The Women’s Literary Club met Dec. 1 at Hill Memorial Church. President Mary Lou Detweiler welcomed members, new members Trudy Gulnac and Patti Colosimo, and speaker Bobbi Mead.
Bonnie Frisina read the minutes from the Nov. 17 meeting. Gae Colligan recommended the book, “The Orphan Collector” by Ellen Wiseman.
Detweiler thanked the club for bringing donations for the YWCA Victims Resource Center. The donations were the Literary Club’s participation in Zonta Club’s 16 Days of Advocacy challenge.
Carol Shannon introduced guest speaker Mead, director of the YWCA Homeless and Employment Service Program. The YWCA has 22 beds and a waiting list. Homelessness is not new to Bradford but more visible due to lack of housing. Mead spoke about wages being low, Social Security not adequate, mental health issues, drug addiction and abuse as some of the reasons for homelessness.
The YWCA refers seniors to the Department of Aging or the Housing Authority. They help veterans navigate the complex system. Individuals are assisted with obtaining safe, affordable and permanent housing. They help with job searches, resume preparation, employment readiness, budgets and plans for daily life. The Street Outreach program attempts to break down the barriers of trust and willingness to accept help in the hope of connecting them to needed services. YWCA residents may stay 30 to 90 days and must follow house rules. The goal is to produce productive members of the community.
Mead stated that for her, this is not just a job, but a mission. Bradford residents should contact a street outreach worker if they have any concerns.
Detweiler thanked Mead for her enlightening, informative presentation.
The Current Events club invited the Women’s Literary Club to a Christmas tea Dec. 4. The next meeting will be Friday at Hill Memorial Church. The program presenter will be the award-winning author of historical romance, Elizabeth St. Michel.
The tea committee was thanked by Detweiler and the meeting adjourned. Anyone interested in learning more about Women’s Literary Club may contact any current member.
