The Dream

There was something especially poignant about the presidential inauguration held on the same day as the nation celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was not just moving because it was the inauguration of an African American, but because President Obama chose on this occasion to address some of the civil rights issues that challenge our generation.

Only a few days have passed since the inauguration, but much has been said about the tone and tenor of the speech, lauded by some as visionary and by others as confrontational. What impressed me about the speech was that it was a synopsis of some of the critical issues that confront us. In particular I was encouraged by the line, “Our journey is not complete until all our children…know that they are cared for, cherished, and free from harm.”

The issues are easy to identify; the challenge, of course, is how to address them. I’m afraid that in the current polarized political environment the debate regarding the best approach to these issues may lead to inaction. This, of course, is not acceptable especially when the well-being and safety of our children is concerned. Regardless of any particular disposition on this and other issues, we must encourage our political leaders to find common ground on which to act.

In light of Dr. King’s civil rights legacy, I would suggest that assuring our children are cared for is akin to a civil rights issues. With this reference, I do not mean in any way to minimize the extraordinary struggle that was required to successfully establish civil rights for people of color in our nation. But I do feel it is appropriate to liken the efforts to secure the well-being of all children, especially those who have been traumatized by neglect andindifference, to such a struggle.

Today there are more children living in poverty than at any other time in recent memory. Funding for education has seen draconian cuts at all levels especially by state goverments. Children who have been served within the child welfare system continue to be more likely to fail in school and falter to gain employment as adults. The statistics all point to generations that have been jeopardized and, as a result, their dreams and hopes hindered--their rights denied!

Many have eloquently voiced the dream of a nation where children are cherished and kept from harm. Yet, the education and well-being of our vulnerable youth are often sacrificed because of pressing fiscal concerns and a host of other priorities. What could be more important than the success of our children?

If left unattended, the needs of our most vulnerable children and youth will become a devastating legacy that has the potential to haunt us just as much as the historic deprivation of civil rights has.

Like any change, it will be generated not by policy makers and electedofficials, but by individuals who embrace a dream and labor to see it realized. A hundred years ago, Evelyn Wile, our founder, had a dream and garnered the support of many to establish a mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of children disadvantaged by death, disease, destitution, and divorce. Today we embrace that mission and continue to apply our expertise and resources to realize the dreams of all we serve. As her example led the way to reforms that advanced the good care of orphaned children, we are committed to do the same and advance the provision of quality care for all we serve.  In the process, we hope to be the catalyst to assure that children are cared for, cherished, and free from harm!

Thanksgiving Petition Drive

Thanksgiving is a day that is often marked by many traditions and rituals: gatherings of family and friends at a bountiful table, football games, outings, and the start of the holiday season. Many individuals also include on this day an activity that acknowledges our gratitude by doing something for those less fortunate like donating clothing and food to the homeless or serving Thanksgiving dinner at a local shelter.

At Hillsides we benefit from this volunteer spirit. This year a group of motorcyclists will ride to campus Thanksgiving morning and spend some time visiting with residents who will be here. This will be just one of the special activities being planned to celebrate Thanksgiving and to make it memorable for the children and youth we serve.

Indeed, one of the things that we at Hillsides are so grateful for are the legion of volunteers who offer their time and talent to serve those in our care. We are really dependent upon such generous volunteers, who beyond the service they render, become very effective advocates for the services we provide.

Once again, we call upon your commitment to our mission and ask you to take some time on Thanksgiving Day and consider signing an on-line petition to President Obama asking him to keep the many children and families, who are dependent on federal assistance, harmless in the upcoming fiscal discussions. Hillsides is joining with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) to secure 5,000 signatures before Thanksgiving and to reach 25,000 over the next two weeks.

This is a critical time for our nation as we seek out a path to fiscal stability. Some very difficult decisions will need to be made. As we address this issue, it is important not to be shortsighted. We know that ensuring access to resources assists struggling families in finding the stability that helps to prevent child abuse and neglect. We must make it clear that a balanced approach to budgeting cannot burden children. Safe, healthy, and flourishing children will ensure our long-term prosperity, so please sign today. We also ask that you encourage family, friends, and colleagues to do the same.

For more information on what we are hoping to accomplish, please check out the materials at http://bit.ly/HoldChildrenHarmless. There you will find information that details the programs that are a key way to prevent child maltreatment, but also how they help strengthen families so they can contribute to the economic recovery and prepare children to be hopeful today and valuable members of our society tomorrow.