September 8, 2015 luncheon activities

September 8, 2015

Today our guest speaker was Jonna Sharp.  She is the manager for People Assisting the Homeless- P.A.T.H.  This program offers assistance to individuals and family are struggling to find work and shelter.  It is a non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1983 that provides services to the homeless and disadvantaged individuals in San Juan County.  It is an emergency shelter that is alcohol and drug free environment which provides temporary shelter, basic needs, and support services for men, women, and children that are experiencing homelessness.  Daily Bread provides a daily meal to those in need.  The schedule for this is Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., as well as, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Rio de Esperanza is a 12 apartment semi-independent living for up to 2 years.  This program is a HUD based program fee, 24/ case management, for sober free living for families, and individuals that qualify. 

They offer on-site life skills to the residents that are coping with their current situation, and provide guidance and support to prevent homelessness in the future.  Weekly group/individual meetings are scheduled to address concerns of housing, budgeting, nutrition, employment, and healthy lifestyles.  The resource room allows residents to learn basic computer literacy, create resumes, and search for jobs.  A resident savings program designed to guide the resident as a method of saving for the future rent expenses is provided.  The temporary housing program has provisions for additional months and available for small program fee. TLF 4 Tots-in-Need is a subsidy program that is offered to families living in any shelter in San Juan County.  The subsidy allows qualified families to secure certified daycare for their children while parents are job searching.

Non-profits rely heavily on the support from within the community through volunteers and monetary donations.  At the shelter volunteers can help by mentoring, organizing game or activity night for residents, prepare meals for residents, and help yardwork or general maintenance at the shelter.

For more information, call 505-327-3104 for the shelter or 505-327-0956 for Daily Bread. 

Pol (pronounced Paul) Nicolai arrived from Belgium with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program.  He grew up in a small town in Belgium of approximately 20 people.  He commuted each day for 1-hour to and from school daily.  The school had 700 students.  He graduated this past spring.  His favorite subject in school was math.  He recently took an exam for engineering.  He will return in a year to Belgium to complete his studies in engineering.  He speaks French, English, and Dutch.  He will be living with the Drew and Pam Degner family.  His first trip in New Mexico will be this weekend to Roswell to attend the functions for exchange students.

Jesse Beard has been re-inducted into the local Rotary Club.  Jesse is a past president of the Rotary Club.  He had 50 years of perfect attendance.  Please welcome Jesse Beard.

Daniel Evans is the newest member of Rotary.  Daniel grew up in Farmington.  He is the manager of the Habitat for Humanity.  He spoke to the Rotary Club in 2014 about Habitat for Humanity.  Daniel is married to Amanda.  They have a 7 year old and a baby on its way in 18 weeks!  Rotary members want to welcome Daniel Evans to the club!