Click here to view the article: Cy-Fair Rotarian Couple Revel in Helping Others
"He brought me into Rotary when he was president, and that was the
first year that women were allowed in," Robin said.
Both have thrived in the organization, not only serving in leadership
positions including Robin's stint as president in 1998 and 1999 and
Ed's current role as governor for Rotary District 5890, but also
traveling to several foreign countries such as India, Germany and
Nicaragua on behalf of the service organization.
Ed said the trip to India was important because of Rotary's work to
eradicate polio. He said India is one of only four remaining countries
dealing with the crippling disease, and he and Robin traveled there to
help administer polio vaccinations.
They also participated in Nicaragua's Children of the Dump project to
help hungry and needy children who had been rooting around garbage
dumps for food.
"Rotary began to build schools and provide two hot meals a day for
the students," Ed said. "We built water wells for villages, sanitation
facilities and homes with sustainable gardens."
Robin said her and her husband's participation in Rotary has allowed
them to serve their fellow man in a unique way.
"I've seen extreme poverty in my travels and there are so many people
in this world who are in great need of decent living conditions and
education," she said. "I just really enjoy helping others. It feels
good."
Despite his success as a clinical psychologist and author of three
books on stress management, Ed said his work with Rotary has brought
about a different dimension to his life.
"I got involved after someone asked me to give a speech after one of
my books was published," he said. "At that point I didn't know about
Rotary, but serving humanity in this way gives me more purpose in my
life and something that I haven't found anywhere else."
Robin holds a master's degree in psychology and works with her
husband in their counseling practice as a licensed psychological
associate.
The practice, which was founded in 1982, is located near their home
in northwest Houston.
Fellow Rotarian Ruth Cassidy called the Charlesworths "generous and
hospitable" in their efforts for Rotary.
"The commitment they've made is incredible," she said. "They've
hosted people from all over the world in their home.
"They're just very warm, open individuals. They're really quite a
team." |
