Good News and Announcements:

• Ken Keller was recognized as the incoming Chamber of Commerce chairman.  However, in the picture he was not wearing his Rotary pin.  He was not present and was thus fined $50 by President Jim.
• Ally Soper was excited to report that she adopted her first furbaby with her husband.  They rescued a German Shorthair Pointer from the Kern County Animal Shelter. There are sibling puppies available so head down there today and pick one up for your family!
• George Grainger announced Michigan beat Ohio State.
• Toni announced an incredible multi-million gift to Mercy Hospital that was initiated through a relationship with Doug Pierce.  It’s a testament to the connection of Rotary and how we use our membership to support each other’s success in business.  Awesome!

• Ally Soper received her Paul Harris Fellowship award. This maintains our clubs status of being 100% Paul Harris fellows.
• In Roaming with Rowdy, President, Jim Damian talked about attending New Year's Eve in Times Square. He recalled his childhood days of Dick Clark's Rockin New Year's Eve, and wanted to re-create it. He did, but swore never to go back.

• The club proudly welcomed, Andrea Hanson from the Kern County Dance Alliance as our newest member. Andrea is a philanthropist, extremely accomplished dancer and dance instructor. She talked about her excitement of being part of downtown Rotary, and further establishing connections with its members.  A very warm welcome, Andrea!
• The club will be dark on January 26.
• Tickets for the Centurion Celebration to be held on March 10 at Stockdale County Club at 6PM have gone on sale!  Get yours now before they sell out!  Price is $150pp and we are asking for corporate sponsorships for $1000.  Proceeds will benefit the Waterman Foundation.  Email Mary at staff@bakersfield-rotary.com today! 

Program:

Today's program speaker Jennifer Jensen from the Global Family Care Project. Jennifer Jansen has spent nearly 3 decades serving those who have been commercially sexually exploited. She and her husband, Clark, have lived and worked in several countries, including India, and now she is in Scotland. The values of their organization include being victim centered, ensuring sustainability from both a programming and financial perspective, and providing evidence-based care.

The Daughters Project Girls Home in Bakersfield serves 10 girls from ages 12 to 17 who are at risk or who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The children are placed primarily by referrals from county child protection agencies. Each resident receives comprehensive physical and mental health care along with educational and social supports. The facility is overseen by Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the Joint Commission, and the State of California. The average length of stay is less than one year. After leaving the home, the residents are either returned to a lower level of care in the foster care system or reunified with their families.

Mrs. Jensen was excited to report that they will be moving from their current urban location to a more rural property, allowing the residents to have more space and privacy -- away from the distractions and temptations of downtown. The new location include an art room, a large kitchen, which will allow for teaching, five bedrooms and four offices. It is expected to open in June.