After nearly one year Burton-Middlefield Rotary (BMR) wrapped up a major project with the Family Pride (FP) organization in Chardon. FP is a community based behavioral health service provider that provides services to individuals and families across Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. BMR began the project in June of 2024 under their then club president Larry Fox who chose to work with FP because of his desire to do something in the mental health field. Shortly after the project was started, FP had the opportunity to move from their previous location to much better and efficient facilities on 5th. Ave. in Chardon.
There were some construction obstacles that delayed the project but the new facilities proved to be worth the wait and the project was completed in June of this year. Rotary, through its matching grant program where money is accessed by Rotary clubs from the Rotary Foundation to match local club funds, was able to provide $5000 to FP to put towards their work. Since these grants require that Rotarians participate in this work, BMR spent an evening at the FP facility putting some of their “care” packages together to be used at child and elderly interventions. Rotarians had a great time interacting with the FP staff on this project and shared a great pizza meal with them when done. The evening capped off with a talk by Executive Director Angi Daugherty about all the services they provide that are easily accessible to those in need. Angi and her staff have continued to build FP over 20 years and have made it a major supplier of services throughout the tri-county area. At the end of September, past club president Larry Fox met with Angie and presented her with the check for $5000 to wrap up the project.
Bob Johnson, PDG
Secretary, Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield