Club member Tony Pedriana traveled in August to Melody House Home for Girls in Montego Bay, Jamaica with the Travel with A Purpose (TAP) organization. His mission was to promote reading and deliver books targeted to the girls’ interests to help with their progress in reading. The books requested for the girls and the books that Tony delivered were about women who had accomplished great things.
The mission of the Melody House Home for Girls is to provide a home away from home for girls 12-18 who are determined to need care and protection. Melody House fosters education and skill development, enhanced self-image, and builds familial and interpersonal relationships.
Girls who come to Melody House may have had an adverse childhood experience such as abuse or loss of a parent, or they might have suffered from neglect or parental mental illness. They might have an inability to form emotional attachments, have a lack of empathy, be aggressive or have learning disabilities. Some of the girls have developed higher level skills. In order to attend school, each girl must have a uniform, which Melody House provides or helps with the cost.
Because of a lack of staff, the two housemothers and the financial officer sometimes must stay overnight with the girls.
Traveling with A Purpose (TAP) was established in 2008 by Tonja and Troy Lesmeister. The organization connects volunteers with global partners to support sustainable improvements in communities they serve. Volunteers with TAP are trained in Jamaican culture, trauma indicators, ethical photographs, racial equity and travel logistics. TAP organizes two trips a year. The next trip is in February, but the assistance TAP provides is year-round. TAP has supplied 100 suitcases of supplies, sponsored six on-site teams (66 people) and has given the girls enrichment experiences.
Steve Leitch is leading a solar panel project sponsored by River Falls Rotary and supported by a District Grant from District 5960 as well as club funds. The goal of that project is to make Melody House energy independent.