Today we had the pleasure of a visit from Betty Archambault, a very active member of our local Elks Lodge. I’m sure I was not the only person who was just blown away by the amount of good work done nationally and locally by the Elks Lodges. The Elks focus strongly on veterans AND on youth. Who knew? Past President Joe Christopher introduced Betty telling us how she came out of retirement to Chair the local lodge’s Youth Activities Committee and the energy she brought to the Committee and the award of a $10,000 impact grant for youth.
The St. George Elks Lodge is the first and only Lodge to receive the m
aximum $10,000. That funding has been/will be used for programs for underprivileged youth in the Millcreek Alternative School. These are high risk youth often living on the street or in cars who are struggling with the basics of life. The Elks Grant purchased freezers and shelving and set up a Food Pantry of staples and fresh produce with the only purpose being to feed those young people many of whom have no access to other food. Hygiene supplies and baby care needs are also available.
Betty emphasized that this program is about becoming independent and is not a “welfare” type program. It is designed to meet some basic needs so a young person can continue his/her education and be launched into independent living. By making basic food, toothbrushes, etc. available these very high risk youths do not need to steal food or earn money for food from stolen goods, etc.
The program is very successful with many young people graduating from high school and some going on to college at Dixie and elsewhere. A last piece of trivia about Elks Lodges, as an organization they are the second largest provider of scholarships in the US behind only the US Government.
Thank you Betty, for sharing your work with us.
Next week, The Crossroads. Ironman coming up! Have you registered for Aid Station #9? Dictionary delivery soon. District Conference May 13-15th, don't miss it.
Wow! Lots on our plate!
Have a good weekend!
Marla
The St. George Elks Lodge is the first and only Lodge to receive the m
aximum $10,000. That funding has been/will be used for programs for underprivileged youth in the Millcreek Alternative School. These are high risk youth often living on the street or in cars who are struggling with the basics of life. The Elks Grant purchased freezers and shelving and set up a Food Pantry of staples and fresh produce with the only purpose being to feed those young people many of whom have no access to other food. Hygiene supplies and baby care needs are also available.Betty emphasized that this program is about becoming independent and is not a “welfare” type program. It is designed to meet some basic needs so a young person can continue his/her education and be launched into independent living. By making basic food, toothbrushes, etc. available these very high risk youths do not need to steal food or earn money for food from stolen goods, etc.
The program is very successful with many young people graduating from high school and some going on to college at Dixie and elsewhere. A last piece of trivia about Elks Lodges, as an organization they are the second largest provider of scholarships in the US behind only the US Government.
Thank you Betty, for sharing your work with us.
Next week, The Crossroads. Ironman coming up! Have you registered for Aid Station #9? Dictionary delivery soon. District Conference May 13-15th, don't miss it.
Wow! Lots on our plate!
Have a good weekend!
Marla
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