Newport News Rotarian Travis Hall with Rotarian of the Day Joe New.
Our November 13 Rotary Club of Norfolk luncheon program featured Rotarian Travis Hall, executive director of Youth Challenge of Hampton Roads. The Newport News-based nonprofit he leads focuses on helping people in our region rebuild their lives after being devastated by drug addiction or alcoholism. It also strives to restore hope in families and help participants regain being productive citizens in our community.
Hall, who once struggled with drug addiction and was helped by Youth Challenge, gave these highlights:
One in three households in our country is impacted by addiction.
Youth Challenge, a faith-based program, was established 1979.
Its 12-month program serves those 18 and older through the Hope Center of Hampton Roads.
Referrals are often made by the court system, family members and friends.
The organization's subsidiary Micro Enterprises employs participants in landscaping, construction, a thrift shop and other workforce endeavors. This funds about 45% of annual budget with remainder from private contributions.
Program tuition runs about $23,000, and participants are asked to contribute $3,000.
Key phases of the program involve establishing daily routines that include counseling and work, learning stress-management tools, moving away from drugs and establishing a personal relationship with God. Successful participants then mentor others who are struggling, develop personal accountability and gain financial management and soft skills to help them return to the workforce. Once employed, participants build financial stability and establish a support system through family, friends and religious organizations.
Announcements:
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Past President Teddy Baker, who died this past week. Members were invited to a memorial service that would immediately follow today's meeting.
During the Rotary Minute, Pres-Elect Lorna shared our club's having been highlighted at last week's 2017-2018 District Foundation Banquet: we were honored for being the #1 Club in District 7600 in annual giving, as well as being among the clubs that recorded over $250 per capita in Club member giving. Another important milestone: this was the first year District 7600 had ever exceeded $1 million in giving. An extra salute goes to our Immediate Past District Governor, John Padgett, who helped navigate the generous gift from the Spainhour Family Trust to the Rotary Foundation.
Bill Lehew and Irv Wells have made excellent recoveries from their illnesses and were at the meeting. Joe Massey is hoping to be at next week's meeting.
Visitors: Past District Governor Bill Pollard, and two prospective members, Robert Haynes and Tara Bell, both with Vertical Realty.
President Pam welcomed two new members: Dr. Greg DeCinque, interim president of Tidewater Community College, and Bob Kuhlo, a retired USAF officer and government contractor.
Michelle Tapia, Old Dominion University Rotaract Club president, announced a fundraiser for polio at Chipotle, and a pool tournament. The ODU Rotaract is working with the recently-formed TCC Rotaract club.
Happy Bucks/Fines:
Steve Jones was in the news for his CPA firm's fabulous new offices;
Jeff Wells was featured on Channel TV-13 (broadcast and online) for his design work on a restaurant in Ocean View;
A positive Virginian-Pilot article on GrowlFest mentioned Bryce Burton and Sally Hartman;
Shep Miller saluted PDG Bill Pollard for his successful recovery from heart surgery;
Bruce Willcox celebrated a new grandson;
Carlisle Wroton gave a tip from his Italy trip that involved not entering Venice at high tide (!);
Jim Sell celebrated his 46th Rotary membership anniversary;
Marty Raiss was happy about her "trip of lifetime" to Israel; and
Bob Latimer announced his annual hot dog day is coming up on December 14 with free hot dogs for everyone coming to lunch at Doug's Hot Dogs in Ocean View.
.jpg)