Rotary Club of Warren, PA

This week, the Warren Rotary Club had the privilege of hearing from Gladys Archer of the Warren Area Refugee Resettlement Network (WARRN), a local organization playing a crucial role in helping Ukrainian families who have fled war and uncertainty find safety and support in our community.

WARRN provides essential services such as housing assistance, help with employment, and English language support. But beyond those basics, they offer something just as critical: compassion, connection, and a path forward. They help newcomers not only survive but thrive by creating a sense of belonging in a place far from home.

These families have come to the United States legally, seeking refuge from violence and instability. They arrive having left behind loved ones, homes, and careers, often with nothing but hope and courage. WARRN steps in to ensure they are not alone in their journey.

This is not a political issue—it is one of humanity. It does not matter whether you lean red or blue; what matters is that we treat others with dignity and compassion. Refugees are not statistics—they are our neighbors, our coworkers, our classmates, and our friends.

Through cultural support, emotional care, and a warm welcome, WARRN reminds us all of the strength found in community. These Ukrainian families bring resilience, richness, and diversity to Warren. Sending them back to unsafe conditions should not be an option.

Now, more than ever, we need to make our voices heard. Please take a moment to reach out to our elected officials and let them know how important it is to support those who have already become part of our community. You can contact:

• Senator John Fetterman: john@fetterman.senate.gov
• Senator Dave McCormick: https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/

In Warren, we stand for kindness, community, and doing what’s right. Let’s continue to show the world who we are.

Saturday, October 27th,  the Warren Rotary Club joined in the Halloween festivities by sponsoring and distributing books at the Heroes All-Inclusive Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat event. This unique and inclusive community gathering brought children and families together to celebrate Halloween in a sensory-friendly environment, making it a safe and welcoming experience for everyone.

As part of Rotary’s commitment to fostering literacy and supporting youth, club members handed out brand-new books through the Free Books for KidsTown program, allowing each child to pick out and take home a book of their very own. From exciting adventures to educational tales, the selection aimed to encourage a love of reading and ensure every child has access to enriching stories.

The Heroes Trunk or Treat was a great success, drawing families and children of all abilities and needs together for a day of fun, inclusivity, and community spirit. The Warren Rotary Club looks forward to continuing its work in the community and helping to inspire young readers through ongoing literacy initiatives.

Yesterday, Rotary had the pleasure of delivering snacks to the dedicated teachers at Beaty Middle School. With meetings all day leading into Meet the Teacher night, we hope these treats brought a little brightness to their day and reminded them how much our community appreciates all they do.

At our last Rotary meeting, we enjoyed hearing from Kristine Peterson, who delivered an engaging talk about her favorite historical event: the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. She shared fascinating insights into the celebration of America’s 100th anniversary, highlighting the incredible inventions and artistic achievements that emerged during this time. Kristine captivated the audience with stories of innovative breakthroughs and the cultural renaissance that the Centennial Exposition sparked, demonstrating how this pivotal moment in history left a lasting impact on the nation. Her passion for the subject was evident and left everyone with a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of the event.

The Warren Rotary Club recently welcomed Erin Wilman, who shared her experiences of speaking before the U.S. Senate Aging Committee and touring Washington, D.C. Wilman provided insights into the legislative process and the significance of addressing issues affecting people with disabilities making a fair wage. 

In addition to her Senate testimony, Wilman spoke about her campaign for Pennsylvania State Representative for District 65. She emphasized that her race is not about her but about addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents. She discussed her motivations, goals, and the challenges she faces in her bid for public office, highlighting her commitment to serving the community. Her talk offered a unique perspective on the intersection of advocacy, politics, and public service, inspiring the club members with her dedication and passion for making a difference in her community.

We were recently joined by Heidi Villella from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. She highlighted the Unclaimed Property and Keystone Scholars programs, PA 529 Savings, and PA ABLE.

The Unclaimed Property Program helps residents receive any property a family member or themselves may own that has not been claimed by the individual. There is an event occurring at the Warren Chamber on June 24th, 2024, from noon to five where residents can find more information about this program.

Keystone Scholars launched in 2019 with the aim to promote early savings for education expenses. PA 529 is a saving program that can be used for a variety of educational expenses, such as K-12 school tuition. PA ABLE aims to assist individuals with disabilities save and manage their finances, without affecting eligibility for benefits.

The Rotary Club of Warren hosted a wild west night on Friday February 9th 2024. The event was held at the Conewango Club in Warren.

https://www.erienewsnow.com/clip/15451037/rotary-club-hosts-event-in-warren-county

We had TWO lovely guests last week for lunch: Melissa McLean, and Tiger from the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center t is a non-profit agency committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that is dedicated to serving child victims of abuse and their families. We appreciate them taking the time to tell us about the important work they do in the community.