Today’s speaker was Mari Yager from Breakfree.  Mari has been with the program as a drug and alcohol counselor for 1-1/2 years.  Breakfree is an adolescent outpatient chemical program.  One-third of the clientele come from the Brainerd Lakes area and two-thirds come from the Group Home made up of adolescents from the entire state of Minnesota.

 Mari’s view is kids today are our future and she tries to help them see how chemical abuse affects them, their family and friends.  They meet five days a week, three hours per day and talk a lot about they are tempted to use drugs.  The most commonly used drug is marijuana, it is easier to get than alcohol.  She says that kids are starting younger.  They made a choice to take the drug; however, they have no control over what it does to them.

Oct. 12 -- Board meeting at 7:00 a.m. at the Northwinds Grills.  The budget will be presented.  Everyone is welcome to give their input.

Oct. 21 -- Budget Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m. at Trailshead Building.

v “Coats for Kids” drive with distribution Nov. 13.  There will be a box at the Sertoma meeting for hats, mittens, and coat donations with cleaning provided by Crystal Cleaners.  Our club is also considering a donation to purchase new stocking hats and mittens.

 Received the following note:

Dear Reed;

    Thank you for providing a work crew from the Brainerd Sertoma Club at the building site east of Brainerd on Saturday, August 21, 1999, as a donation of time and labor to Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, with no return benefit provided.  It is through support such as yours, it is possible for us to continue our work in providing decent and affordable housing for all of God’s people.

     Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity is one of almost 1500 affiliates worldwide and each affiliate is a non-profit corporation that is responsible for raising its own funds for building and renovating houses.  Locally, we have sold 18 homes to “Partner Families” and additional families are selected for homes nearing completion in Brainerd, Breezy Point, and Crosby.

     Thanks again for your gift.

Sincerely,

Kevin Pelkey, Executive Director

Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity

P.O. Box 234 -- Brainerd, MN 56401

Also, thanks to KAREN OWEN, JEFF OLSON, TODD DUNLAP, PAT KUSS and MIKE HOWARD for their pipe & drape work on Tuesday, October 5th.

Sertoma International