The Altus Rotary Club is proud to announce a significant community enhancement project made possible through a grant from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. During the 2024-25 year, the club successfully secured funding to refurbish a substantial portion of the Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries building, focusing on on one of Rotary's seven areas of focus, improving maternal and child health in the community.
In 2023 alone, Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries provided vital food assistance to 1,135 individuals, including 361 children, highlighting the pressing need for support in the Jackson County area. The organization collaborates closely with the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance to offer essential services such as clothing, small household items, medical prescription assistance, GED support, and help with securing vital documents like birth certificates and IDs. Additionally, they assist with utility bills on a case-by-case basis and host a community meal and worship service every third Saturday of the month.
Thanks to the grant awarded to Altus Rotary, a dedicated team of volunteers sprang into action in January. The project focused on revitalizing areas of the building that serve clients, including spaces where individuals can "shop" for clothing and household goods, as well as the pantry that stores dry and canned food items.
The transformation included the installation of new laminate flooring, replacing old, stained carpeting, which has made it significantly easier to move items around. The team also brightened the space with fresh paint and repaired clothing racks and baseboards, enhancing the overall environment for those in need. In total, over 1,000 square feet of the Operation C.A.R.E. building, located at 221 W. Walnut, was refurbished.
The project saw an incredible turnout of 37 volunteers, including Rotarians, Western Rotaract students, Altus High School Interact students, Operation C.A.R.E. volunteers, community members, and 14 members of the Western Oklahoma State College Baseball Team, along with their coaches. Together, they dedicated 38.5 hours of volunteer time to complete the project, transforming four rooms and two halls. The kitchen area received new flooring simultaneously, thanks to the generosity of a dedicated donor.
The Altus Rotary Club is committed to making a lasting impact on the community, and this project is a testament to their dedication to service above self. By improving the facilities at Operation C.A.R.E. Ministries, they are helping to ensure that essential services continue to be provided to those who need them most.
For more information about the Altus Rotary Club and their initiatives, please visit www.altusrotary.org. Together, we can continue to make a difference in our community!