Jamestown Lions Club Engages with Safe Shelter Initiatives

At the most recent meeting of the Jamestown Lions Club on September 24, 2023, members gained insights into the vital work of the Safe Shelter organization. Shauna Isbell-Kemp, the executive director of Safe Shelter, was the featured speaker. She assumed her role on June 1, 2022, after previously serving as the head women’s wrestling coach at the University of Jamestown.

Safe Shelter is dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault while actively working to prevent future incidents. During her presentation, Isbell-Kemp highlighted one of the organization’s core services: providing emergency and temporary housing for victims who need to escape abusive situations. She specifically mentioned Mary’s Place, which was established in 2018 to offer such essential housing options.

The statistics for the 2023-2024 period underscore the significant impact Safe Shelter has had in the community. The organization reported providing 2,028 shelter nights and assisting 162 domestic survivors and 65 sexual assault survivors. Additionally, Safe Shelter facilitated a total of 3,425 services, helped with 31 protection orders, and supported 79 group counseling attendees. Those in need of assistance can reach out via the 24-hour crisis line at (701) 251-2300.

Upcoming Events and Community Involvement

In addition to the informative session on Safe Shelter, Lions Club member Kevin Sortland outlined several upcoming events and service projects. The club is currently selling tickets for its annual fundraiser raffle, with proceeds supporting local initiatives. Members also plan to host a blood drive on November 25-26 and will participate in the Lions state convention on October 24-25. Another notable event is the Ag Luncheon scheduled for October 21.

Previous community service activities for the Jamestown Lions Club included sorting used eyeglasses, delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program, and conducting cleanup efforts at Frontier Village.

The next Jamestown Lions Club meeting is set for 6 p.m. on October 8, 2023, at Shady’s. Guests are encouraged to attend, and those interested in membership can contact Glen Nagel at (701) 659-8238 for more information. The Lions Club continues to play an active role in fostering community support and engagement, making a substantial difference in the lives of residents in Jamestown.