Together on the Path

One of the annual highlights of the academic year at Hillsides Education Center is the Science and Academic Fair. Last week classrooms were converted into exhibition spaces as each student took their place alongside their particular science or academic project. I never know exactly what to expect, but always leave the event edified and truly proud. Everyone is invited to come to the Science and Academic Fair. Along with staff and volunteers, friends and family, all descend upon the campus on this-mid day extravaganza.

Aside from the opportunity to actually learn something by some obscure fact--my favorite was the utility of worms--it gives me an occasion to meet family members and talk to them about their children. In the midst of the hubbub of the fair, a resident introduced me to his mom, as he went back to expounding upon the role of coyotes in the wild. I was able to ask her how things were going with her son. The challenges that this student faces are great, rooted in early childhood experiences that will mark him for the remainder of his life. Mom acknowledged that she is, in fact, his aunt and had assumed child rearing responsibility for her sister, who is unable to serve as parent because of severe addiction. She worries about his long-term ability to manage well in school or be successfully reintegrated into her home, but is grateful for the care he has received while at Hillsides and the progress he has been able to make in school. These accomplishments give her hope that, with some help, they will be alright once he returns home soon.

Encounters like this one reinforces for me what Hillsides is all about--serving as a resource and ally for families as they address the challenges that their children confront. With them, we move along an uncharted path with many crossroads. It can be daunting, but the support that is received along the way is what makes the journey worthwhile and hopefully successful.

This year the theme of our annual appeal that has just been launched is “Together on the Path.” It was chosen because it is an expression that captures what we do as we join with schools, communities and families to improve the lives of their most vulnerable children and youth. Whether it be through our residential programs, the educational services we offer or the community-based services and outreach that we provide from the Hollywood Hills to the far reaches of the San Gabriel Valley, our mission is the same--to be an exceptional resource that allows those we serve to be successful.

Support us on this journey as all our programs require some level of support from the community if we are to be truly successful. The needs and challenges are great, but the opportunity to touch a child’s life, protect an abandoned youth or to restore a family torn apart by hardship is too great for us to falter. With your help, much is accomplished. So please check out our annual appeal and make your contribution--together we are on a path that leads to a full and better life for all we serve.           

An Alarming Epidemic

As incredulous as the sex abuse of minors in the Catholic Church was, and most recently the Penn State scandal, we are now engrossed in yet another inconceivable scenario of sexual abuse allegation in the LAUSD school system. As is true in the Catholic Church regarding priests, and indeed true also for athletic coaches, the vast majority of teachers are talented, hard working and very dedicated in spite of fiscal constraints and poor conditions. However, the lesson that can be learned from the sexual abuse scandals is that mixed loyalties, shame and a protective institutional culture can result in placing those entrusted in our care at considerable harm.

For all of us who care for children, there is only one driving concern: their safety. Each time I address new staff members I remind them that the children we serve have experienced more than their share of trauma. Therefore, more than anything else, whether in words or actions, we must do no harm to those already so vulnerable. Before loyalties to one another or institution, must be our loyalty to those we serve.

Recently at a staff meeting, Thomas Lee, director of Youth Moving On, a transitional housing and service for youth aging out of the foster care system, stated that the majority of the young women enrolling in the YMO program have been sexually abused. How can that be? Sexual abuse statistics indicate that one in four teenage girls are sexually abused by the time they reach 18, and teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are 3.5 times more likely than the general public to be victims of sexual abuse. What other conclusion can we reach, but that we are experiencing an epidemic where our children and youth are being exploited at an alarming rate.

This may seem an exaggeration, but I’m afraid that our discomfort with this issue often makes us minimize the insidious and pervasive nature of sexual abuse. This discomfort, together with misplaced loyalties and a protective, if not indeed, secretive environment, only perpetuates a problem that long ago should have been uprooted out of our culture.

The path to prevention of sexual abuse must be set by a commitment by all adults regardless of their caregiver status to protect children. Age and culturally appropriate education of this topic to our children within the family and supported by our school, churches and all civic organizations is the only true remedy. Without making children frightened, we need to teach them from an early age the distinction between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Parents, teachers and all caregivers need to be able to recognize the signs of possible abuse and create a sense of safety and security that would allow children to report abusive activity. Early education and intervention is essential to mitigating this “epidemic.”

April is Sexual Abuse Awareness month and so it is important not only for us to confront this sad reality, but more importantly, resolve to do everything we can to keep our children safe.

“Road to Emerald City” Raises $380,000

This past Saturday Hillsides hosted its annual benefit, “Road to Emerald City,” where guests followed the yellow brick road to raise $380,000 for programs and services serving vulnerable children and families living in Los Angeles County. As I looked around The California Club in downtown Los Angeles, I saw how the Benefit Committee had transformed it into the Land of Oz where Dorothy and the Wicked Witch also made a special appearance. With generous donors like Jacob Maarse Florists who  donated the floral designs for the evening’s theme, I was amazed at just how much time, talent and energy is put forth to make such a spectacular event.

