Optimists seek to start new club

To the editor:

The Optimist Clubs of Northern Indiana are devoted to helping make our communities a better place.

Primarily our focus is on youth, and we impact many children in various projects: through schools (both public and private), Boys and Girls Clubs, food pantries, special needs programs, teacher assistance and general community improvement.

Our Mission? “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.”

Optimist International also has Optimist Clubs for adults with special needs. There are currently 15 such clubs in North America, two of which are in northern Indiana. What a wonderful benefit for Portland, Winchester and the surrounding areas — an Optimist Club geared toward the needs and abilities of our special and important community members, focusing on bettering our community and providing a means for all members of our community to participate. I get great satisfaction as a volunteer, serving my community; helping others find their abilities to do the same is a passion and a goal of this district.

These Optimist Clubs function as many Optimist Clubs do — by conducting projects to assist the community in some way. They have meetings, elect officers, plan the projects and even hold fundraisers.

The difference between a “traditional” Optimist Club and one geared toward people with special needs is this: The officers and board members of a Special Needs Optimist Club are all people with some range of cognitive or physical challenges, and each is paired with a mentor to help them succeed in their club role.

The projects are suggested by, chosen by and executed by the members. The mentors and advisors are there to help make it happen. The meetings are simple in nature with fun and socialization built in, many times with a craft or activity.

An Optimist Club for Special Needs will be comprised mostly of people with special challenges with other family and community members alongside to assist and mentor. A Special Needs Optimist Club is not a respite service or transfer of care. If an individual needs toileting assistance, mobility or communication assistance or emotional regulation help, that person must always have a dedicated caregiver attend with them.

If this piques your interest, join us on Thursday, Aug. 5, at Jay County Public Library. We will meet in the Community Room at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions and discuss forming a Very Special Optimist Club for the Portland and Winchester area.

We look forward to meeting you.

Becky Mahoney, governor, Indiana North District Optimists, and Leland LeMaster, Portland Evening Optimists