HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Rotary Club returned to some semblance of normalcy last week as the group held its first in-person meeting in six months.
The Club resumed its traditional routine of Monday noontime meetings at Watson Hall. Observing “safe return” and “social distancing” protocols, approximately 13 Rotarians were present, while others continued to Zoom into the meeting.
Many Rotarians commented that it was nice to see their peers in person, such as Ed (Hunk) Degenhardt, who has missed meetings since the switch to virtual gathering was made in March.
Attending via remote conference was guest speaker Leslie Gervais, from the Hope and Justice Project. Gervais is the prevention educator for the organization, and she spoke to Rotarians about October being Domestic Violence Awareness month.
She explained about the “Take Action Aroostook County” initiative and that they were hoping community members would join the “Take Action” event on Sunday, Oct. 11 at dusk. She asked that the community leave a “Light On” to show their support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Gervais also encouraged the sharing of any photos/videos of your light being on to www.hopeandjusticeproject.org. The photos/videos will then be displayed publicly on their respective social media platforms.
The Houlton Rotary Club met in person Sept. 21 for the first time in six months.
(Courtesy of Andy Mooers)
“Everyone in our community deserves to live in an environment free from abuse and violence,” Gervias said. “All people should be treated with respect and dignity.”
The Hope and Justice Project recently celebrated its 40th year of helping people affected by domestic violence. The very first shelter in the county opened in Caribou and followed with one in Houlton. Now, besides Houlton, there is a location in Fort Kent and another in Presque Isle. Each property continues to provide safety to those fleeing abuse and violence.
In her current role, Gervais works primarily with students pre-K through 12. She also facilitates the local support group and, through her work with the outreach office, she utilizes her advocacy skills to assist with protection of abuse orders and other additional guidance.
Due to COVID-19, the offices and shelters were shut down for a time. They are now carefully opening them back up with new protocols in place.
“It has been a very scary time for those living in the realms of domestic violence,” Gervais said. “We’re still here and here to help.”
As October approaches, she wants to remind others how important the mission of the Hope and Justice Project is, especially this year. Gervais encourages each of us to help by ending the “shaming and blaming” and to transition to a model of kindness and empathy. Words that all can live by.
