CLEARLAKE — “Friends of Safe House” received a sizable donation on Friday, July 18. Lakeshore Inn owner Donna Walker was overjoyed to present a check for $1100 to the organization.
Funds were garnered through the recent “Ride for Life” motorcycle run, which was organized, sponsored and hosted by Walker.
“The success of the Ride for Life motorcycle run has allowed us this opportunity to contribute to the Safe House project,” Walker said. “It was very heartwarming to see some many come out and support the children of our community.”
Walker said that the run would not have been possible without the help of Dennis Dow, of Airport Auto Brokers in Lakeport. Dow, she said, provided the pins and posters for the event and donated the top raffle prize as well, which was a two-night stay in Reno. “If it wasn”t for him I wouldn”t have been able to get the project rolling,” Walker said, adding special thanks to her husband Wes and to her friend Debbie Ratcliff, who helped with raffle donations.
Friends of Safe House committee chairman Dr. Bill MacDougall accepted the donation from Walker. “People have come to the realization that we have to do whatever we can to help the kids,” he said. “You can tell the health of the community by the way they treat their children and their seniors and this community is getting healthier.”
MacDougall said the project is coming along. The committee is currently researching the possible donation of a house in the City of Clearlake. He said he will be talking with the city administrator this week to discuss the city”s requirements and ordinances related to operating a home such as the Safe House. Committee members have also been talking to neighbors to hear their concerns.
The program for running the Safe House is pretty well developed, MacDougall reported. Committee members will continue to enhance the program and work on developing an interagency network within the Lake County community. MacDougall said they especially hope to form partnerships with medical professionals, city representatives and civic leaders.
“It”s important to note, one of the main purposes is family reunification so you look at the components you need to make that happen successfully,” MacDougall said.
The committee is also seeking businesses that are interested in being designated as a “safe place.” “A ?safe place” is a referral agency for the Safe House,” MacDougall explained. “They have the number to call so we can pick up the kids.”
The Safe House of Lake County will provide a short-term residence and a comprehensive program of services for runaway, homeless and “throwaway” youth younger than 18 years. The program will serve children throughout Lake County. According to organizers, this will be the first safe house for at-risk children in the history of Lake County.
MacDougall said the home will operate with rules and responsibilities. “There are going to be strict rules,” he said. “There”s not going to be a lot coming and going at this house. This is a shelter. There will be a curfew and residents will have duties and responsibilities as part of the household.
“My impression is this is going to be comforting, giving the kids a greater respect for the community, neighbors, the house and the program,” MacDougall concluded.
Friends of the Safe House meet twice a month. Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month in the Konocti district office on the Lower Lake High School campus. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the project is invited and encouraged to attend.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
