May 22-26, 2027 Rotary International Convention in Dubai, United Arab Emirates LINK
May 26-30, 2029 Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis LINK
Link to District 5950 Calendar of Events This includes April– August activities and meetings related to Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, President-elect Education, activities of other clubs, special events. Note: Education for Rotarian Leaders, April 25.
Link to Carver County Local News Community Events This includes events and activities such as the Landscape Arboretum, regional parks, Carver County Library, Public Health, Chaska Historical Society, local entertainment, non-profit and church events, and Spring events: Bike rodeo, Vehicle Fair, Movie Mondays, Taste of Chaska.
· Erin Kerber welcomed reserve volunteers for our club’s work at the Prior Lake Music Festival.
· Ken Hiller confirmed the scheduling of an international project in Nepal. The 2-week service from Oct. 31 to Nov 14 will cost participants $4,000. Look for a separate email from Ken.
HAPPYDOLLARS
Ken Hiller, Dan Keyport were happy and Neil Wingert contributed for Bob Roepke to celebrate the Chaska High School Boys Basketball MN State championship.
No FLAG, Exchange or Intern Reports
PRESENTATION: Dave Snider - The Redemption ProjectLINK
Wayne Ward introduced Dave Snider, Community Outreach and Instructor for The Redemption Project. His organization’s mission is to help justice-impacted individuals reenter society, live with purpose and prevent recidivism. The program was developed by incarcerated inmates who were inspired to create paths that overcome many of the barriers typically faced after release.
A 16-week curriculum while in prison prepares participants with a philosophical basis and the concepts of a more successful life. The Redemption Project (TRP) provides a support system through monthly meetings while still incarcerated, then by Community Partners who commit to help for months after release. Employment Partners help establish foundations and stability in the community. Connections are made with support services like Bridging and other non-profits.
TRP also has established resources that train its Community and Employment Partners so their efforts align with the education of those released from incarceration. Dave provided data showing the success of the program and the resulting cost benefits for society. He shared details and examples of paths taken by ex-offenders, including his own. Dave stressed that the positive impact of TRP extends to families and communities. His presentation also illustrated the difficulty in overcoming the power of drug addiction. Most of all, he gave us an experience of meeting someone who has lived through a process of redemption and realization of self-worth.
Information from the TRP website and Dave’s slides:
What We Do Not Do
We do not advocate for reduced sentencing.
We do not work to amend sentencing guidelines.
We do not advocate for early release.
Our work begins when individuals are nearing the completion of their sentence.
Where We Come In
The Redemption Project steps in as people approach release.
Our mission: Help individuals transform, so they do not return to prison or jail.
The Start of the Journey: 18 Months Pre‑Release
At ~18 months from release, inmates may enroll in our class: Virtues for Success.
They become “students of life” — preparing for a new, transformed life.
From Student → Graduate → Associate
While in the class, the individual is a Student.
Upon graduation, they become an Associate.
Support Structure During & After Release
During the remainder of their sentence: Each Associate is assigned a Senior Partner (paid staff member).
After release:
Once no longer under transitional housing supervision, they are assigned a Community Partner (trained volunteer).
Community Partners walk with them for at least 90 days.
These relationships often grow into long‑term friendships.
Collaboration With Other Nonprofits
We recognize we cannot meet every need alone.
These collaborations are critical to Associate success.
We partner with other nonprofits for:
Housing assistance
Health care needs
Food access
Additional wraparound support
For more information, TRP has an excellent website that explains their process, its value and opportunities for us to help: Our Program — The Redemption Project. Dave also referred to an available book: “Untapped Talent” that deals with employment hurdles and successes.
Dave’s email: dsnider@redemptionproject.org, TRP phone 651-256-9696, website www.redeptionproject.org. Address 445 Minnesota St., Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101
Invocations can be a faith traditional prayer, or a meditation, or inspirational verse or quote. Brief 20 – 30 seconds. Light-hearted is okay. Option: focus on our Mission of Service Above Self. Need an idea – Google Rotary Invocations.
