Rick Kemmer, Executive Director of Strong Harvest International, will provide a fresh perspective on poverty and explore the factors that trap people in the poverty cycle. In his presentation Unlocking Sustainable Change, he will discuss attainable and sustainable solutions that empower individuals, families, and communities to grow and thrive.

The presentation will highlight how these solutions promote dignity and long-term development, as well as ways everyone can contribute to making a lasting difference

The Rotary Club of Wilsonville meets weekly Thursdays at noon to carry out its purpose of providing service and fellowship to members and the Wilsonville community. Guests are welcome. Lunch is available off the menu; please arrive and order by 11:45 a.m. if you are ordering lunch. For more information, email president@wilsonvillerotary.com.

Official bio:

Rick Kemmer is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Strong Harvest International and a member of the Lewis River Rotary in Battle Ground, Washington. His professional journey has been diverse, including roles as a business owner, chef, professional photographer, painting contractor, water jet cutting operator, and development worker in Tanzania, East Africa. The broad range of experience he gained in each of these roles has proven to be a great asset. While living in Tanzania, Rick implemented three programs aimed at improving food security, health, and economic viability at the family level—dairy camels, dairy goats, and moringa tree training. This experience solidified his commitment to helping people meet their basic needs in ways that empower individuals and prevent dependency on external resources. In 2012, Rick and his wife, Jeri, founded Strong Harvest International, a non-profit based in Vancouver, Washington, which supports families in developing countries as they face the challenges of hunger and poverty. Today, Rick will share how Strong Harvest is putting the power of change into the hands of the people who need it most.