Not only has Michelle Venema been challenged to run an Exton-based nonprofit organization during a pandemic, she also is the leader of a community service organization.

Venema, the CEO of Home of the Sparrow, which seeks to end homelessness for women and children in Chester County, is president of the Rotary Club of West Chester, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021.

"I'm a long-tenured Rotarian," said Venema, who joined the club in 1992 and was elected president for 2020-21. "Rotary was brought into the community and was led by all men. In the 1980s, women were invited to attend. The club wanted a female leader for our 100th anniversary. In addition, 2020 was the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, so club members thought it was fitting to elect a female club president."

Previously, the club met weekly at the West Chester Golf and Country Club. Venema said that because of "Zoom fatigue," the club meets virtually on the first and third Thursdays of the month instead of weekly. "We have one fellowship meeting a month when we get together in person outside with social distancing," she said. "It's been tough on certain Rotarians not seeing each other regularly; they built their week around Rotary. (The in-person gatherings) are a chance for fellowship and camaraderie. When you don't see (fellow Rotary Club members), it's like not seeing your family."

The club is open to members who live or work in the greater West Chester area. "I live in West Chester and work in Exton," Venema pointed out. "Rotary is about service above self. We are looking for people of action. We are a vibrant club. We (support programs) internationally and locally in our community as well."

Those interested in joining the club must be sponsored by a member. "Rotary loses a little something over Zoom, but we are open to visitors (who can) come sit in on a meeting," she said. Those interested in attending a virtual meeting may email info@westchesterrotary.us to receive the Zoom link.

Although the club's annual chili cook-off was canceled in 2020 and this year's event has been canceled as well, the club is continuing its charitable programs. "Our community philanthropic committee is currently taking applications for nonprofits that are looking for funding," said Venema, noting that grants awarded by the organization range from $500 to $5,000 and the deadline to apply is Friday, May 28.

Venema is also busy with Home of the Sparrow, which offers supportive housing services to single women and mothers who are homeless or in danger of losing their homes, as well as education and support programs. "Preventing homelessness for women and kids put us on the front lines," she said. "Being club president and CEO of Home on the Sparrow is enjoyable, but does take a lot of time and effort. It's been a challenging but rewarding year."

For more information about the Rotary Club of West Chester, visit http://www.westchesterrotary.us. More information about Home of the Sparrow is available at http://www.homeofthesparrow.org and http://www.facebook.com/homeofthesparrow.