100+ Women Who Care Putnam County give $11,000 to Summer Enrichment Program

More than 20 members of Putnam County's 100+ Women Who Care group gather with officials from the Summer Enrichment Program and Gobin Methodist Church to present the program with a $10,800 check in support of Summer Enrichment. Two more members of 100+ women later added to the total bringing the final gift amount to $11,000.

The rain stopped for a brief moment on Thursday, May 29, allowing 20 members from 100+ Women Who Care Putnam County to present their checks to board members and staff of the Summer Enrichment Program.

Nominated by 100+ Charter Member Phyllis Rokicki at the May 7 meeting, the Summer Enrichment Program received $11,000. Summer Enrichment officials will report back to 100+ Women Who Care later in the year.

The two other nonprofit nominees that evening were Putnam and Main Street Greencastle.

"It was drizzly," said Julie Thompson, founder of 100+ Women Who Care Putnam County, "but rain couldn't stop the 100+ Women from giving back to a very worthy program to benefit Putnam County children."

The 100+ Steering Committee members are Julie Thompson (chairman), Kelli Croan, Emily Knuth, Malinda Mann, Suzanne Masten, Beva Miller, Caitlyn Milliman, Elaine Peck, Susan Price and Ellie Ypma.

Summer Enrichment Program serves 60-65 at-risk children from Putnam County who have completed grades 1-5. The program teaches self-respect, good citizenship and social skills.

Students participate in swim lessons at the Aquatic Center and participate in active sports. There is an arts program each year featuring drama, crafts and poetry. Students practice their reading and writing skills and participate in the Putnam County Public Library Summer Reading Program.

They are served USDA-approved and nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Transportation is provided for children living within Greencastle. It is directed by a board and staff of well-educated, caring adults.

For five weeks each summer, children work in small groups and are supervised by college-level counselors and high school mentors. This experience gives these young adults the opportunity to experience first-hand what it means to be a counselor or teacher and helps them make important career decisions in the future.

The Summer Enrichment Program welcomes the support of the Putnam County Community, including both the time and financial support of citizens. For more information on how to volunteer or support the program, call Gobin United Methodist Church at 658-6003.

For more information or to join 100+ Women Who Care Putnam County, contact a Steering Committee member, visit www.pcfoundation.org, or contact Julie Thompson at 100womenwhocareputnamcounty@gmail.com or 739-8148. You may also visit 100 Women Who Care Putnam County on Facebook.