Author: Harvey Stone

Rotarian and Executive Director of Bollinger Enterprises, Inc. (BEi), Dr. William A. Clark spoke to our group about BEI and the changing focus of their organization.

Bollinger Enterprises, Inc., (BEi) was founded in 1972 as Warren ARC Enterprises, Inc., by Annabel and Clifford Bollinger as a pilot project of the Warren – Forest Counties Association for Retarded Citizens.

Prior to that time the employment and vocational rehabilitation needs of people with disabilities were largely unmet. The Bollingers’ vision was to provide me

aningful employment and vocational rehabilitation services to all people with disabilities that focused on the unique circumstances, abilities and capabilities of each individual. The Bollinger legacy of “putting the needs of the individual first” lives on today as the guiding principle in services development and delivery. What started as a small storefront, single program operation in Warren soon expanded to a 7,000 square foot facility in North Warren that grew to its present multi-building complex of about 25,000 square feet that hosts a variety of facility and community based programs. BEi’s programs meet many needs ranging from employment to living in the community.

The focus is shifying to more working outside he BEI facility.  They are doing this with their contract janitorial services.

The janitorial services division of BEi not only meets the routine cleaning needs of area businesses and organizations, it is also a unique employment and earning experience for BEi workers.

BEi has several contracts to provide janitorial services for local organizations and businesses. A lead worker and crew meet janitorial service needs at times convenient for the customer. Current customers include: The Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, Bollinger Enterprises, Inc. and the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Headquarters Building.

BEi acquired the ANF service contract under a federal set aside program through the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH.)

District Governor Elect Judy Hughes and her husband James talked about the Rotary International Convention 2017, in Atlanta, June 10-14. Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet at the convention every year. This is your unique opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and share stories about your club’s current and future projects. They are expecting 60,000 people to attend.

There is a block of rooms at the Hilton for our district and a bus running down to Atlanta leaving June 9^th. There is a party for region on the Monday night.

All events are happening in downtown Atlanta and its’ bustling downtown hosts outstanding attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame, and CNN Center — as well as museums, shops, and more, all an easy walk from the Georgia World Congress Center, our convention venue, and major hotels.

To sign up go to http://www.riconvention.org/en/atlanta/register.

Thank you to Rotarian Bill Clark and WCSD representative Matt Jones for presenting information on the BackPack program.

The purpose of the Warren County Backpack Program is to feed underprivileged kids in Warren County. They are currently serving 312 kids in all the attendance areas for 34 weeks each. The food packed must meet nutritional standards and a dietician makes that decision.

At the current time they are feeding about 30% of the eligible kids in the District. Eventually they would like to be able to feed all eligible kids in the k-5 grades.