Tyese Lawyer, Clark Candler and Gayle Gellerstedt

Clark Candler introduced the program.

Mark Burnette, Photographer

The invocation was given by Nath Briley, and Clark Candler, Our House board member, introduced our speakers Gayle Gellerstedt and Tyese Lawyer. Ms. Gellerstedt, who is married to Bill Funk, is an Our House volunteer and currently serves on its board of directors. Ms. Lawyer is the executive director of Our House.

Ms. Gellerstedt started the program by telling that in the Atlanta area, 50 families a day are becoming homeless and that there are over 800 homeless children on any given day. Our House is one of two shelters in the Atlanta area for homeless families, providing early childhood intervention and educational services year-round, five days a week. Our House also serves as an advocacy agency for parents, helping to provide the tools necessary for them to succeed as productive members of the community. It also provides resources and referrals for job training, mental health services, budgeting and many other services related to housing, family strengthening and resource building.

Ms. Gellerstedt introduced Tyese Lawyer as "someone who does everything from raising money to changing diapers and everything in between." Ms. Lawyer told the history of Our House, which began in 1988 when a group of citizens recognized that children staying overnight in shelters had to leave each day regardless of whether they had anywhere to go. The founders envisioned Our House as a safe haven where a parent could leave her child during the day knowing that the child would be well cared for while the parent sought employment and permanent housing. Our House provides care for 44 children, ages six weeks to five years of age.

Ms. Lawyer said that data shows that there are 58,000 children in Georgia with no place to call home, ranking Georgia 47th nationwide in child homelessness. One in 50 children are homeless, and Our House continues to receive increasing calls for help.

Ms. Gellerstedt came back to report on what is happening now at Our House. Through Ms. Lawyer's leadership and volunteer support, Our House is in the black for the fourth year in a row. Two years ago the board of directors decided that due to the inadequate facilities being used, a capital campaign would be started to raise funds for a renovation and addition to the building. The campaign raised $1.5 million, including generous pledges from both the board and the staff. In two weeks the new facility will be ready. Towards the end of April there will be "milk and cookies" events for friends and supporters of Our House, and the children will give tours of the new facility.

Our House has opened its arms to children and families that are hidden but very much present. Ms. Gellerstedt concluded her message by stating "Your house, my house, Our House, alive, well and functioning."

In honor of our speakers, President-Elect Bryan presented Finding Grace - The Face of America's Homeless to the DeKalb Library System.

• March 23: Fred Turner
• March 24: George Ingram
• March 26: Bryan Downs

Tyese Lawyer

President-Elect Bryan presents book to Gayle Gellerstedt.

President-Elect Bryan

Welcoming Guests

Elliott Augustine introduced our visiting Rotarian Pete Pfeiffer from Cordele.

President-Elect Bryan Downs, filling in for President Mark, introduced guests Dr. Ray Huie and Mary Lyons, Our House board members. Also present were guests of the club - John Drake and Becky Sawyer - who are going through the Rotary information process.

Officers for Decatur Rotary:

President - Mark Hastings

President-Elect - Bryan Downs

Past President - David Ewing

Secretary - Vee Nelson

Treasurer - Jason Conn

Sergeant-at-Arms - Doug Torbush

District Governor - Ted Propes

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

There will be a board meeting this Friday, March 27, at 11 a.m.

District 6900 assembly will be held on March 28 in Columbus. Any Decatur Rotary member wishing to attend will have the $30 registration fee paid for by the club.

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) reception will be co-hosted with the Dunwoody Club and held on Sunday, April 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Han II Kwan Korean restaurant, 5458 Buford Highway, Atlanta 30340. Our visitors are arriving in Atlanta on April 4 from District 3630 in South Korea. For more information, contact Bob Berg.

The Rotary District 6900 Annual Conference at Jekyll Island is fully booked. If you are still interested in going, you might be able to squeeze in. Contact Jason Conn. The dates are April 24-26.

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Join us! Decatur Rotary Club meets each Friday at noon at the Old Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur.

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The four-way test of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

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