Club News

President Millie Youngquist opened the AAUW (American Association of University Women) business meeting on Feb. 14, at the First Resources Choices Drop-in Center. Prior to the business meeting Jill Boileau, facilitator of Choices, told of her 40 years in the mental health field and the background of the First Resources Choices Drop-in Center. The 100 percent county-funded center will celebrate two years in Washington on May 18, 2017, and is open Monday ? Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is open to all Washington County residents and free transportation is provided for Keokuk County residents on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Choices (Center for Hope, Opportunity, Inspiration and Change in an Environment of Support) provides a critically important social support for persons with psychiatric needs. Its goal is to give persons needing mental health supports an opportunity to recover meaningful roles in their life. The Choices Drop-in Center focuses on five key concepts: hope/faith in the future, self advocacy/everyone has a voice, personal responsibility/owning ?it? and moving on, education/about diagnosis and treatment and lastly support/having the necessary support to live your life.

Jill is the full-time facilitator and she has one part-time staff/peer support person. She is looking to add one or two additional support staff. She shared a few numbers from a recent three-month report to the Washington County Board of Supervisors. Jill saw 78 different individuals in that three-month time and she averaged 230 visits to the center by individuals per month. Choices is filling a real ?people need? in the county.

She shared that since last fall she has struggled trying to help homeless individuals. She told of the role of the Salvation Army and other area individuals and groups who are aware of the situation and trying to help. She would like to see more long-term solutions to the problem rather than short-term Band-Aids.

She closed by sharing a success story of one homeless man with mental health problems who is now living on his own with some support.

Highlights of the business meeting included Treasurer Patty Roe reporting five new members in 2016-2017 and a profit from the recent greenery/poinsettia sale. President Youngquist was thanked for receiving $300 from a state membership grant, used to help pay for a new branch brochure.

Linda Sturdevant reported on the scholarship committee?s work, sharing that Debbie Stanton had created new, attractive posters. Scholarship materials will be available at area libraries and publicity will include area newspapers, Facebook and the club?s website. The members voted to offer one $1,000 scholarship. Additionally, the membership voted to make a financial donation of $225 to Camp Invention.

President Youngquist shared the WRAP Center request for AAUW members to provide speakers once again this year from 1 - 1:50 p.m., March 27, April 10, April 24 and May 8. Kitch Shatzer (culinary arts), Marde McConnell (graphic design and government/post office) and Ellen Krueger (veterinarian/vet. tech.) will try to line up speakers.

It was shared that the Little Free Library continues to go well and members shared of their donations.

Marde McConnell reported that the AAUW-sponsored National Honor Society reception for students and parents went well and added that a thank-you note was received from this year?s Education Award Recipients, Washington County ISU Extension Staff.

In other business, Ellen Krueger shared a copy of the book: In the Beginning There Was Land, a History of Washington County Iowa by Kathy Fisher. She offered to donate that book and others to the Washington Free Public Library Genealogy Department from AAUW in memory of Marie Dare.

Patty Roe told of an upcoming two-day workshop for women interested in running for a legislative seat. The State AAUW Public Policy Chairperson notified Patty of the cost per person, March 28- 29 Des Moines event.

Patty Roe and President Youngquist reminded the group of the Feb. 16 STEM event for eighth-graders, jointly sponsored by AAUW, the Kirkwood Regional Center and the Washington Middle School. Eight members will be involved in the event.

Rosie Stelton reported on the March 14 meeting at the Halcyon House Game Room with Paul Reed speaking on ?What?s New in Farming.?

In closing, President Youngquist thanked Julia Gamon for preparing the refreshments.

Anyone wanting more information about AAUW, feel free to contact Marde McConnell, 653-3884 or Jennine Wolf, 461-1497 or Millie Youngquist, 653-4673.