October Events at HSP Scottsdale/Phoenix

Thank you to Larry Gettman and his staff at Christian Care Center for hosting the October 15th, 2008 breakfast meeting. They did an amazing job and the food was fabulous!

Membership drive begins in October. Have you thought about becoming a member of HSP? Now is the time to join. For all new members who join in October, you receive 15 months of exposure to HSP Scottsdale/Phoenix for the price of 12. For a mere, $35.00 a year you have a networking and educational opportunity that is unbeatable, not to mention the FREE breakfasts, lunches and socials that come with it. Access to the membership directory is another great membership opportunity. What are you waiting for? HSP is waiting for YOU!

Changes to the membership meetings- Members, you will see one big change beginning in October for the membership meetings. We are asking that everyone who plans to attend the membership meeting make the effort to RSVP to the hosting business prior to the meeting. This is to respect the business that has agreed to host our membership meetings. Those that RSVP prior to the meeting will be entered into the door prize drawings. Those that do not RSVP prior to the meeting will not be included in the drawing.

Charity Requests
Thank you to everyone who submitted charities for HSP to support. Please review each request carefully and be prepared to cast your vote at the next membership meeting.

1.  I would like to suggest NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as a charity for HSP to recognize. With its three-fold commitment to provide support, education and advocacy for the addressing of mental illness in the communities of our state, NAMI is an incredible resource for our families, neighborhoods and congregations.

Much attention is given to the care of our bodies but there is still a stigma to illnesses related to the mind. Recent reports of increased teenage suicide are staggering, as mental illness knows no bounds.  I feel if the stigma was removed and people were educated, more lives could be saved. NAMI seeks to erase stigma, raise awareness and support and educate the one in four Arizona families affected by mental illness.

2.  Mike Royal (resident coordinator) at Memorial Towers, A HUD housing development for seniors, advised us that they have been trying to raise money for a big screen TV.  They have 169 residents, 153 apts. who are trying to watch TV on a 32 inch screen in the great room.

3.  The DOVES program provides services to victims of late-life domestic violence and elder abuse. The DOVES program services include outreach and education, information and referral, weekly support groups, crisis intervention through emergency housing, and most recently transitional housing   which provides a safe haven and critical support services for up to 2 years for the older victims of abuse. This program is offered through the Area Agency on Aging.