Watch today’s meeting at https://youtu.be/6ImnoD52GTA
Our meeting was called to order by President Eric Weiler.
Announcements:
Rtn. Ryan Bell updated on a $10k check presentation to the City of Iowa City for procuring trees to plant. Everyone is invited to participate in planting trees at Willow Park on Oct. 23rd at 9 a.m. with the goal of planting 100 trees.
Rtn. LaDonna Wicklund reported delivery of I Can Read Songs to over 800 students.
President Eric Weiler announced that Rtn. Devin van Holstejin is a Corridor Business Journal Forty under 40 honoree this year. The Forty under 40 awards recognize 40 leaders under the age of 40 who have made significant impact in their business and community early in their careers. The awards banquet will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Oct. 14th from 5:30 - 8 PM. If you would like to register to attend click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forty-under-40-tickets-168655425919
President Eric Weiler updated due to the uptick in Covid cases the decision was made to go back to virtual meetings at least through October.
PROGRAM: James Gomez on Compeer Mental Wellness Starts With Friendship. Compeer seeks to create supportive friendships between trained volunteers and community members who receive mental health treatment to reduce social isolation and promote community engagement. Compeer is recognized as a best practice model for recovery from mental illness by the American Psychological Associationand is on the SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-Based Program and Practices. Compeer was established in Rochester, NY in 1973 with 12 volunteers and now there are 4,000 volunteers. Compeer Johnson County is one of over fifty affiliate programs around the globe and is the only program in Iowa and began making matches in 2002. The Compeer model is the participant is involved with the volunteer friend, therapist and Compeer staff. Criteria for participants include a referral by a primary therapist, must receive therapy from the referring professional at least once per month, and be mentally and emotionally ready to engage and benefit from a new friendship. Criteria for volunteers must be 18 years or older, complete an application, background check, and interview process, and are able to spend 4 hours per month with a Compeer friend. Currently Compeer has 10 active matches, 17 participants on the waiting list, and 12 advisory board members. Compeer is looking for more volunteers, board members, funding, and publicity to introduce Compeer to our communities. For more information visit compeerjohnsoncountyiowa.org, call 319-383-6264, or email compeeric@gmail.com.
Visiting Rotarians: None.
Guests: (Rtn. Kelley Drowne) Emma Walls; (Rtn. Diane Huber) James Gomez; (Rtn. Ryan Bell) Missy Forbes & Deb Bell.