This article was written by Kathleen Hustad
Project Safety Nets commemorates its 15th anniversary, and the Rotary Club of North Minneapolis celebrating this milestone as the two organizations have a long partnership making an impact on the community thousands of miles away in Senegal.
Project Safety Nets (PSN) was founded by Ann Dillard (the same visionary leader who founded the North Minneapolis Rotary Club) when she visited Senegal to assist her mentor with a service project, not knowing it was where she would find her purpose.
“While I was there, I visited Goree Island, which is where captured Africans were held until there was enough “cargo” to be transported by slave ships through the Middle Passage,” Dillard said.
She described feeling conflicted about being enlightened about the atrocities imposed on her ancestors and realizing she was returning to her everyday life in the United States.
“I have friends and family, people whom I love and respect who look like these people who have caused these atrocities; How do I do this and live in my truth?” said Dillard. “That moment is when I decided, okay, let’s build a bridge of reconciliation.”
Then, she knew she had to act.
“At that time, the statistics were every 30 seconds, a child under the age of five in Africa dies of malaria,” said Dillard. “Malaria was the primary killer even though malaria is preventable and treatable. That is what I decided to take on.”
That is how Project Safety Nets was born.
With the help of Rotary Clubs across Minnesota and outside donors, Dillard multiplied an initial investment of $2,000 from the Rotary Club of Plymouth to purchase 1,000 mosquito nets in 2008 into so much more.
As of this year, PSN has distributed over 29,000 pre-treated mosquito bed nets and conducted educational programs on malaria prevention. They have donated medical equipment and supplies worth over $40,000 to support medical centers. Moreover, they have collected and distributed over 15,000 pairs of used eyeglasses and supported orphanages through financial assistance, baby supplies, medicine, food and formula. PSN has also established and maintained a 20-bed maternity ward to address the high infant mortality rate.
Under its Education pillar, PSN has worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities to children. They have distributed hygiene kits with washable pads, enabling over 500 girls in Senegal and Gambia to attend school during their menstrual cycle. They have donated more than $60,000 for school supplies and meals for students.
Regarding Economic Development, PSN has focused on empowering individuals to build sustainable livelihoods. They have provided micro-loans to 450 individuals, including men, women, and people with disabilities, to start businesses and create jobs to support their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they hired women to make and distribute 2,500 masks. They have also extended their support to people with leprosy, who are often marginalized in society, by funding micro-loans to help them start and build businesses.
Over the past 15 years, Project Safety Nets has organized 18 enlightening pilgrimages to Senegal, providing cultural connections for 60 individuals.
Natalie Johnson Lee, a member and past president of North Minneapolis Rotary, and a PSN Board Member, shares why they have supported Project Safety Nets over the years. Recently, the club contributed towards an additional grant.
“Project Safety Nets aligns perfectly with the North Minneapolis Rotary’s pillars, as well as Rotary District and Rotary International,” said Johnson Lee. “Ann Dillard’s impactful work promotes peace, economic development, maternal and child well-being, and education literacy.”
For those curious about Project Safety Nets and Rotary involvement, Johnson Lee says, “I would invite them to try us out. Come and attend a couple of meetings. Have coffee with one of the Rotarians and see how they can connect and how we may be an excellent fit for them. Because we are an active Rotary Club, we are engaged, and we are a Rotary Club about change for the better.”
Save the date! Join us for the North Minneapolis Rotary Club’s Third Annual North Minneapolis Neighborhood Ramble, on Saturday, August 5. Current event partners include: La Doña Cerveceria, Sisyphus, Brewing Co., Cycle Sisters, and many different community organizations throughout North Minneapolis. The event will raise money for the Rotary’s community-building projects on the Northside and the Minneapolis Schools’ Gotcha Glasses, providing eyecare to Northside youth. Visit eventbrite.com/e/northside-ramble-2023-tickets-651226555157 for info.
The North Minneapolis Rotary Club meets online every Tuesday by Zoom from 7:35-8:35 a.m. and welcomes Northside community members and professionals to get involved. It is always looking for guest speakers who are making a difference in our community. Contact northmplsrotary@gmail.com to request the link.