Kudos goes to Benefit chair Cathy Brennan, who set the stage for an unforgettable evening. We are also fortunate that Hillsides has many board members, supporters and volunteers that work with us behind the scenes to acquire amazing displays and items like the replica Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the “Wizard of Oz” previously on loan to The Smithsonian Museum from the Collection of David A. Pacheco that were displayed at the event. Other items were the candy bar that was a hit with the guests as were the hundred auction packages available for bid, and 1.5 carat natural Colombian Emerald opportunity drawing, donated by SN Queens. The Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery and Roger and Michele Engemann generously donated the wine for the evening.

Our emcee and celebrity auctioneer Fritz Coleman of KNBC reminded us that he has been supporting Hillsides a quarter of a century as he mentioned the centennial that we will be celebrating next year. Dr. Drew Pinsky, time and time again, continues to speak about the important work we do and emphasizes the value we give individuals to help them through troubling times. Hillsides is lucky to have such a committed emcee and celebrity auctioneer along with Cathy Brennan, who with her committee, worked tirelessly to present this evening. Most of all, without the sponsorships, we could not host such an elaborate evening. I want to thank our major sponsors who demonstrate a significant commitment through their generous contribution. Publicly, I would like to say, again, we could not do all we do for the children and families in our care, without your dedication to our mission.

Thank you to Susan and Bill Noce, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, Marge and Sherm Telleen, Don and Sally Clark, Linda and Stephen Gill, Clara Maarse and Hank Maarse-Jacob Maarse Florists, Ben and Judy Reiling, Paul Rusnak-Rusnak Auto Group, Swanton Family Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Western Asset Management and many more who shared in our vision of the “Road to Emerald City.”

The weekend was filled with momentous occasions, not just for Hillsides guests as they reached the Emerald City, but for others who also partook in the viewing of the Oscar Academy Awards. And as I sat there also participating, I couldn’t help but think how grateful I was for the extraordinary performance by so many at Hillsides that we had our own awards to give.

Best Picture: Road to Emerald City

Producer: Susan and Bill Noce

Actor in Leading Role: Fritz Coleman

Actress in Leading Role: Cathy Brennan

Best Director: Development Department

Costume Design: Goldsmith & Klein

Art Direction: Jacob Maarse Florists

Music: Mark Levang & Band with special appearance by John Mahon

A special thanks goes to or guests for attending, viewing, and bidding. I wonder ... who will get next year’s awards?

Lunch with Jack, a 10-year Resident

He stands at about 5’6”, a slight build with scruffy facial hair and glasses. An inquisitive glance and an easy smirk draws you to him. My first encounter with Jack came nearly two years ago as I walked the campus with my predecessor John Hitchcock. Without prompting, Jack approach hypothesizing that I might be the new “John Hitchcock.”

And since then, I have discovered that Jack hates vegetables, loves computer games, is a whiz at exotic Japanese card games and enjoys geometry. He has lived at Hillsides for ten years, most recently at one of our off-campus group homes and after diligent effort will graduate from our highschool program on Friday and make a much anticipated return to live with his mother.

Over an Italian lunch at a near by eatery, he shared with me his plans for school, a part-time job, a love interest and the hope of reconnecting with family members. “What do you like most about Hillsides?” I asked, cueing Jack to tell me about his favorite outings, adventures and misadventures alike, friendship that have been created and good people who have supported him during his tenure.

As we ended the luncheon, while Jack suggested to me he approach the manager of the restaurant for a job, I let him know that all of us at Hillsides were very proud of him and reminded him that he could count on us even after he left. He looked over at me with an expression that confirmed for me that he already knew that.

There are not many Jacks left at Hillsides. More and more, the agency is not a place where kids grow up, but rather a resource to address their needs while planning to get them back as soon as possible to their communities and families, and that is a good thing. But Hillsides has also been a great place for kids like Jack who may need a relatively supportive long-termenvironment to help achieve a level of confidence and self-esteem that will serve as the foundation for their success.

I let him know that all of us at Hillsides were very proud of him and reminded him that he could count on us even after he left.

As much as Jack and his family are grateful for all they have received during these very formative years, we, too, are grateful for the privilege to have cared for him during this time as if indeed he was our own.

Join me in congratulating Jack as he dons his cap and gown, receives his well-earned diploma and sets out on many adventures (and misadventures for sure). To him and all those we serve, whether for ten days or ten years, we pledge to do everything possible to restore well-being and hope.

Ho, Ho, Ho....

