(Cushing, Okla.) Russ Thurman, President of local Lions Club International, called the meeting to order today at 12:17 p.m. The agenda started with song and pledge by Lion Jerry Snyder. This was followed by request for prayers and the prayer with Pastor Kathleen Leithner.
Emily Hays with Payne County Youth Services, Inc (PCYS) a private, non-profit agency, told club members some facts today about PCYS Foster Care. Currently in the state there are 9,582 children in out-of-home placement, and of that number in Payne County there are 111 children.
Payne County has only 80 reported foster care beds. Which is not enough for all of the children (PCYS). Not only are there not enough beds for all of those children, there aren’t enough beds for new children that come into custody.
PCYS has had to place 25 sibling children into separate homes even though studies show how important sibling relationships are in providing support and nurturance. Sibling children that are placed together in a loving home are more likely to have a sense of safety and well-being.
PCYS has a 43 year history of providing counseling, prevention/diversion programs. For more information on PCYS and their programs, visit www.pcys.org
The 4 Person Open Scramble, sponsored by the Cushing Lions Club on September 12th (2015) raised $1,609. Proceeds go to benefit Lions Club “Sight Testing” program.
Lion Tom Cummings worked at First United Methodist Church (Cushing) on sight testing for children from 9:00 (am) to 3:30 (pm) last Wednesday, September 10th (2015).
Cowboy Cadillac ticket sales are now underway at $5 per ticket or 7 tickets for $30 and the Lions annual fruit sales will be happening soon. A Chairman is needed to handle the Lions Club fruit sales this fall.
Festival in the Park is Saturday, October 10th (2015). If you are interested in participating in the Lions Club Chili Cook-off at the Festival, please contact Jim Pickard or Russ Thurman.
Matching shirts for Lions Club member are just $17. The members will have a choice of two different colors to choose from.
The meeting adjourned around 12:53 (p.m.).
Cushing Lions Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Lion’s Den in downtown Cushing.
For more information about Lions Club International https://www.lcif.org
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