President Craig led us in the pledge and in prayer.

 

Guests and visiting Rotarians:  Paula Ferenc

 

Announcements:  Jasmine was only student who wanted to participate in the 4-way test.  She will be giving her speech at a scheduled meeting soon. 

Emails from district-online LEADS session virtually.  Thursday night at 6:30 is next one.  Service projects you can do virtually.  Saturday May 2 is another session.

Email from District 7870 approved for $25,000 COVID relief response grant for foodbanks across VT from NH Rotary Foundation matching grant.

Rotary Foundation matching grants that are virus related grants are available. 

Happy Dollars pledged last week amounted to $500.

Carl is saving fines for when we meet in person.  Tonight’s Happy Dollars will go to Paula’s organization.

Craig $20 pledged.  Will $20.  Bonnie H. $50.  Gary D. $20.  John Columbus $20.  Jim M.  $40. Bob K. $20. Carl J. $50. Heidi $20.  Carl and Barbara Siak $100 and made it back from FLA safe and sound.  Dean $20 and 10 years in Meredith Rotary.  Rick G. $20.  Bev Lapham $25. Dick $25 and for Trader Joe’s visit.    Kevin K. $500!!! Fred $20.  Steve C. $40.  Ray $20.  David Reid $100.  Rick W. $20. 

Bonnie Hunt introduced tonight’s speaker Paula Ferenc new Exec Director of the Belknap House.  Came over after 25 years at the Circle Program, a mentoring program for young girls.

Belknap House is for families in transition.  Families that find themselves without a home.  It is a year-round shelter.  2016-2018 Family homelessness rose by 42%.  Lots of families came in October as campgrounds were getting too cold and they were waiting for a placement.  Belknap House is designed to keep a family together and make them feel safe and at home.

There is also a program piece to help them get their lives back together.  Job and interviewing skills.  Finding services for their children.

Fantastic group of volunteers and donors.

Capacity of 19.  When they transition out, it is difficult due to lack of transitional and affordable housing in this area. 

Work with DCYF and other local organizations.

Shortfall on funds for programming and supplies due to COVID-19 and inability to fundraise.  $4000 shortfall in our May fundraiser.  Could be more if we can’t do summer fundraising.  NHCF has come through for them.