Susan settled us down as always with her great piano playing. At 12:05 president Stacie rang the bell and brought us to order. Cara Sauceda then led us in the pledge followed by a rendition of This Land is Your Land — and ROTARY. A moving prayer was then offered up by Dave Hartman. Very hard to comprehend what has gone on and is going on in Israel. It is a dangerous world we live in now. There was no guest of Rotarians today but we did celebrate a couple of birthdays. James Hughes presented Shirley Craft and Lisa Stephens-Musick as our birthday honorees for this week.
Josh gave us a very encouraging report on John Deason. He has had a really tough time but seems to be turning the corner. Keep your prayers going for our good friend and fellow Rotarian. Looking forward to seeing him back soon. He missed out celebrating his birthday with us this week. We will catch him on the flip side.
Shirley Craft reminded us that our Veterans Day program is scheduled for November 10 and to let Tina know if you will be bringing a guest or guests. Carla bragged on her nephew again. He just keeps hitting those home runs. There was no member spotlight today.
Josh then introduced Kyle Gillette with the Helen Farabee Center. He informed us that although they cover 19 counties they are based in Wichita Falls and most of their work is centered in and around Wichita Falls and Wichita County. Their services cover a wide range of people from young children to senior citizens. Their crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day with someone always on standby. Referrals might come from schools churches or even someone spotting someone else on the side of the road. They work with almost all the nonprofits and law agencies in the area. They try to determine the type of help needed and level of risk. Sometimes a person requires inpatient care or a bed. They do have 10 beds with a 24 hour monitor. In addition they provide scheduling to see other professionals as needed as well as transitioning services. That may include counseling as well as housing. Some may have insurance that covers part but many don’t. The state of Texas who oversees the program also provides funding. As with most organizations they have a staffing shortage which currently is 8. There is also a shortage of inpatient services for child and adolescents. Currently there is a waiting list for them. The Farabee Center is one of 39 in the state.
Kyle was given the usual thanks with a donation to the WFISD foundation.
Stacie then reminded us that our current RI president focus this year is on mental health and that October 10 was mental health day. Ask how are you really and create hope in the world.
We finished up with the four way test and adjourned till next week.