The UpCenter

The Program:  

 

VP of Programs Laurie introduced Barbara Lipski as the Rotarian of the day. Barbara has been a member of Rotary since 2009. What she most enjoys about Rotary is the members are like-minded and service-oriented. A fun fact about Barbara is that she has been married to Don for 43 years. Had four children in three years and has seven grandchildren.

 

Barbara introduced Tina Gill, President & CEO of The UpCenter since 2014.  Tina's biography is broad and impressive. Barbara shared a few fun facts about Tina, a toss-up of which she enjoys more a good meal or a good book.

 

Tina's presentation on The UpCenter included an overview of The UpCenter, a child and family services organization serving our community since 1883, almost 140 years. Today, they have 20 programs for children and families and act as a safety net with 5 locations, 150 employees, and serve over 10,000 people per year.

 

Tina expanded on programming offered throughout our community. The areas of concentration include programs for children, for families- including housing and financial counseling and foreclosure prevention, for people with disabilities, and mental health. An exciting fact Tina shared is that during COVID-19, they have doubled their staffing size to help families through the foreclosure and eviction process with a 93% success rate.

 

Tina dove into the mental health program as 1 out of 5 people have suffered from mental health challenges, 60% do not receive treatment, half of the mental health issues begin before the age of 14, and two in three children with depression do not receive treatment. The UpCenter considered this the cornerstone of who they are, and they invest heavily in this area.

 

During COVID-19, they transitioned to 90% of assistance through telehealth, partnered with United Way, and began an early childhood home visiting program that includes offering doula serves. Tina shared a video with us on their new facility in Virginia Beach - The Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at The UpCenter. (A link to video will be provided at the end of the Newsletter.)

 

The Rotarians had several questions for Tina. Jim thanked Tina for such a compassionate presentation, the Rotarians stayed on-line although the meeting rang long.

 

The NRC will donate a book in Tina Gill and The UpCenter's honor to Coleman Place Elementary School. 

 

The Meeting: Jim rang the bell to begin the meeting at 12:32. Chuck lead the club in singing ROTARY and America The Beautiful. Jim led "The Four-Way Test," followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Chuck gave the invocation.  

 

Visitation Report: Marty's husband, George, was in the hospital but is out and doing fine. Chuck asked for prayers for his grandson, who is in Children's Hospital for a stem-cell transfusion. His grandson is a senior at Cape Henry.  

 

Introduction of Guest: Barbara Lipski welcomed fellow board members from The UpCenter – Jim and Ann.   

 

Announcement and Club Business: 

 

Happy Bucks/Fines  

 

 

 

  

Meeting adjourned at 1:44 pm