By the time you read this Santa will have already come to Hillsides, gifts will have been distributed, too much ginger bread consumed and a few too many Christmas carols sung, but most importantly, some wonderful memories will have been created. This is, of course, such a busy time of year and in the midst of all the activity, it is easy to overlook what this season is all about. But then you look into the face of a child surprised by getting exactly what had been requested of Santa and you are reminded what it is all about … making a difference in the lives of the children, youth and families we serve.

To all of you who are so dedicated to our mission and so generous with your time, talent and treasure…thank you.  Be sure that your efforts make dreams come true during this holiday season for all those we serve.

May you enjoy a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year filled with good health and happiness.

From all of us at Hillsides………………Peace!

Teacher Peddles Around the World to Help Foster Care Kids

As a substitute teacher, Christine “Chris” Farrugia always rode her bike to her school site. At age 56, she has decided to peddle just a little farther to raise awareness of the needs of vulnerable children. Beginning December 1, Chris will kick off her one-year ride around the world in front of Hillsides.

I met Chris when she came to tour Hillsides and explain to us what she wanted to do. Chris explained that after her parents and brother died in a car accident, she felt alone and was left with a desire to do something to make a difference. She thought about how foster children or orphans must feel when they are no longer with family, which is how she decided to raise money for organizations that offer services to children in need.  Through Chris’ family tragedy, she believed that ordinary people do extraordinary things every day even after they have walked through situations or ride through storms. Unfortunate events test our human spirit.

So many of the vulnerable children and families we serve have experienced trauma, in one form or another. Their human spirit is tested and sometimes feel they are alone. They don’t know what steps to take and don’t know who to turn to. When they come to Hillsides or we reach out to families, our staff provides the quality care, expertise and talent to strengthen their spirit. Volunteers take their time and talents to give generously through hands-on activities, mentoring or funds to help us restore hope in their lives.

It’s a simple message from Chris: If you have a passion or a talent, no matter the circumstance, you could do something to make a difference. Just get out there and do it. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. And that’s exactly what she’s doing and I have seen our staff, volunteers and donor community put one foot in front of the other.

Although the journey can appear daunting, Chris’ positive energy, enthusiasm and commitment are infectious. I am excited to have been chosen as the charity in America to join Chris on her journey. She is funding the world cycling tour with her inheritance and welcomes sponsors to host her campground stays, weather permitted, or hotel accommodations. Eighty-five percent of the proceeds from the ride will raise funds for Hillsides and Good Shepherd Centre Orphanage in Zimbabwe, Africa, the other charity she has chosen.

On her recent visit to Hillsides, Chris explained the mission of Project Miracle Co, the charity she established to raise funds for other deserving children’s charities. “I wanted to help the wheels that were already in motion.” While touring our campus, Chris said, “I feel this is the right place to do this—like I’m home.”

Like Chris, I believe Hillsides is the right place to volunteer, do something, and help the most vulnerable in our community.

A Culture of Quality Care

I’ve mentioned in the blog before that Hillsides is seeking a national accreditation with the Council on Accreditation in New York. Although we are currently accredited by the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, a decision was made last year to pursue a national accreditation to better position Hillsides in an increasingly competitive and demanding environment. Although we have been preparing for the accreditation for several months, we have now begun a yearlong process that hopefully with culminate with our accreditation, just in time for our centennial celebration.

As part of the accreditation process, our efforts to continuously address improving the quality of care has been strengthened. A specific committee has been charged with reviewing all our efforts to assure quality services. A  Board committee will review these efforts, which engages not only all levels of staff, but will also solicit input from our many beneficiaries. More than anything else, what we want to reinforce is a culture that values the finest care for the most vulnerable.

In a previous era, it was satisfactory to talk about the good that was being done and point anecdotally to the impact that was made. Today, that is just not good enough--not good enough for those we serve and not good enough for us as an organization if we strive to be a provider of choice.

Hillsides has every reason to be proud of the quality of care it provides the children, youth and families we serve. But like any other organization, it is easy to be satisfied with what we have done or what we are doing without necessarily taking a critical look at how services are delivered and what the true impact is as a result of the care that has been received.

Some argue that it is difficult to measure the impact; there are too many variables out of our control that influence the outcome. Although that may be the case, it is still not an excuse for us to maintain a critical eye on what we do to assure that all we do is the best. Providing quality care is the greatest tool we have to counter those unforeseen variables that impact the lives of those we serve. In doing so, we can influence the outcome.

As I often say, we can never do enough for those we serve. So it is with that desire that we embark on this process with every hope that it will strengthen us as an organization. Further, cultivating this culture of quality care will enable us to fulfill much more effectively our mission of providing a safe “place” for all we serve.

Resiliency

One of my favorite activities is to walk around the campus and check in on some of the residents who may be in crisis. At times, these children are highly agitated and unable to really interact. Inevitably over time and with the fine care that they receive from staff, you see their behavior improve and demeanor change from being withdrawn to engaged. Just the other day I visited with one of our residents who was supposedly on “independent study,” but actually on a suspension from the public school she attends. She sat with a staff member, withdrawn and indeed defiantly refusing to do any school work.

