Our Mission: We are Exchange, America's Service Club, a group of women and men working together to make our communities better places to live, through programs of service in Americanism, Community Services, Youth Activities, and our national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse. ------------------------------------------------------- Exchange is an all-volunteer, national service organization established in 1911.  It is for women and men who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills, and enjoy new friendships.       Exchange is made up of some 900 clubs and 30,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, dedicated to building a better America, and, in so doing, bring out the best in ourselves.   More importantly, Exchange provides members with the opportunity to share their time and talents to help others by reaching out to abused children who need love and affection via the CAPSTONE FAMILY CENTER, an Exchange organization established in 1989.   CAPSTONE first began     serving families in 1996 through the National Exchange Club's Parent Aide Model with additional contributions from the Healthy Families America Model.   The premise of these models is that change takes place when genuine, caring relationships are formed with people.  CAPSTONE utilizes trained, para-professional Home Visitors to carry out this important work.     In 1989 Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Exchange Club members created the first Child Abuse Prevention Center in the state of Michigan.  The Berrien County Council for Children was consulted about starting a child abuse prevention center in Berrien County.  Other such centers were affiliated with local Exchange Clubs nationally; it was a natural fit.  At this time Berrien County did not have a parent aide program and it was felt there was a need for the service.  Preliminary research was done to review any local child abuse prevention efforts and to document need for the parent aide program.  Need was confirmed and, in 1993, the CAPSTONE CENTER was successfully established as the premier Child Abuse Prevention Center in Southwest Michigan.  It is the only center of its kind in Michigan.

Weekly Meetings: Elk's Club Building 518 Broad St., St. Joseph In the main meeting hall. Tuesday's at noon for lunch Program usually ends by 1:15 Check Events Calendar for upcoming programs   Month-by-Month  July National Convention New Exchange Year Starts Western AM Luncheon   August Summer Programs Football Crying Towel Capstone Picnic   September National Baby Safety Month Shaken Baby Syndrome   October Nat'l Crime & Fire Prevention Month Fire Fighter of the Year Awards Visitor's Day Club Fair National Day of Service   November One Nation Under God Month Veterans' Day Freedom Shine Boys' Basketball Crying Towel Girls' Basketball Crying Towel   December Newsie Sale Month Newsie Kickoff Luncheon Newsie Sale   January Stand Up for Capstone Kickoff Police Officer of the Year Honors Leo Stanley Awards (4H)   February National Community Service Month District Mid-Winter Conference   March National Exchange Club Founding Officer & Director Nominations   April Stand Up For Capstone Nat'l Child Abuse Prevention Month Capstone Family Center Update Student of the Year Selection Nat'l Volunteer Recognition Month   May Freedom Shrine Month Miss Blossomtime Pageant Blossomtime Parade "GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE" Pgm A.C.E. Awards Presentation   June Nat'l Awards & Recognition Month