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Story: A Fresh Start Fresh Start Support Services was established in 1987 when a group of people from the community saw a need to support pregnant young women in raising their children. The registered charity opened its doors in Springfield, Ontario under the name of Rehoboth Girl’s Home of Refuge and Support. Since then it expanded its services into St Thomas, to offer supportive co-op living and apartments to allow young women age 16 and over to live and parent in a semi-independent environment. It became Fresh Start Support Services and in addition to offering services in St. Thomas it collaborated with The Family Central Apartments in Aylmer. In early 2019 The Family Central Apartments became a registered organization and began to work independently. Fresh Start Support Services continues to support pregnant and parenting women in raising their children.  Carla Matos, a Board Chair of FSSS, explained their Mission: “Supporting families in a safe housing community by providing early parenting interventions and skill development while putting Christ’s love into action”. Their Vision is to offer “a Christ-Centered place of healing that strives to provide families with a hope for the future”. Staff sign a Statement of Faith but otherwise the services are offered without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, beliefs, marital status mental health status, financial status, drug use or misuse. Residents are looking for supports around pregnancy, parenting, and life skills. There is no age restriction on the age of the adults that live at Fresh Start; however, children in the residential program must be under the age of 2. The majority of their funding comes from donations and a banquet will be held Friday 24 April at 6pm for 6.30pm dinner at Faith Church, St. Thomas. Tickets can be purchased online for $25. Donations towards FSSS may be made during that event or at any time. Baby bottles were distributed to club members. They can be used to collect small change and returned at the first club meeting after Mother’s Day to Barb Warnock. Carla Matos, Barbara Warnock, President Gerry Club News: - Doug Burnard is hospitalized in London and being treated for brain cancer.
- 2020 Vision District 6330 Conference 19-21 June in Port Elgin -CAW; registration is open now
- Thursday 9 Apr 2020 Rural Urban Night, Rotary Club of St. Mary’s. Guest speaker will be Dan Needles. For 30 years, author and playwright Dan Needles has been bringing to life the stories and characters of his mythical Persephone Township, a fictional rural Canadian community two hours north of the big city. His Wingfield Farm series of stage plays have appeared in virtually every English speaking theatre in Canada Tickets: https://www.rotarystmarys.ca/event/2020-rural-urban-night/
- Group of Rotarians from South Africa will be visiting our area April 29-30. Local Rotarians are asked to provide 2 nights accommodation.
- Tickets are available for the club’s Spring Extravaganza Saturday 21 March 10am-4pm at the Columbus Club.
Artisans and vendors are participating. Their products feature chocolate, baked goods, meats, wood, jewellery, pottery, floral and crafts items and works of art. - East Coast Kitchen Party Friday 29 May 2020. Tickets $113 including GST. An excellent evening of fun for all. (No club meeting that week).
- First time winner of the 50/50 was Barbara Warnock.
- Trudy Kanellis was our Fine Master testing our memories: Last 3 club Presidents; last 3 District Governors; Last 3 RI Presidents; last 3 Rotary themes.
Happy Fines for The Rotary Foundation, Annual Programs Fund ($60 donated today) Malcolm-1. Great visit to family in England Barb-3 For their 3 children: Ashley has been accepted in Psychiatry at U of T; Julian is moving in May; Emily is serving with Canadian Forces infantry in Latvia. Ron-2 Our speaker and having President Gerry home. Adriana-2 Proud of Marco Junior: Research he undertook in summer 2019 has been published in Germany. A professor from U of T has invited him to undertake further research; He has translated an English book into Spanish for the University of Columbia, S. America. Gerry-2 For our speaker and St. Thomas is a caring, integrated community; for being home from Florida. Pat Martyn-2 For her grandson’s 5th birthday; for our speaker today. Link to District Conference event:
Date | SAA | Greeter | Fine Master | Mar 18 | Ron Somerville | Trish Shouldice | Trudy Kanellis | Mar 25 | No meeting following event | ------- | ------- | April 1 | Ron Somerville | Malcolm Rust | Connie Davidson | April 8 | Ron Somerville | Mary Morin | Nancy Lovelock |
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