At our 6/8 meeting Connie gave the inspiration based on advice to graduation seniors, which also applies to all of us:
Be bold, be courageous, be your best. The journey of life brings both challenges and chances. May you snatch the chances and beat the challenges. Never stop growing, exploring, learning, and challenging yourself. Never chase other people’s dreams. You’re unique and so are your aspirations. Be curious and bold as you forge through life, and you’ll never go wrong. Start each day believing in yourself and watch the magic happen. Remember, if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
And one funny one: You were always good at surprises! Graduating is your best one yet.
The Duskin twins, Dave and Dale, sold Duck Dash raffle tickets which they encouraged us to buy since their club (Arlington) bought 80 bunches on tulips from Lyanne this year.
Our Speaker, Shawn Howard is Recovery Café Executive Director and gave an excellent presentation about their work addressing substance use, mental health, and homelessness in the community.
Recovery Cafe Skagit, which opened in March 2023, provides a safe space for people in recovery to connect with each other. The cafe operates on a free membership model (must be 18 years old) with requirements including weekly support group attendance and maintaining sobriety while at the facility. The organization serves meals throughout the week using locally sourced food from various community partners, and is staffed entirely by peers in recovery, creating a supportive environment where community members can see recovery in action. We are invited to spend time at the Recovery Café getting to know the people who participate there, and also to bring family or friends who might benefit from the environment.
Shawn highlighted a successful mural project on Stuart Hogue Road that improved the area's appearance and community relations. He shared his personal recovery journey from childhood trauma and addiction, emphasizing the organization's message that everyone is capable of change. The organization's 2025 metrics showed significant growth, with over 11,000 meals served and 175 classes held, and they are preparing to expand services to the local jail for the first time in six years.
Shawn talked about their work with Cascade Job Corps and plans for recovery coach training. He announced that Recovery Cafe received $2 million in state funding to purchase their building, with plans to close the remaining funding gap in the first quarter of 2027. The organization currently has 130 members, up from 65 in 2024, and operates as a certified member of the international Recovery Cafe Network.
Shawn Howard is a member of the Skagit Rotary.
Lisa Versteegh was our other guest
Our auction on August 29th is quickly approaching.
Calendar
Monday, July 6 – Rotary Club of La Conner Installation, 5:30pm, Sign-up with Lori
Saturday, July 19 – District Governor Kathleen Olson’s Installation at Shawn O’Donnell’s, 11:30am Registration required on the District Website.