Some interesting news tidbits were shared prior to our featured speaker, Cara Copeland, last week.

For example, Laura Tilrico reported the wonderful news that about $54,000 had been sent to Nepal to accomplish a project that will provide clean drinking water for the town of Godam Chour– a community of 2300 people who no longer have access to clean water due to the April 2015 earthquake. Five clubs participated in the funding…our own, the Early Birds, Seaside, Beaverton and Milwaukie. Work will begin immediately and should conclude in 2017.

Tony Lelack from Excell Fitness announced their annual turkey drive is underway. He asked that you help make the holiday nicer for a less fortunate family by either bringing a turkey to a meeting, taking one to Excell at 1150 Industrial Parkway #106,  or possibly donating $20 to this worthy cause. Donations are given to FISH.

Ray Hillman said he is off to Copenhagen to visit two of his children who are working there.  And soon thereafter, he’ll be leaving us for the winter as he heads to his home in Mexico.

City of Newberg employee Dan Keuler was introduced as a prospective new member. The countdown is on, Dan…..

President Leah told us about plans to assemble 700 gift bags right after our Nov. 16th meeting for distribution to kids during the Dec. 2 tree lighting ceremony. Plan on staying late on the 16th to help out if you can!

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Cara Copeland told us about “A Family Place” with the Chehalem Cultural Center’s “Day of The Dead” event decorations on display behind her. P.S. Won’t you be glad when Auggie returns as our photographer?

And our featured speaker was really interesting, too.   “The Story of A Family Place” was the title of the presentation by Cara Copeland.  And what a story it is. All about reducing child abuse, neglect and foster placements in Yamhill County through the services of “A Family Place,” the Newberg relief nursery Cara manages.

What is a “relief nursery”?

Cara told us it focuses on three integrated areas to stabilize at-risk families in Yamhill County: parent education, home visits and specialized preschool  training for children ages 0 to 5.

She outlined some of the risk factors that contribute to troubled families, such as unemployment, mental health issues, poverty, teen pregnancies, alcohol or drug addiction, homelessness, less than a high school education and incarceration.

Financial support to administer this program to help families comes by leveraging private dollars to get state funding. Cara said they raise $1.50 in community support for every state dollar obtained, and recently raised $20,000 at a community luncheon. They also receive grants from United Way and the Ford Family Foundation.

Some of the really terrific outcomes of this program that Cara pointed out:

  • Improved parent-child interaction
  • Improved family functioning
  • Increased frequency of reading to children
  • Increased parental employment
  • Reduced use of Emergency Department services

How can Rotarians help?

Cara suggested becoming a monthly sustaining donor, or a volunteer at the facility (which is housed next to Joyful Servant Lutheran Church on Villa Rd.) or serving on a fundraising or leadership committee. And remember our recent diaper drive? They can ALWAYS use those donations!