Message from King Lion, Todd Faulkner
So much to be grateful for!!!
I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude these past few days. I have found myself looking around my home and office and noticing things that cause me to be grateful: my family, friends, home, meaningful work, and so much more. Gratitude is often defined as the quality of being thankful, but I think it is so much more! It is interesting to note that every major religion considers gratitude as a core belief. Much work has been done to document the value an attitude of gratitude has on our health and well-being.
One of the things I’ve been thinking about as I have considered gratitude is how often gratitude is expressed through service to others. I’ve heard it said that service to others is the rent we pay for our space here on the earth. I would agree, but I would add that service to others is the expression of all we are grateful for in our lives. I have noticed time and again the close relationship between gratitude and service share. When I choose gratitude, my natural inclination is to serve others; when I serve others, I am more grateful for all the goodness in my life.
I’m inspired by those in my life who demonstrate gratitude. I like to be around people who say thank you, and tip big, and serve others when there is no possibility of repayment. I am inspired by the Lions I have gotten to know over the past several years as a member of the Bremerton Central Lions. I consistently see Lions give to projects and support fundraising efforts to support our local community.
My gratitude extends to each member of the Bremerton Central Lions. I see you! I see the long hours of service, the hard work invested in projects, the commitment to pay your own way, and the investments of your time, money, and talents to make our club a success. You challenge me to serve more, and in more meaningful ways.
As we look ahead to Thanksgiving season this month, I want to challenge each of us to think about all those things we are thankful for. Let’s make gratitude a central part of who we are, and allow ourgratitude to translate into service for others. And thank you for all you do, Lions!
- King Lion Todd
PDG Ida
Congratulations, Ida!
October 6, 2021 Lunch Speaker
The mission of Kitsap Homes for Compassion is to create affordable, permanent supportive housing (PSH) and other resources for those experiencing homelessness, using shared housing as well as private apartment units.
They envision a future Kitsap County where homelessness has been eliminated and everyone has a safe, supportive permanent home.
There are six housing programs available, reaching various homeless populations in Kitsap County.
- Mature adult program
- Single mother with small children program
- Houses for U.S. Veterans
- Olympic College program
- Houses for Kitsap Immigrant Families
- Young adult program for homeless singles age 18 - 40 years old
The KHOC program has several elements that are part of the housing system. Some current elements may not have enough funding and/or volunteers/human resources to fully support in entirety, but it is the vision and goal for the future:
- Housing first - clean room with locking door, shared common areas for an affordable monthly price. Cost of utilities included in monthly fee, including WiFi, internet, cable TV, and a landline house phone.
- Being a "Family" Member - must be part of the household, or family, and be respectful to one another. This means an end to isolation. it means working together as a team to complete household chores, allowing for smooth operation of a home. Thus, developing improved social skills that are key to success in life.
- Computer access and support - all houses are equipped with a shared computer that can be used by members to access the internet, jobs, and training opportunities. KHOC computer staff and volunteers help provide support and connect KHOC members with County training resources at WorkSource Kitsap.
- Discovering your strengths - Members take the StrengthFinder assessment from Gallup by Don Clifton to find out their individual strengths. This information helps members have more information to pursue employment opportunities and/or hobbies, interests and activities.
- Planned group activities and field trips - Activity coordinators (both from House Members and KHOC Volunteers) provide planned group activities and weekly field trips in which members can voluntarily participate.
- Employment Program - in the future KHOC would like to offer members job readiness skills and long-term employment acquisition that enables them to regain the confidence and motivation needed to obtain greater economic independence.
To learn more and find out how you can help, go to: https://kitsaphoc.org
October 20 Lions Club Speaker
Amy shared valuable information on the Washington Youth Academy and its positive impact on students.
Washington Youth Academy is a National Guard ChalleNGe Program. It was established under authority of both federal and state law and is a state-run residential and post-residential intervention for youth who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. It is a quasi-military training and mentoring program for at-risk youth. The goal is to give youth a second chance to become responsible and productive citizens by helping them improve their life skills, education levels, and employment potential.
October 27 Lions Club Speakers
MD 19 Annual Convention 2021
The annual convention is virtual this year and the event website opens Monday, November 1, to give everyone a chance to review the site and become familiar with how it works before sessions begin on Friday.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Friday, November 5 (9:00 AM) - Saturday, November 6 (6:30 PDT)
