In only 1 ½ years Karen was able to organize and achieve a Traverse City special project that promises to be a catalyst to alleviate our addicted homeless population. This experimental house for the alcohol & drug dependent homeless is a first in Michigan.  Dan’s House is dedicated to Karen’s cousin who unfortunately passed away due to his illness.  Karen explained the community benefits already accomplished in this short time.
•    This is a Rotary initiative managed by North Sky that established the plan and structure of the project.
•    There are stringent rules for Dan’s house to assure that this became progressive and peaceful process.  Candidates are carefully chosen and recommended by local charities & non-profits.
•    At present there are 6 guys (men only at this time).  They must pay their way if they can afford it.  Or they must apply and receive all eligible benefits including Medicaid, SS, veteran’s’ allowance.
•    At present two guys share a room but alcohol/drugs are not allowed in other areas of the house.  There is peer pressure to help each other reduce or eliminate their dependence on alcohol.  They must get along with each other.

•    Results to date include: 
    Two have left the house and are independent;
    Drinking has been reduced and healthier diet;
    A skilled occupant helped renovate and do the drywall mudding;
    Law enforcement and Munson emergencies were greatly reduced;
    The public was better served and these initial homeless men were off-the street and hopefully destined to become useful citizens.

 

 

This Tuesday, March 15th IM Rotary schedule:

Rotary Charities Grant Investigation Training

CURRENT CAREER – Semi-retired property management and rancher.

 

EDUCATION – Bachelor of Arts & Science, Michigan State University.

 

FAMILY - My lovely wife Joyce; Rotarian son, Michael; and daughters Sarah and

                        Jennifer;  seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

 

FAVORITE DESSERT - Peach cobbler

 

FAVORITE HOBBY/ACTIVITY: Hunting, fishing, gardening, and raising Hereford

Cattle.

 

LAST BOOK READ – “Winter of the World” by Ken Follett.

 

FAVORITE MOVIE – “Jeramiah Johnson” with Robert Redford.

 

FAVORITE SONG – “Lara’s Theme” from Dr. Zhivago.

 

SOMETHING NO ONE IN CLUB LIKE KNOWS – I sold women’s intimate

apparel (Olga) and traveled 200 nights a year before moving

to Traverse City in 1972.

 

LIFE ROLE MODEL - My father, a 40-year Kiwanian with perfect attendance.

Sorry Dad, Rotary won.

 

MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT – Founded the Downtown Traverse City DDA in the late 70’s.  Also, helped transition Rotary Charities & Camps &

Services to a professional organization with a full time director in

1990.  Rob Collier was our first director, succeeded by Marsha Smith,

current director.