Our Meeting was called to order by President Tara Minetos

Please note that at our next meeting, Tara will no longer be Tara Minetos but Tara Lawson as she weds Devin Lawson THIS Saturday. Congratulations, Tara!!!

 

The attendees sang “Smile” and “Happy Birthday” led by Rtn. Aaron Schaefer and Rtn. Devin Van Holsteijn.  

 

A moment of silence was held for Dr. Roger Simpson who passed away on July 24 at the age of 96. He was thought to be the most senior member of our club. He was married for almost 78 years and is survived by his wife Mary.

 

Welcome back to Nancy Quellhorst, guest of Rtn. Margaret Reese and a hello to Margaret’s other guests Michelle Heinz and Dana Allen (who was at orientation this past week). Rtn Bill Bywater’s guest was Chip Reeves.

 

Chip Reeves, CEO of MidWestOne Bank, was inducted into the club with Rtn. Bill Bywater as his sponsor. Welcome to the club, Chip!

 

President Tara Minetos announced that the Food Fight, a competition between Iowa City Rotary Clubs to provide food for CommUnity's foodbank, will continue through the month of August. You can donate directly to CommUnity or if you want a tax deduction from Rotary, send checks through District 6000 HEF with Food Fight/Noon Rotary in the subject line and mail to Rotary District 6000 HEF, POB 5774, Coralville, IA 52241-5774.

 

Rtn Kelley Krueger announced that the August 15 meeting will include the students who attended both the World Affairs Seminar (WAS) and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camps. If you are so inclined, we would welcome contributions to our Youth Leadership efforts so that we can send more students next year.

 

Rtn. Ron Ettinger had a visiting scholar from Brazil whose father was a very active Rotarian. Her dad told her to attend a meeting and sent some flags with her. Ron was unable to get her to a meeting but did get a flag from her that he resented to President Tara Minetos. The flag is from Pouso Alegre-Sul Club in Brasil, District 4560.

 

Nancy Quellhorst introduced today’s speaker, Michelle Hines, who serves as the Executive Director of Inside Out Reentry Community. This organization supports people who are returning to the community after incarceration. She highlighted some of the barriers that these people face when they reenter the community. She has been with the organization for about six years and is glad to report the employment opportunities have expanded for people with criminal backgrounds.

 

Transportation is a big barrier as many can’t get their driver’s license back until fines are paid. The organization provides free bus passes and provides transportation resources as needed. There is a social stigma around incarceration and that leads to isolation and some people do not have familiar support or deal with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. 

 

Housing is a huge challenge that is getting harder. Returning citizens are 10 times more likely to be homeless compared to the general public. Given that the Iowa City area is more expensive, this is a challenge. 37% of people leaving prison in the state (and other states in our area) will return to prison. For people that access their services, the rate is closer to 25%. Most returns are on technical violations (not following probation for example) rather than new crimes.

 

They are located on south Capital Street and provide weekly peer support groups, a resource center, life skill training, transportation assistance, a mentoring program, and assist with housing and employment. They also provide social activities for participants. In August, they opened a transitional re-entry house that has 6 furnished bedrooms in Iowa City. Rent is low, and participants can stay up to 2 years. They provide resources and weekly meetings for members.

 

People can get involved by volunteering and they have a big need for male mentors age 35 and up. If interested, reach out via hello@insideoutreentry.com

 

The meeting ended at 1:00 pm with President Tara Minetos leading the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.

 

Next week’s speaker is John Lohman who will speak on 20 years of the Corridor Business Journal.

 

Program: Rtn. Devin van Holsteijn; Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll

 

Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members prior to each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Rtn. Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com