President Todd Nicholson called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:18 pm. Lynne Beck was scribe. The greeters were Rita Dibble and Laurie Murphy. The A/V Teach Team was Ken Crabb, Paul Meekin and Matt Magers.
Jerry Faletti gave the Inspirational Minute about choosing peace and civility rather than violence. By centering on the good in humanity, we can help improve the world.
Joy McElroy introduced the speaker Monica Jones, the Program Manager of LifeHaven, a home that offers transitional living and support for teen moms and their children, and is a part of Lutheran Social Services Metro Homeless Youth Services. Monica has significant experience working in youth service fields.
Information on homeless youth
- There is a conservative estimate of 13,300 homeless youth in MN.
- They are the "least visible" members of society because they move from place to place.
- BIPOC and LGBQ1A+ youth are at the most represented.
- Youth become homeless for a number of reasons: unsafe home life, drug/alcohol abuse, fighting with parents, told to leave, parents are homeless, mental illness, generational impact of racial discrimination, age out of foster care.
Metro Homeless Youth Services Programs
LifeHaven
Housing and support for up to 18 months to 16-17 year old mothers and their children, who are experiencing homelessness
SafeHouse
Emergency housing of up to 60 days for youth experiencing homelessness
Transitional Living Project (TLP)
Supportive program for youth ages 16-21 ready to start living in a their own apartment
Rezek House Transitional Living Program
Two-year transitional living program for homeless youth ages 16-21
Youth Outreach
Support and assistance for youth who have run away or are without a stable place to stay
StreetWorks
Collaborative of youth-serving nonprofits that provide street-based outreach to youth experiencing homelessness in the Metro area
Monica asked members to sign up to make a difference to youth during the holiday season. You can purchase something on a young person's wish list for Christmas. Joy will contact you and the gift should be delivered to Rotary by December 10.
Shelly Rucks announced that the next meeting of the 501 Inspirational Lounge will be Tuesday, November 2 at the University Club at 5:01pm. The speaker will be Wolfie Bowender, "St. Paul - Street by Street - by Bike."
Todd Nicholson said the next Hybrid Hotel Meeting will be Tuesday, November 9. The speaker will be Steve Young, Executive Director of Caux Round Table for Moral Capitalism on the topic "Refugee Resettlement."
Ken Crabb announced that the One Rotary District Zoom Meeting is tonight, October 26, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Everyone is invited. The Zoom link is on the website.
Ed Coleman asked for Happy Dollars. They included: Jason DeKuester received the 2021 "Build Better Men" award from Delta Sigma Phi. Bill Given hopes to start the Rotary S.T.R.I.V.E. program at our club. Valdi Stefanson reported that a runway for aircraft is a positive result of our reservoir project in Bolivia.
Ruth Petermann asked everyone to fill out a survey to indicate why they like Rotary.
The meeting closed at 1:09 pm.
