DMARSPA MARCH 23, 2023, MINUTES
1. Mike Walag, subbing for President Marla Carr, welcomed DMARSPA members and guests to the March 23 meeting.
2. Introduced today’s program - Mary’s Helping Hands, presented by Robin Fulton. Robin was on the start up for Mary’s Helping Hands, which does a lot of good for new and expectant moms. They were founded in 2021 when St. Vincent DePaul was approached about being under their umbrella. It’s amazing how quickly this has grown. Mission : to provide love, care and provisions for the first year of a baby’s life. Many have misconception that kids in the suburbs have no need. Wrong. They need maternity clothing; that’s a luxury for many women who come to them. They take any size sheets, diaper wipes, soft T-shirts ( older the better, a woman makes breast pads out of them), toys, books, nursery items, tubs, baby carriers, Boppy pillows, changing pads. A drive was done at Sacred Heart a month after they started. They started with one storage unit; went to five storage units soon. A donor said they would pay $1000 a month for storage indefinitely. Now they’ve moved out of storage unit. Donated more than 5,000 items in first year. In December of 2021, they got their first grant. That helped them serve 91 clients. Now have signed a three-year lease where moms can go to get pregnancy testing. Not a political affiliated organization. They’ve moved three times because they’ve grown out of their space. Now on Pleasant St. in WDM. Partner with 15 agencies. On emergency line with United Way. In 2022, donations - 100,190; served 2,477 individuals, returning clients - 282. They also give info about parenting classes. Just in month of February, 2023, 10,432 donations out the door, 279 people served. Serve about 50 people a week. The minimum they get is one year supplies. They can refer them to a place that provides free car seats. A hundred volunteers help with one paid employee. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and two hours on Sunday. Grants have totaled $125,000 this year. Robin related some client stories. Each basket contains 117 items for girls; 112 items for boys (no bows for boys). They also help fathers who are caretakers. How to help; clothing drives, volunteer, community support (prayers, financial support, share the message, connect us with other partners). They don’t take furniture, but St. Vincent DePaul and other thrift organizations do. Mary’s also give information on literacy, too.
3. Celebration of March birthdays, followed by the Pledge to The Flag, and a moment of silence.
4. Lunch
5. Introduction of visitors
6. BUSINESS MEETING:
A. Secretary: Sherry Wilkinson - minutes were approved as read.
B. Treasurer: Sandra Petre - GENERAL ACCOUNT: Balance on hand February 23, 2023 - $4825.82. Deposits - $909.00; Expenses (Hy Vee) - $847.44. Balance on hand March 23, 2023 - $4887.38. SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT: Balance on hand February 23, 2023 - $2631.90, deposit - $71.00, interest 0 .51. Balance on hand March 23, 2023 - $3203.41.
C. Courtesy: Dee - Thank you card for generous scholarship donation, congratulations to Diane Mackey, who had a kidney transplant; birthday card to Billy Smith-Uitermarkt, get well card to Paula Middleton Schaefer, sympathy card to Bob Eastland, Thinking of you card to Nancy Waldon, She is at Wesley Acres Center, 3520 Grand Avenue, 50312, room 147, and likes cards; thinking of you card to Joe Nemec who fell.
1. If people cancel by Monday of that week, then people will not have to pay for lunch.
2. Puzzle answers
D. Old Business:
1. Donate to scholarship fund.
E. New Business:
1. Nominating committee volunteer needed.
2. Need nominees for President and President elect. Jan Johnson has agreed to be the new President.
3. IRSPA - District 5 annual meeting at Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden, May 3. IRSPA will pay travel expenses. Link for registration in last newsletter. Registration due by March 31 to Marla. 4. DMARSPA dues ($18) must be paid by the June meeting in order to have your name in the Directory.
7. Cashiers for April - Jane and Sandra Petre.
8. Door prize - Lou Burkel
NEXT MEETING - April 27 - Farmer’s Market: Past, Present, Future.
Meeting adjourned at 12:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Wilkinson,
Secretary
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