one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus.

 

-Ground Hog Day update: 6 more weeks of Winter!

 

-President Rich told us about things that go on behind the scenes.

 

-Become an Upstander training will be held on 2/17 at 7pm.

 

-Scott Hezner asked: What is Vocation? What can we do besides scholarships?

 

-Fundraiser update: We have 54 participants so far but only 8 have ordered food.

 

-Tom Miller asked us to buy more tickets and sell sponsorships. Don’t wait until the last minute!

 

-We still need wine for the wine cellar and bourbon for baskets.

 

Tom Gore entertained us with a Super bowl quiz.

 

Today’s program was Jennifer Yonan, Executive Director of YCC, Inc. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and a Certification in Fundraising Management from North Park University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Jennifer served for 12 years as Vice President of Marketing and Development with the United Way of Lake County. She served as Executive Director of the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee and Skokie. She joined Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan as Executive Director in 2018.

 

YCC conducts 2 programs. They conduct a summer program for in school youth that lasts for 8 weeks every summer. The program started in 1974 with a government grant that was abolished in 1982. Private sector leaders got together to replace the funding and the program has been funded ever since with contributions. The youth do construction projects in the Lake County Forest Preserves. They also receive conservation education as part the program. The students can earn scholarships through AmeriCorps. The program is funded with an annual golf outing. This year’s outing is June 8 at Thunderhawk golf club in Zion.

 

The second program started in 2001 using the Youth Build model. These students are in the program full time for about 8 months. They spend 2 days per week learning construction skills. 2 days per week are devoted to education training and Fridays are used for community service projects. This program serves “at risk” youth who have dropped out of high school and are generally employed in entry level positions.

 

The full-time program offers youth a fresh start. They first must pass a rigorous program called Mental Toughness. This session is designed to see if the youth are ready to change their lives. YCC offers a pathway to success by removing barriers. Students work on affordable housing that not only helps the individual but the community as well. YCC constructs new homes and does remodeling. Projects are funded with CBDG grants from the Lake County Housing Authority. Finished homes are sold to low-income families.

Through the program, students grow confidence. They learn career skills and life skills such as interviewing. YCC maintains a clothing closet so students can appear professional at interviews. YCC also has a food pantry for students. Many are single parents. A case manager tracks each student including post-graduation. Alumni are encouraged to return to act as mentors. YCC provides a caring safe place.

 

-Daily: $29 won by Jon Robb.

 

-Progressive: $57 (53 cards – includes 2 Jokers). Tucker Olson drew the 6 of diamonds. Rollover!

 

Greeter & Prayer: Doug Fendon

 

Fun & Frolics: Danny Caldwell – Senior Bingo – Carol August

 

Program: David Sheffler – Willow House

 

“The taste of defeat has a richness of experience all its own”. Bill Bradley