Streetwise Kitchen
Julianne introduced the following speakers to present the results of last year’s grants for their respective organizations.
Elizabeth Feiertag – Program Director of the Justin Wynn Fund
Conrad Gordon – 2007 Winner of the program
The Fund helps “Wynners” develop leadership skills and a deep sense of responsibility for improving their communities. The project goal is to participate in soup kitchens at various churches. By cooking and serving dinner to those in need, the youth can help people during economic and/or emotionally difficult times.
The organization was founded in 1987 in loving memory of Justin Michael Wynn, who died in a swimming accident. Every year, two students who embody J. Wynn’s talents are chosen to attend the leadership academy.
Conrad relayed his experiences participating in the soup kitchens and believes these experiences prepared him to engage individuals in all walks of life. He explained how Rotary’s contribution serves as a catalyst for others to be involved.
Both Conrad and Elizabeth thanked Rotary for the contribution.
Dee Dee Chesley – Strategic Partnerships & Foundation Relations Manager at the Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE)
CNE invests in the potential of all children and families through early childhood learning, enhanced by parent empowerment, family support, and a coordinated system of care.
Dee Dee thanked Rotary for its support. She mentioned that children are more likely to be expelled from pre-school due to being unprepared to interact with others. In many cases, both parents and pre-school teachers are also unprepared to address these situations. The program brings professionals to work with the schools. CNE serves about 120 children in a given year. She also mentioned an event that will take place on Thursday, February 26 at the Wilmette Rec Center entitled: Child Care Matters – Policy Forum For Our Families. The forum will have a panel discussion with Sen. Daniel Biss, Sessy Wyman and Jeanna Capito.
Joe Moag, Program Development Manager at the Connections For The Homeless
The mission of the organization is focused on ending homelessness by preventing people from losing their homes, housing the homeless, and providing support to help people at risk achieve long-term self-stability. Clients are provided with primary healthcare and engage in adult education, vocational/career-education and employment services.
Joe mentioned that they provide housing and related services to about 1,000 individuals a year. Clients are required to be actively involved in the process to be successful. The Rotary grant facilitated an initiative designed by the clients to serve others in the same situations.
Susan Trieschmann, Executive Director of Curt’s Café
The mission of Curt’s Café is to help at-risk youth, primarily ex-offenders, to learn work, life, and intellectual skills through hands-on training, mentoring, and experiential outings. With high levels of professional and personal support, its purpose is to get Curt’s students into jobs that they are prepared for and to mentor them for as long as necessary.
Susan mentioned that more than 68 youth have been through the program and only one has returned to the judicial system for a crime. This is a superior result compared to the current statistics. Susan announced a new program that will be focused on young women coming out of jail and teen mothers. Susan thanked the club for its award.
Maiya Lueptow, Director of the Hillside Food Pantry
The mission of the organization is to engage the Hillside Church and members of the community in an ongoing ministry to distribute “rescued food” to those in need.
Maiya noted that the pantry serves about 250 families every day they are open. This average has been maintained for more than three years. The pantry makes sure that all clients are served with the utmost professionalism and respect. She thanked the club for the award. She shared “before” and “after” pictures of the facility due to Rotary’s award.
Sue Murphy, Director of the Interfaith Action of Evanston
The mission of the organization is to work with diverse faith communities and individuals seeking to address the systemic issues of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and hunger. Through interfaith dialogue it brings people together to build relationship and encourage understanding across faith boundaries.
Sue noted that the club’s award was used for additional overnight shelter items such as space heaters and other items. The shelter services are provided once the temperature drops to 5 degrees. (This is due to Rotary’s award as compared to zero degrees previously).
Jeanie Ramsey, Executive Director of the Services for Adults Staying in their Homes (SASI)
The mission of SASI is to support the efforts of older adults to remain in their homes, making living easier. SASI helps seniors and other adults who, due to aging, illness or injury, need assistance at home.
Jeanie thanked the club for its support and noted that the award was used to implement a nutritional training program in partnership with Curt’s Café. SASI has been serving seniors for the past 40 years. SASI also provides 4 to 8 hours of training to caregivers.
Seth Green, Executive Director of the Youth Organization Umbrella (Y.O.U.)
The mission is to provide services and leadership to meet the emerging needs of young people and their families. Y.O.U. serves low-income youth and touches family members through seven core programs: afterschool and summer enrichment, parental engagement, mental health counseling, street outreach, community schools, mentorship, and crisis intervention.
Seth highlighted that Y.O.U. works with many of the organizations represented at the meeting. Y.O.U. provides opportunities to youth who have passion and potential but lack access to opportunities. It serves young people in their schools. He mentioned that Rotary made it possible to bridge many needs.
Julianne mentioned that two organizations which received awards were not represented due to schedule conflicts. They are: Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association (ESCCA) and Dental Access Days.
Harold thanked all the presenters and took the opportunity to highlight the connection of the Holiday Sales to these excellent programs. He reiterated that the proceeds from the Holiday Sales enable the club to support community service programs and projects as well as international initiatives. The club is about service to others and these programs define the essence of the club. Harold thanked Julianne for her leadership of the Community Service Committee.
Visitors and Milestones
Birthdays:
