February 26, 2015 meeting notes


We had 20 members and 5 guests (including our speaker) attending.  John T won the 50/50 drawing.
Jeff Roberts, assistant Principal at Cheney High School, presented our students of the month.  Caleb participated at several events at state swimming; he is a senior and plans to attend EWU.  Michael participated in the state wrestling tournament.




Our speaker was Carol Beason, the director of Cheney Outreach.  She explained that Outreach was established 25 years ago to provide emergency assistance to needy people.  The people it serves go through a needs assessment and receive assistance with such things as bus passes and  energy and rent assistance.  Assistance amounts usually range from $75 for an individual up to $150 for a family.   It serves part of the Cheney school district and helped 1964 households in 2014, including 2099 kids under 18.  Assistance for children includes school supplies and parks and rec fees for sports or pool access.


Outreach has an annual budget of approximately $55,000 and has 1 paid employee and another employee funded by a community grant.  It does not hold fundraisers but receives donations from 10 community churches, service clubs and sororities and fraternities.   


Additional volunteer help is needed.  Volunteers are asked to commit to 3 hours a month; they have a 4 week trial period and receive training for 3-6 months.