Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, June 13, 2024
President Jackie chaired the meeting.
Club Business
Jackie proudly announced that Rotarian Jim Patriquinn has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Elaine presented him with his special pin that acknowledges that he has made a $1000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation
Congratulations from all Rotarians go to Jim, Corner Brook Club’s newest Paul Harris Fellow.
Social Event
There will be no Rotary lunch meeting next Thursday, June 20th as a Rotary Social will be held that evening.
Guest Speaker
Adam introduced guest speaker Mike Kearley, director of Vine Place Community Centre. This centre offers a variety of programs and services, with a focus on supporting NL Housing tenants and low-income families and individuals. The centre provides a range of services including mental health support, peer support, substance use/addiction programs, and unemployment assistance. They also have a Summer Program for kids aged 6 to 10.
This Centre is one of a network of neighbourhood community centres funded by NL Housing Corporation. These centres share a common mission and mandate to help improve the overall well-being of NLHC neighbourhoods and tenants by positively impacting the overall life circumstances of those living close to these centres
Mike continued by looking at the services offered at Vine Place. There are a wide variety programs such as employment programs which cover topics such as wage supplemental, transitions to work, work force needs, and steps to success programs.
He talked about the 5 summer camps when kids go to Pinchgut Lake Camp for 3 days with a cost of $10 per camper. At Christmas time food hampers are distributed as well as Christmas gifts. In September help is given in providing back packs containing school supplies. These are just a couple examples of donations that the Centre makes.
Mike talked about the effect of the covid years and how programs are being rebuilt at the moment. A pilot program stated in St John’s that has proved very good and this will be started across the province where family intervention workers are employed to help families navigate the provincial social system. It is hoped to have such a social worker in Corner Brook in the fall.
He finished his talk by speaking of the new living 1–2-bedroom units to be built which will serve the needs of tenants better.
Linda thanked Mike on behalf of the club after he answered several questions.
The meeting was adjourned at 1.30pm