It has been a privilege to be able to serve the needs of the children in our community as President of the Kiwanis Club of Seattle. Truly, it is greater to give than to receive.
There has never been a greater need for organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Seattle. We provide a “hand up” for those most vulnerable in our communities – our kids. Organizations such as the Atlantic Street Center, Cobb Street School, First Place School and the Boys and Girls Club of Seattle, depend on the sponsorship and volunteers our organization provides.
One of the highlights of this past year have been attending the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Atlantic Street Center. Meeting the everyday heroes who are giving tirelessly to ensure that teenage mothers can stay in school and receive the support they is heartwarming. How can we put a price on the investment we make in these courageous mothers and their kids?
Another highlight was attending the 20th anniversary breakfast for First Place School. First Place School is ensuring that homeless children in our community are able to receive a high-quality education with wrap-around family support in order to help families achieve permanent stability. At First Place, no person slips through the cracks. Our programs serve the entire family.
Being part of a global organization – whose mission is to serve one child, one community a time – is a life changing gift. It is humbling to be able to observe the love in action from our membership, our high school Key Clubbers, Circle K college students, and retirees who have dedicated their time and resources to 50+ years of service.
As we look forward to our upcoming new year of Kiwanis 2011, we hope to focus our efforts on community outreach and sharing our story with the community. We hope to attract more volunteers, of any age, who choose to help us as we change the world, one child at a time.
Yours in service,
Jolene Anderson
President – Kiwanis Club of Seattle 2010-2011
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