ROARING LION NEWSLETTER

The Marshall Lions Club met on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Panola Harrison Electric Cooperative Building.

We were delighted to welcome three guests, including Patti Brady, Wallace Revalee, and Ken Hansen from Community Healthcore.

Noon: Meeting Called to Order by President Dare Westmoreland (photo attached). This meeting is the first regular meeting of the 2025-2026 Lion Calendar Year.

Prayer led by Lion Patrick Owens.

Prayer Request for the Family and Friends of PDG Harold Raines. Harold was almost 99 years old, having served in the Navy during World War II, and he volunteered his time to support various local causes. His Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Pledges led by Lion Lorie Minter.

Song Leader was Lion Jesse Fugler.

 Announcements: President Dare Westmoreland

• Marshall Lions Club Board Meeting will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Salamander room on the second floor of Ruggenbach Brewing Company. Lions are welcome to attend.
• Marshall Lions Club Blood Drive will be held on July 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will host the event in the large parking lot on Travis Street north of Cammack Family Directors of Funerals (formerly Sullivan Funeral Home).

 President Dare Westmoreland introduced our new Club Tail Twister, Lion Jill Crocker.

• In the key of "D," Tail Twister Jill led us in singing for two weekly birthdays for Lion Donald Hocutt and Lion Don Thornton!
• Thank you to Lion Lori, Tail Twister Jill auctioned off five Lion pins for $18 to Mike Haynes and a jar of Tomato relish for $5 to Orlando Valle. Thank you, Lions, for your generous contributions to our causes!
• Finally, our Tail Twister introduced a new game, "Who's the Lyin' Lion?" Lions Stormy and Don looked painfully honest as all our Club guessed correctly that Coach Kent was our "Lyin' Lion" today.

President Dare Westmoreland called upon Lion Patrick Owens to introduce our speaker and his daughter, Patti Brady of Community Healthcore.

Patti Brady stated that Community Healthcore in our region started in Marshall in 1970. Over time, the phrase "mental retardation" has been phased out. Today, Community Healthcore is the local authority on individuals with intellectual disabilities and the local mental health authority, employing nearly 500 people across Texas. They offer various programs and partnerships with others to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health needs, and substance abuse issues, including the Veteran programs. Our Veterans can face many challenges after their service, including PTSD, substance issues, mental health issues, homelessness, and job insecurity. Soon, we will be hearing about their Zero Suicide Initiative as the suicide rate in our region has soared. Marion County is a hot zone.

Wallace Revalee is the Program Director for Veterans' Services across our region. He joined the Air Force at age 17. The reality is that an individual with a mental health issue dies 25 years sooner than someone without an issue due to a lack of care. Issues such as primary care and integrated services are a key concern for eight staff members in 16 counties. In a Supportive Housing program, participants will also receive guidance on job searching, budgeting, and other essential life skills.

Ken Hansen is the Veteran Peer Service Coordinator with the Military Veteran Peer Network of Community Healthcore, following his service in the Army twice as a young man and his reenlistment at age 35. His role is to connect service members, veterans, and their families to "build camaraderie and resources." Staff and volunteers receive training in peer support and mental health awareness, enabling them to care, act, and advocate effectively. He works extensively with Veterans who live in rural areas to provide resources such as food, transportation, clothing, jobs, and other assistance as needed. His division also has a program to collaborate with the jail and court system to assist veterans who have taken minor wrong turns in life. Mr. Hansen stressed that partnerships are the key to Veterans and our community.

For more information about Veteran programs, please contact Ken Hansen at (903) 932-6103 or email Kenneth.hansen@communityhealthcore.com. Community Healthcore currently has 50-60 employment openings on their website, so please share.

Closing Prayer led by Lion Patrick Owens.

Meeting adjourned by President Dare Westmoreland

Lion Orlando Valle invited Lions to the Ribbon Cutting at First National Bank of Hughes Springs on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The bank is located across Houston Street from the Panola Electric Cooperative Building.