Elkhart Rotary Club October 2 Meeting

Today we welcomed Chris Garner, Executive Director and Sarah Burton, Food Resources Coordinator from The Hub—Hearts United for Bristol, a non-profit organization that serves the community of Bristol.

Executive Director, Chris Garner, took over as the director of the Bristol Community Food Pantry approximately 5 years ago. After his first couple of years, he recognized the need for a more comprehensive assistance program to be available for the residents of Washington Township. Once his vision was shared with the food pantry board, community leaders, area churches and businesses; The HUB was established. With its new name, Sarah Burton was hired part time to assist with most aspects of the food pantry side. She heads up food resourcing – finding and comparing/ordering food from different locations. She also coordinates food drives as well as pantry volunteers, particularly for non-pantry days and for food deliveries. The first expansion of The HUB, outside of the pantry, was Life Resources. In early 2023, Sarah Farris was hired as the Life Resources Director. Her role is to meet with individuals and families who are in danger of eviction or disconnect of their utilities. Working in partnership with the Washington Township Trustee, she determines eligibility of financial assistance. Once determination is made, she meets with area property managers to pay portions of rent or pays utility companies. She also connects individuals with other area resource offices if their needs do not fall under the parameters of what The HUB provides. Ultimately, a third wing will be established in the future that will be called The Exchange. This expansion will provide assistance to families in need of home and/or appliance repair. Chris and both Sarahs work independently as well as together to continue to spread awareness of The HUB and how local businesses, churches and families can become connected through volunteering and/or financial support. Our ultimate goal is to bring Hope, Healing and Wellness to Bristol.

The HUB's MISSION:
Bringing hope, healing and wholeness to Bristol.

CORE VALUES: 

• Building a connected community through relationships
• Showing mercy and compassion by caring for people right where they are
• Supporting and walking alongside others by providing resources and guidance to help in all areas of life
• Providing a way to give resources and time through serving and gap - assistance

For more visit: www.thehubbristol.com

NEWS AND NOTES

• Marketing Chair, Rob Hartzler, introduced Zoe McDuffee, a student at the Elkhart Area Career Center. Zoe will be our club's marketing intern this year. We're excited to have her on board and please make her feel welcome, she'll be joining our meetings on a weekly basis. 
• Tony Warning announced the annual campaign to sponsor our placemats. Spots are $325 and all proceeds support the Interact Club's trip to Costa Rica in the spring, where they provide service to the David Kitson Libaray during their week's stay. Each student's trip costs about $2500, the Placemat Fundraiser helps to offset some of that cost, reducing the cost that each student/family must pay. Contact Tony if you'd like to renew or reserve your spot on our placemat.
• Sharon Hirstein coordinates the weekly invocation... She's got opening the next three weeks, October 9, 16, and 23. If you're willing to help please let Sharon know. 
• Several events were highlighted in verbal announcements, each can also be found below!