Institute and Lions: A Labor of Love

International Institute For Human Empowerment

January 8, 2008 --

Institute and Lions: A Labor of Love

The International Institute For Human Empowerment, and the Lions of District 20-Y2 of MD20 in New York State, recently celebrated their work together by awarding to Quinn Burch of Guilderland High School, Guilderland, NY, a check for $1650 for expenses for her Educational Interpreter. The challenge of being both deaf and blind would have caused Quinn to miss out on much of the experience of a class trip to Italy in February 2008 without the services of Pam Masick, her long-time Educational Interpreter. However, for a variety of reasons, the trip for Ms. Masick was not being funded otherwise, so the Institute and Lions responded to the cause.

Sue Shipe, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Institute and also Region "O" Chair of Lions, helped bring together the expertise of all involved toward the success of the project. The Institute, Lions Clubs, individuals, as well as the Lions Foundation at Albany, NY, participated in the effort which was celebrated at the Lions Eye Institute on January 8, 2008.

The International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc., collects no dues, and includes as members all who agree philosophically with its mission. The Institute works with networks such as Lions Clubs, Fibromyalgia support networks, Schenectady County Human Rights Commission, as well as physicians, therapists, attorneys, business men and women, and others to spread the message and activities of Empowerment.

Representatives of the New York State Library for the Blind were on hand to join in the celebration.

Front row: Past District Governor Loretta Saheim, Vice-District Governor Joan Scott, Mrs. Peg Burch, Quinn Burch, Interpreter Ms. Pam Masick Back row: Dr. Sue Shipe, Executive Director and Region O Chair; District Governor Tom Nowicki; and Lions Foundation President John McDonald

Dr. Sue Shipe reading her poetry written for the celebration.

"Giving Thanks and Recognition"

It has been said that all great gifts are from God.
      If so, then surely this is the case today.
            Who, but those people truly capable of caring,
                  would come together in this way?

Lions are love in action.
People are the hands and feet of the Creator.
Only when we give as God would give, are we truly caring.

The International Institute For Human Empowerment gives.
      It, too, gives service.
            It, too, has a mission of caring.
                  It seeks to equalize opportunity.

We are just people--
Doing for our communities and our world--
Hoping to make the world a better place.....for everyone.

So, if you see a Lion
Stop and recognize
That you’ve met someone special.

And, if you meet a member
of the International Institute For Human Empowerment,
Do the same.

For we are all but followers
      Of that one great tradition of caring.
            Providing service as a lifestyle
                  That is truly who we are.

Lions are the hands and feet of the Creator.
      Inspiring us to do just one more project--
            Just one more time--
                  Until there is no more.

With inspiration and support,
      Together--we continue our mission of service.
            And we will not be finished
                  Until disease and disability are no more.

We are Lions, and the International Institute For Human Empowerment.
We care.

poem written by Sue KIdd Shipe, Ph.D.
Executive Director, International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.
www.humanempowerment.org

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Vision & Mission