Golden K chairperson Sue Proudfit, center, introduces guest speakers Caring House Executive Director Wendy Middaugh, PhD, right, and Donna Fayas-Johnson, lead advocate for the Caring House and Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center. Middaugh and Fayas-Johnson gave an update on the Caring House. (Joanne Lindholm photo)

KINGSFORD — The first day of fall has arrived. Trees are dropping ready-to-eat fruits and a brown-speckled bird is happily cleaning feathers in the birdbath even as the rain is falling. Vibrant colored trees are being displayed throughout the Upper Peninsula as leaves begin to fall. The changing season signals one to enjoy the beauty around us. It also hints that this may be a good time to look for the rake.

Someone else will have to take care of yard work, because on Monday morning the Golden K seniors are focused on their meeting. Sue Proudfit brought the group together with a ringing bell and leads the opening ceremonies. Sue LeDuc readies the piano, while Lois Outcelt prepares to lead a bit of singing. Music fills the room and the seniors rendition of oldies resounds unparalleled by any other group. The “Welcome Song” echoed for guests Donna Fayas-Johnson and Wendy Middaugh from the Caring House. Other guests in attendance included RSVP Director Kathy Arnold, Pat and Shirley Beaudry, and returning member Joanne Hady. Hady has been missing from the club for an extended period and everyone lined up to give her a welcome back hug.

Happy Anniversary was sung for Dave and Judy Sielaff. Kathy Jo Anderson picked up winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Not to be outdone, Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar Thoughts that were grateful for the day and all that it brings.

Donna Fayas-Johnson, lead advocate for the Caring House and Dickinson Area Child Advocacy Center, and Executive Director Wendy Middaugh brought the Golden K seniors up-to-date on the workings of the Caring House.

Domestic violence and child/adult abuse has been a growing concern in this area. Caring House formed in 1981. They started on the northside in Iron Mountain and has since expanded to a larger facility on Prospect Avenue in Iron Mountain.

Working with law enforcement, social workers, Northpointe, and medical personnel at the local hospital helps individuals in difficult situations work towards a better future.

Abusive conditions affect the body, mind and spiritual status of a person. They undermine confidence and trust, making it a challenge to feel safe.

A collaborating team works towards building trust, feeling safe, and developing a better mental and physical state. An effort is made to facilitate justice to individuals in dire need. As Middaugh stated, “We are groups of people getting together to solve problems.”

The Child Advocacy Center is under the umbrella of the Caring House. It is now located at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, where it is able to offer therapy and doctors close by.

Advocates help clients navigate the court system and provide resources for clients to begin their journey to a better life.

Basic needs like food, housing, and transportation are provided.

In response to trying times and increased tensions, this professional staff provides a lifeline to those affected in the abuse arena.

It can be challenging to follow all state and federal requirements. The staff and board members of the Caring House work diligently to provide a safe environment for men, women, and children in need of their services. They depend on federal and state funding, donations, and volunteer help.

The Caring House puts clients needs first using all available resources at their disposal. Violence and abusive behavior go hand in hand.

The Caring House works with Dickinson, Iron and Florence counties.

They continue 40-plus years of finding ways to help those caught up in situations beyond their control.

Golden K members received a pin commemorating the upcoming month bringing awareness to domestic violence and abuse. These situations can affect every member of a community. If you know of someone who needs help or advice, the crisis line is 906-774-1112.

For more information, go to their website at caringhouseim.org.

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with a representative from St. Vincent de Paul as guest speaker.