Last week the Rotary Club of Newport News had another packed agenda! We heard from Tamika Callis, the founder of U.P.G.R.D.A.D.E. Our Community, a nonprofit organization based in Newport News, VA.
Larry and Tamika Callis with Club President Tim Ryan
Their mission is to reach the inner city by providing a safe place, where youth can excel and prosper by receiving education, mentorship, community resources, counseling services, and outreach services. U.P.G.R.D.A.D.E. Our Community has the vision to regain and restore the abandoned YWCA in Newport News for the youth in the east end community.
Tim Ryan, Joe Allen, Bob Killebrew, and Travis Hall
Congratulations to Joe Allen on being inducted as our newest club member. Joe recently moved into the area from Worcester, Massachusetts, and wanted to get more involved with the community. Joe has been familiar with Rotary and it’s mission since childhood because his father was a proud Rotarian in Coronado, California. Though he has never been a member of Rotary, Joe has had Rotary connections most of his life and has greatly admired the work, enthusiasm, and dedication of Rotarians. Now that Joe is retired, he’s seeking a deeper connection with the community and the opportunity to do meaningful volunteer work. Welcome to the club, Joe. We’re so happy to have you!
If you want to learn more about Newport News, our great Commonwealth of Virginia, and improve the community, you’re invited to join us for an upcoming lunch. We meet every Tuesday from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the James River Country Club. Each week we feature a community leader as a speaker so you can learn more about the great area in which we live. We also mix in a lot of fun and community projects along the way to make an excellent experience for everyone! Let us know if you’re planning to attend a meeting so we can welcome you properly.
