At our last meeting, we said goodbye to Alicia Vazquez, who is moving to Texas. Alicia has been very active in our club, and most notably, worked tirelessly in literacy. We will miss you Alicia!
Louis Rivera gave us words of inspiration
Guests: Lizzie Lipker
Visiting Rotarian: Gerry Palmer
Wellness Report
- Norm VanDermortal - doing OK
Announcements:
- Linda Werts - needs a literacy committee, please sign up
- Lucina Hallagan - we need some ZOOM volunteers
- Scott Healy - there will be a Foundation Brunch on 10/30
- Scott Healy - remember the camp ONSEYAWA raffle tickets
- Donna Johnson - 9/23 - annual Toasting Possibilities to benefit ARC of Wayne
- Norma - Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) in Avon on October 1
- A very special cake in honor of Alicia Vazquez — we will miss you.
Happy Moments:
- Melissa Correia. - son is out of the Navy, and will be going to college; she was away for a few weeks, went on vacation to the Adirondacks, and got a new refrigerator from Ruffalo’s!
Birthdays:
Recognized a few birthdays and wedding anniversaries
Queen of Hearts
Sharon SanAngelo drew the Queen, congratulations!
Program: Steve Hallagan introduced todays speaker, Lizzie Lipker. Elizabeth Lipker, Survivors Advocacy Center. Is from Seneca Falls, and graduated from Nazareth College
Located behind McDonalds in Cannery Row. Center was started in 1986 - covers sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking or stalking. They help victims find housing, transportation, food, help facilitate and navigate the legal system. They are the “safety net” for folks in need of their services.Lizzie provides education in the schools - in the younger ages teaching them how to speak to a trusted adult - in the older grades adapt the curriculum to be age appropriate.
Stats:
- Funded through grants - their services are provided at no charge. They also rely on donations
- 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men with experience sexual violence
- In Wayne County - Domestic violence - in 2020, 423 cases of domestic violence — much higher than Seneca and Ontario
- We have a “safe dwelling” - only one in area. Can house up to 5 families. It is in a non-disclosed location to keep everyone safe.
- We are on social media platforms - look for us.
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness month
Questions:
- Approximately 10 people on staff
- What percentage of residents in the safe dwelling are from other counties — most are in Wayne. Safe Dwelling is not the same as a “shelter”. It is more private.
- Individuals may stay at the safe dwelling for 60 or 90 days - can request an extension if necessary.
- Have an “advocate” to work with them to help them transition back into society safely.
- Always need basic needs, toiletries, bedding, etc.
- Funded through State and Federal Funds. Still need donations
- COVID - increased the numbers. DV went from approximately 500 in 2019 to over 1000 in 2020
Reminder: Next Meeting: September 29