Mallory Donald presided over the meeting. Lynn Walton provided the opening prayer. Shane Germany led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mallory led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Mugshots Bar and Grill in Hattiesburg. Mallory announced that the Rotary board will meet next Tuesday following the membership meeting.
Stew Deen then conducted the 50/50 raffle. Mary Cromartie was the winner.
Stew introduced visitors. Latrena Rankin is a guest of Coty Primeaux.
Ryan Kelly then introduced today’s guest speaker, Karen Sims. She is the Executive Director of the Hope Clinic. Their mission is providing clarity with compassion for those who seek out the Clinic’s services.
Karen says she and her staff encourage young women and men to get the facts about pregnancy and to know your worth. The clinic encourages their clients to choose life and the life of the unborn, avoiding abortion. They are also counseled on ways to life a healthy lifestyle for themselves and the unborn.
The Clinic operates a 24/7 hope line for anyone seeking their services. They share how an unplanned pregnancy will change their lives.
They have seen more than 2,000 clients since their doors opened. Most of their clients are between the age of 18 and 24. One in four women will experience an abortion by the age of 45.
In addition to counseling, the Clinic offers STD/SIT testing.
The Clinic will be moving to their new location early 2023. They have purchased their first building located at 808 28th Avenue. Renovations are currently underway on the new facility
A new state law, the Pregnancy Resource Act, allows businesses to contribute up to one-half of the state income tax they owe. Participating businesses get a tax credit for their donation.
For more information about the Act or the services offered by the Clinic, visit www.hcfriends.com.
There being no further business to come before the club, Mallory thanked Karen for her remarks and then adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”