Recent Speakers

Food Insecurity Affects Main Line Neighborhoods

Erika Bhatia, (rt) Executive Director of the Bryn Mawr District of Meals on Wheels, presented an in-depth report on this volunteer organization’s impact on the area’s food insecure population. In 2024 nearly 70,000 meals were delivered at an average cost of $8.50, with the help of referrals from hospital social workers, relatives and those in need themselves. See www.mainlinemealsonwheels.org, or call 610-688-8170.

The Opioid Epidemic in the U.S. — Its Origins and Consequences

Dr. Wade Berrittini, psychiatrist and Penn professor, explained the origins and outcomes of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. From poppy production and harvesting to both prescription and illegal use, the path to addiction and dependence is often short, but with long-term effects on users and society as a whole.

Animal Activism and The Constitution

Dara Lovitz, Esq., helped us understand the laws that apply to advocates of animal rights and those applied to perpetrators of terrorism. Rights to people guaranteed by the First Amendment have effects on cruelty, destroying animals and original intent.

The WASH Project — Rotary Impact in South Sudan

Carrie Martin, Director of Humanitarian Aid for the MAMA Project in South Sudan, spoke to us about the constant need for water and food assistance to the war-torn areas of this central African country.

Tikvah’s Work with Mental Illness

Abby Gilbert, executive director of Tikvah, spoke to us about her organization’s efforts to support and empower adults with mental illness. Tikvah’s work helps people reduce isolation through social and educational programming, leading toward accomplishment and fulfillment.

Child Pregnancy in Uganda; Explanations and Efforts to Reduce

Bruna Patricia Acam, an award-winning human rights lawyer from Uganda, reported on the child pregnancy rate in her country; one in four girls 15-19 are mothers or have become pregnant. Its root causes—economic hardship, lack of awareness and weak legal enforcement—have energized her to create Femjustice, an organization dedicated to reducing teen pregnancy. See https://femjustice.org/