Ben Determan photo ORICE WALTERS, RIGHT, Golden K’s April chairman, introduces guest speaker Mellisa Lantto, sexual abuse response team coordinator from the Caring House in Iron Mountain.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Groans of winter doldrums were heard across the U.P. Monday morning. Early returning “southern snowbirds” were a bit dazed by the weather as they joined the Golden K gathering at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

Chairwoman Orice Walters encouraged everyone to shake off the April showers that resembled snow and begin the meeting. Alyce Derwinski on piano guided singing of the oldies and the weather was soon forgotten.

Kathy Jo Anderson, Joe Santi, and Maxine Vaccarello were presented with certificates officially welcoming them into the Golden K.

Joe Santi won the 50-50 drawing and Vaccarello donated happy dollars celebrating the ice-free river near her. Spring can’t be too far away.

The meeting began with a partial quote from philosopher Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., “The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving.” Walters added “Let’s keep moving forward.” This is exactly the idea behind today’s program subject — The Caring House.

Guest speaker was Mellisa Lantto, sexual abuse response team coordinator at the Caring House in Iron Mountain.

The Caring House provides a safe environment for those who find themselves in difficult situations from domestic or sexual abuse. Men, women and children are given opportunities to rediscover their self-worth. Counseling and education help individuals utilize available options for a better life.

Unfortunate things happen in families, and the Caring House has a staff of professionally trained people ready to help. They work together with law enforcement, counselors, therapists, judges and the court system.

They help people of all ages maintain privacy and dignity as they work through extremely sensitive problems. They are a non-profit organization that relies on community support through fundraising programs and donations. They are supported in part by government and state grants.

The Caring House offers a safe shelter for all. They counsel, educate and guide clients on the journey to a safer lifestyle. The staff maintains weekly contact encouraging individuals to move forward with their life.

Their Child Advocacy Program provides help for children, as well as wrap-around services involving the entire family.

Volunteers are always needed to answer phones or as overnight chaperones to assure guest safety. There are many ways for the community to support the Caring House. Donations of clothing, paper products and personnel hygiene items are some of the major necessities. Monetary support helps defray the cost of building maintenance, which is an out-of-pocket expense for them.

The Caring House has helped save lives for countless individuals.

Golden K will meet on Monday with the program to begin at 10:30 a.m. with Bud and Denise Delano from Moving Mountains. All are welcome.