Song - Jerry Boyce

Pledge - Ben Brown

Prayer - Jodi Moscona

Introductions - George Simoneaux

Last Week’s Speaker: Bill Kuehen, LCSW, Executive Director of Youth Oasis

Bill Kuehen, executive director of Youth Oasis, spoke at the Jan. 28 meeting. Youth Oasis’ mission is to support runaway, throwaway, and homeless youth. Many of the youth are escaping physical abuse, substance abuse, or exploitation in their home environment. Youth Oasis is divided into two main programs: the Kaleidoscope Program and the Passages Apartment Program.

The Kaleidoscope Program is the first emergency shelter Baton Rouge has had in 10 years that is exclusively available to unaccompanied homeless young people. Kaleidoscope provides short term housing, food, clothing, counseling, recreation, health care, and a safe, caring environment. The center seeks to reunite young people with their families whenever possible or to locate appropriate alternative housing placements. In their first year of operation, over 100 children have been provided with shelter equaling 1652 bed nights of care.

The Passages Apartment Program is for homeless young adults ages 16-21. This program provides a safe living environment, training that enables youth to develop independent living skills, and access to community resources that can enhance their ability to live responsibly. Young people in Passages are assisted with career planning, employment, and post secondary education. Over 80 young adults have received long term residential services from Passages since 1999. 

Announcements:

The Wednesday, Feb. 4 meeting will take place at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by a guided tour from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. Everyone is responsible for their own transportation to the Port. Directions will be provided soon. We will need to know in advance how much food is necessary, so please RSVP. Also, please contact any members that do not have e-mail.

The Jan. 21 meeting proved to be a success. The Capital City Kiwanis had 13 members in attendance for the governor’s visit.

The Kiwanis mid-winter conference will be Feb. 13-15 at the Radisson Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Jerry Boyce’s baseball tournament update: There is still time to secure tournament sponsors. The deadline is Feb. 19. Also, the winner of the last two tournaments, John Curtis, had to back out but recommended 2nd Baptist out of Houston, TX. 2nd Baptist accepted. 

•Jim Nordyke, guest of Glen Nordyke
•Mark Blanchard, guest of Allan Brent
•Liza Webber, guest of Julie Dauzat
•Ken, guest of Dale Hodges
•Daughter of Carlos and Nataly Ortiz
•Dorothy Kemp of Circle K

Take the time to see humor in one’s life. 
—Anonymous

K-fact: The Mission of Kiwanis

As a thriving organization of men, women and youth, we are dedicated to serving the children of the world by improving the quality of life worldwide. Being committed to this mission calls each of us to live by the objectives of the Kiwanis. 

Next week: The Objectives of Kiwanis

Jan. 30 - Brett Mason

Newsletter Team

Ben Brown, Editor, riptidebcb@hotmail.com
Mandy Michel, Copy Editor
Aimeé Shultz, Designer