President Tammy Dunn rang the bell at 12:03pm, calling to order meeting #5466 of the Rotary Club of Everett, and meeting #14 of Tammy’s presidency. Tammy then delivered the Thought of The Day, commenting on community economic development.
Millenia Ministries
Michael Kvistad introduced today’s speaker, Leilanie Miller. Leilanie thanked the club for the invitation to speak about Millenia Ministries. Leilanie found herself and her family homeless due to a house fire. She had no idea what to do and no resources. She returned to school, started Millenia Ministries and moved to Washington in 2004. In 2006 she and her husband bought a 10 bedroom house to house homeless women. They bought another house in the Lake Stevens area. By 2016 they had housed over 500 women.
The women that enter their program are victims of domestic violence, sex trafficking, or addicted to alcohol or drugs. The women are advised not to work, but instead enroll in school, attend counseling and parenting classes.
In 2012 they introduced a grocery drop off program. They also gave 500-700 Thanksgiving meals to women in the YWCA.
Other programs include:
Senior outreach
Help for the disabled & veterans
Bless The Block, giving groceries to neighborhood residences
Partnerships with the Everett & Edmonds school districts
Survive to thrive, and 8 month program that teaches financial skills, life skills and a path to home ownership
Their goal is 100 families in stable housing per year. Currently they have 40 families in permanent housing and 30 families in temporary housing.
Leilanie then entertained questions from the club.
Announcements
Kelli Thode discussed the successful blood drive on Friday. 30 units were donated, and Jerry Tucker bought bloody marys for those who donated. Another blood drive is planned in three months.
President Tammy announced that October 24th is world polio day. She also mentioned that the Downtown Everett Association is looking for organizations to help with Trick or Treat in downtown Everett.
Brian Hollingshead announced that the next Rotary Happy Hour will be on Thursday, October 13th , 5:00pm at the Marriot on Colby Avenue.
Cat Wilson announced that the Student of the Month recognitions will begin on October 18th. She will email the schedule to the membership to sign up to do student introduction.
PP Greg Lineberry said hi from JFK airport where he was either heading to or returning from Dajabon, DR
President Tammy stated that Rotary Governor Raj will be attending our meeting next week and has a special award to present to the club.
Also, the Foundation Dinner will be on November 16th. Tammy will send more information to the membership.
