Mark Burroughs, chair of the Volunteer Services Council, accepts the club’s donation from President Tim McCormick. (Photo by Laurie Wiginton)
Lynne Kelsey
In the spirit of the holiday season that has just gotten underway, the Robson Ranch Republican Club gave back to the community at their November meeting. Guest Mark Burroughs, chair of the Volunteer Services Council, told those gathered about the residents at the Denton State Supported Living Center, some of whom have been there 60 years. Many of these adults with mental and physical disabilities residing in homes on the campus will benefit from a new greenhouse being built at the facility where they will be able to learn horticulture skills. To assist in that endeavor, the Republican Club presented a check for over $500 representing the proceeds from the October Bake America Great Again event. If you would like to learn more about the Center, go to www.vscdenton.org to find out about other opportunities to support their work.
Afterward, it was time for club members to receive, thanks to Judge Forrest Beadle, who graciously stepped in at the last minute when the original speaker had a family emergency. Judge Beadle presides over the Denton County Veterans Court. This court specifically addresses the needs of veterans who want to change their lives for the better and who volunteer for the program, which is non-adversarial and focuses on getting these men and women back on their feet. They must meet certain requirements to qualify for this opportunity, as Judge Beadle stated, “to get their honor back.” There were 35 participants in the program at the time of the meeting, and since it was established in 2012, 177 veterans or service members have come through, with 158 having “commenced.” Judge Beadle explained that the term was chosen to reflect the fact that those individuals will have started a better life and will have had their cases dismissed and records expunged.
Veterans Court was started in Buffalo, N.Y. in 2008 and is now in many states. There are at least 41 in Texas, which are funded by grants from the state and federal governments. As the motto of the Denton County Veterans Court states, “It Takes the Strength and Courage of a Warrior to Ask for Help!” The Republican Club is grateful to Judge Beadle, not just for speaking to our club, but also for the passion he displays for improving the lives of veterans and service members. If you would like to learn more about the court, go to www.dentoncounty.gov/1103/Veterans-Treatment-Court-Program.