September 2015

DMARSPA MINUTES - September 24, 2015 1. President Justine Finley welcomed all members, especially new members. She told a story about her middle school experience of not being able to help students after the school day ended, which she used as an introduction to the speaker - Jackie Gibson of Freedom For Youth Ministries. 2. Jackie Gibson, who has been with them for five years as resource director, explained the ministry of Freedom For Youth Ministries.They don't receive any government funding, only from churches and individuals. The ministry was founded after Mark Nelson, executive director, read a series of articles on homeless youth and began visiting these youth. One girl's story of meth addiction inspired him to begin the ministry in a small building in downtown Des Moines with over 200 youth. Promise House opened the next year. In 2006, they received a six acre property. Now they have programs for all grades K-12. Youth receive a meal in all programs. A van is used to go around to different areas where youth are gathered, as well as to local high schools. Judges also send youth to them with minor criminal backgrounds, addiction, sex trafficking; word of mouth also bring youth to them. A video was shown depicting the youth they serve. A volunteer - driven organization, with over 1000 volunteers, youth work on faith, education, leadership, employment and get Bible study, tutoring. Youth Live in a home, with a house parent and house mates. Programs include : Discovery for middle school, where they do wood working, sewing, things to help their skills; and Journey program in high school, where employment is emphasized.Many lack basic skills in their lives, especially Jesus. Those who haven't finished high school participate in GED and supportive employment . Recently, the ministry purchased a car wash next door to the center, and are waiting for a permit to open a coffee shop serving Produce Freedom Coffee, which students learn to roast. Gifted with a house from Wells Fargo, the ministry wants to have enterprises so youth can learn skills for employment. Brie,who went through the program, and is now working for the ministry and earning her massage license was introduced. Youth can stay up to two years. Their vision is to be in all 99 counties. On October 13,an annual celebration will be held at the Holiday Inn across from the airport. Opened for questions. Had books and coffee for sale. 3. Elaine Wilkinson, president elect, led the Birthday song for September birthdays, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Elaine also related that her husband will be having an operation this afternoon. 4. Justine thanked the wait staff and Lunch was catered by Baratta's. 5. Justine opened the business meeting with some jokes, followed by Joe Nemec reading one of his original poems, "My South Dakota Roots." 6. The business meeting was called: A. Secretary's Report: Sherry Wilkinson read the August minutes. One correction was noted, the IRSPA conference will be October 7and 8, not October 6 and 7. The minutes were approved as corrected B. Treasurer's Report: Rosemary Hillman reported our total assets are $10, 972.79, which includes $376.42 in the scholarship left after a check was written for a $1000 scholarship. Rosemary put in a plug for the IRSPA conference. Need to register today. The report will be filed for audit. C. Warren Pitcher discussed the audit that was just performed for DMARSPA. After examining, the cash checking account balance increased $900. Our money market account, designated as a scholarship fund account, is depleted after the three $1000 scholarships were given. These funds are kept in a separate account from the general fund. Waren thanked Rosemary Hilman for having such organized records. Scholarship funding was also discussed. How are we going to raise money for next year? He described how other organizations are raising money - matching funds, garage sales. His suggestion for a source of scholarship funds for DMARSPA would be for each member to donate the $13 charge for the November meeting we don't have, plus add another $13, and we would have funding. He challenged members to donate to the scholarship fund. Justine suggested members email their thoughts to her, and it would be discussed by the board. D. Membership: Martha Cole spoke for Sue Slatter who had a knee replacement last month. Martha thanked the callers. A call or card was encouraged to A card was also sent to Gina Beltrame. Be sure to contact Sue or Martha so cards can be sent out. Also, members were encouraged to send cards to Dave Wilkinson. E. Legislative Update: No report 6. OLD BUSINESS: A. Registration forms for IRSPA convention on the table. B. Had an invitation sheet for potential new members C. If you call Justine at home, please leave a message because of all of the political ads. D. Martha Cole said Judy Walden is now at Ramsey Village for an unspecified time. Please send her a card. 7. NEW BUSINESS; A. Justine said in December we will be doing a book collection for prisoners to read to their children, as well as a gift exchange. We might be doing a pass the hat for scholarships. B. In your membership booklet, the last page is for volunteer hours. The data is used for funding for non profit groups that apply for grants. So, please start putting down the hours you volunteer. C. A sheet was received from an art group - No More Starving Artists. An after school program at St. Johns lutheran church having artists meet with children is asking for food for 60 or monetary donations. Justine has the information, if anyone is interested. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS A Paula Herman said a gentleman from Josephs talked to us several months ago about a gem show which will be in October. If anyone is interested in information, Paula has postcards. B. One guest was introduced. 9. Dee read the answers to the puzzle. 10. The winner of the door prize was announced. - Flowers from Boeson were won by Allaire Jutting. Justine related that Boeson gave us a $100 certificate for IRSPA convention. 11. Our next meeting will be October 22. The program will be "Celebrating Iowa." 12. The meeting was adjourned at 12:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sherry Wilkinson