Nov 17 2009

Lake Murray Irmo Rotary Meeting Minutes November 17, 2010

President Judy opened the meeting with John Adair leading us in Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Lyman Whitehead humored us with a little health, happiness and Happy Dollars. Darren Bouknight introduced our guests and Jacque Kleynenberg reminded us the Babcock Center is raising funds by selling a special Christmas ornament.

Our annual Christmas Party is being held at MurrayWood Swim and Racquet Club on December 3^rd. No meeting will be held the week of ThanksGiving.

Scott Moseley of Irmo Insurance Agency gave his classification speech.

Jeanette Coulter introduced our speaker, Kathleen Shaw of Sistercare. Her hope is to get the word out as to who they are and what they do as most people are not familiar with their organization. They operate three shelters in the metro area, two in Lexington and one in Richland County, providing a safe haven for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. The shelters have the appearance of a routine home in an older neighborhood. These shelters are always full with an average stay of 27 days. Sistercare served 661 individuals last year (399 women 262 children) however they had to turn away 260. Sistercare is very involved with children. Most of their clients are mothers with school age children. The children are placed in school and provided counseling. Domestic violence is a cycle, stopping the cycle begins with children. The counseling is provided to the family while in the shelter and after they leave. Some families continue counseling for many years. Unfortunately many victims go back to the situation which brought them to Sistercare. It can take leaving the situation as many as seven times before the individual is successful in separating themselves from the violence and abuse. Success is heightened when the victim’s children become involved. Sistercare provides legal aide and will go the court with the victim. They also operate a 24-7 crisis line, a rural outreach program, speakers’ bureau and volunteer program. It is estimated 33% of all female ER admissions are due to domestic violence.

Their funding is received from the Federal and State Government, United Way, Foundations and benevolent contributions. Their funding is down due to the economy however as the economy and funding go down their need goes up.

Questions were fielded and President Judy adjourned the meeting