Our goal is to have fun while supporting children

Two dignitaries today 5/22

Two dignitaries on one day
Greetings Kiwanis of Oakmont fans. I am back from cruising China and Japan so you can look for our updates as before. This week, May 22, we were blessed by two dignitaries: Kelly Grudzien, Library Tech at Luther Burbank spoke to us of the wonderful work she is doing with our grants to buy book for the library; Rich Delaparra, Lt. Governor, spoke to us of the year he has planned for the district. As usual, please feel free to join us at our Thursday Breakfast meeting, 8 AM (early but worth it). you can email us at [email protected] and see our website kiwanisclubofoakmont.org

Shining a Light: Oakmont Visual Aids Club Brings the Joy of Reading and Play to Blind Children Worldwide

Together, we’re turning compassion into action—and making the world a little brighter for children.

Did you know that right here in Oakmont, a group of dedicated volunteers is making a global impact—one book at a time? The Oakmont Visual Aids Club meets weekly at the West Recreation Center, where they prepare and mail specially adapted books and games for blind and visually impaired children around the world. Their hands-on work brings accessible education, entertainment, and the gift of literacy to those who might otherwise go without.

At a recent Thursday morning meeting of the Oakmont Kiwanis Club, club member Jill Butler gave a moving presentation about the Visual Aids Club’s mission and efforts. She passed around samples of the tactile books and materials they create—each one a testament to the love and care poured into this vital work.

The Oakmont Kiwanis Club is proud to support causes like this, and we welcome anyone who wants to make a difference. Come join us for our Thursday Breakfast Meeting at 8:00 AM—yes, it’s a bit early for some, but trust us, the camaraderie (and coffee) is worth it, and the mission is even more so.

Whether you’re interested in learning more, getting involved, or just want to meet like-minded community members, we’d love to have you. Reach out to us at [email protected] and visit our website at https://k11349.site.kiwanis.org/ to learn more.

The Principal of Kenwood Elementary receiving a check and a donation to the library.

Larkin O’Leary (left in picture) and Bella gave an insightful and inspiring presentation. Larkin’s story is particularly touching—her transition from a schoolteacher to founding the CommonGround Society shows a deep commitment to supporting families with children who have disabilities. It’s incredible how they have created a thriving online community, with over 1,200 engaged parents and caregivers on their Facebook page. Their work is so valuable to many people navigating similar experiences. See their website at www.commongroundsociety.org, a 501(C)(3) organization.

CASA

We were treated to a presentation by CASA volunteers, not a Mexican house but Court Appointed Special Advocates. This group of volunteers work directly with abused children who are in the County’s care, helping the children get on with their lives and advising the court whether the parents should regain custody. Our wealthy community has 256 children who were abused and are under the County’s care at this writing. Casa’s volunteers devote countless hours gaining the trust of these children and helping them get their life back.

YWCA

In this wealthy community, it is surprising how many abused women must escape and leave their home with small children in tow in the middle of the night because of violent abuse at the hands of the fathers. YWCA gives them a place to live. Children are housed in a large house and the children have access to playthings, food, and most importantly of all, a way to work out their anger. Pictured here is Kiwanis giving $1,000 to help the YWCA in their cause.

Kiwanis is another Oakmont Club where you have fun and meet others, but we have the additional purpose of supporting children, especially in Sonoma County where the need is greater than you might guess.

Pictured here are Kiwanians in front of their monthly food collection, to be donated to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. This is why Kiwanians have fund raisers like the Shread-A-Thon and Carnitas & Margaritas. We invite you to join us: you will have fun too and you might want to help with our fundraisers.

Carnitas & Margaritas

We will be having this yearly fun event in the Berger on Saturday, August 23rd from 5PM to 8 PM.

We are holding this popular event on Thursday, February 13 in the Berger Parking Lot from 8:30 to noon.

What is Kiwanis?

Here is a quick video that explains what Kiwanis is.

Interested in learning more? Please contact us.

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