Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Altrusa International of Warsaw met on July 16 at Papa Vino’s Restaurant.
Mary Garrett, president, led the meeting with 16 members present.
Altrusan Martie Lennane, Beaman Home Board member, introduced April Slone, Beaman Home executive director, as the featured speaker. Slone updated the members on recent developments including the outreach programs in Fulton and Marshall counties. She shared the Beaman Home capacity is 36 beds which includes four male beds, in addition to space for children. The clients are mostly women with less than 10 males per year, according to a provided news release.
She emphasized how important community is to the clients. Beaman Home clients interact through craft nights, make-over night, movie nights and celebrating holidays. Each Friday, Bingo at Beaman is held for clients and children where everyone receives a prize. A part-time counselor has been hired bringing the total number of counselors to two. Currently, children in need of counseling are referred to other agencies. A future goal is to hire an in-house counselor to meet the specific need of the children.
Altrusa Club of Warsaw was recently recognized as a Club 52 charter member by the Altrusa International Foundation. Club 52 is the expansion of what was formally known as Club 21. Thirty years ago, the Foundation started Club 21 as a way to provide camp experiences for children with AIDS/HIV. The outreach has grown to include a wide range of programs for children throughout the world. With the growth, the cost has naturally increased. What was once a $21 donation in 1997 is equivalent to nearly $50 in 2026, according to the release.
The Foundation invited everyone to contribute $1 a week for 52 weeks or a one-time donation of $52. Individual members that donated $52 between July 2025 and May 31, 2026, were recognized as charter members. Charter members received a Club 52 pin. Individual charter members include Jan Sloan, Ruth Skeel, Vicki Martin, Rosemary Laughlin, Bev Faulkner, Beth Huffer, Mary Garrett and Carol Volkers.
Each club had the opportunity to become a charter club by contributing $252. A Club 52 patch was added to the Warsaw Banner as a symbol of charter status.
The $52 individual and $252 club fee will be assessed annually to ensure the needs of children worldwide are addressed.
Come join the club at its next meeting will be held Aug. 20 at Papa Vino’s. Social Gathering 5:30 to 6 p.m., with a business meeting beginning at 6 p.m. They welcome new members all year long.