Today as I did my rounds, I am happy to report that she was actually doing some school work and interacting well with staff. What a difference a few days can make; often the progress is slow but with each day, this young girl will improve and eventually return to school.

The one thing that always encourages me, in spite of the many challenges we confront to provide services to vulnerable children and families, is their resiliency. Over and over again in more that twenty years working in child welfare, I see children respond to the services offered to them and rebound to be able to move beyond the trauma or crisis to be well functioning individuals.

Like the children and youth we serve, it is important for us to be an organization that is resilient.  Recently, I attended a workshop sponsored by the Child Welfare League of America entitled, “Building Resilient Organizations.” Organizational resiliency is defined by how successfully we adapt to change. In an environment where there are numerous factors impacting how we operate, it is important for us to be able to accommodate multiple stressors while not losing sight of our mission. We also must be resourceful in order to address challenges successfully, and from constraints, identify solutions and opportunities. This agility and innovation ultimately must be reflected on how we organize ourselves to be most effective, shedding, if necessary, structures and systems that no longer serve well.

In almost a hundred years, Hillsides has been very resilient, adapting and changing while never losing sight of its mission to be a “place” for children, youth and their families to be restored to well being. Like the children we serve, success is determined by how resilient, agile and how resourceful we are.

Setting a Direction

Tonight the Jewish community begins their High Holiday celebrations with Rosh Hashanah culminating with Yom Kippur. It is a time to review the past year, atone for any wrongs and celebrate the beginning of a new year. This annual ritual is similar to other religious traditions that provide an annual opportunity to reflect on the past while also looking forward, hopeful for what lies ahead. This annual review is good not only for individuals, but for organizations as well. And so as Hillsides’ anticipates our centennial in 2013, we are taking some time to review the past century, in light of our ever compelling mission, in order to better position us for the next century of faithful service to vulnerable children and their families.

As a result, this past week a select group of board members and executive staff set aside half a day for the first of two sessions to set a direction for Hillsides’ next century of service. In preparation for these planning sessions, interested parties have been interviewed, some internal focus groups have been held, and an initial organizational assessment has been developed. The process is meant to be iterative, so as materials are developed they will then be vetted by staff, the board of directors and our principle stakeholders. The goal of these planning efforts is to reinvigorate Hillsides, affirm our historic mission, and set a direction that will allow us to be confident of yet another hundred years.

I’m only stating the obvious when I say that much has changed since 1913, but as much as things have changed, some things are still the same and that is our mission and commitment. Even the challenges today have some similarities with those of 1913. They have to do with funding, practice trends, quality of care and ultimately the long-term well being of the children we serve.

Hillsides has always been an organization that is very responsive to the needs of the children we serve. This is reflected in the environment that we have established on the campus to provide a safe and welcoming place for our residents, the development of our educational service over the last thirty years and, most recently, the creation of our community-based programs, specifically our services for youth leaving the foster care system. It is this history of innovation that inspires us to look ahead to the challenges the children and families we serve confront and set a direction to be ever responsive to them and a real resource to aid them in achieving their dreams and hopes.

Remembering Rosario Espinoza

This past week Hillsides lost one of its finest staff members to cancer. Her loss is devastating not only because she was far too young and talented, but also because she was such a great example of what it is to be selfless and dedicated.  

Rosario worked at Hillsides since 2003, first as a therapist and, most recently, as the manager of our school-based services in Baldwin Park. Her first role at Hillsides was to provide services for pregnant teens. Rosario’s work was so exceptional that within a short time the principal of the school asked her and Hillsides to consider providing additional services to their students. With that, a whole array of services was launched by Hillsides on the Baldwin Park school’s campus, all of it nurtured by her dedicated and extraordinary commitment to the children, youth and families she served. It serves as a legacy that survives her.

As committed as she was to those she served, she was also dedicated to those she supervised, providing them not just with counsel and guidance, but especially with a tireless example of selfless, professional care.

What impressed me most about Rosario was her perseverance, refusing to allow illness to define her, working hard as long as she could in spite of set backs, hospitalizations and occasional absences.  It was an extraordinary example of her unwavering dedication in spite of significant hardships.

That kind of determination is inspirational not only to all us who experienced it, but especially to those she served. It was a lesson to never give up, in spite of the challenges and to strive each day with all the energy we can muster for a full life.

Inevitably that kind of example leaves a lasting impression and without a doubt encourages others to do the same even if against great odds.

More than anything else, it is the fine work and efforts of so many staff and volunteers that leave lasting impressions about Hillsides on those we serve. So although our sense of loss is great, we are nevertheless grateful for the “lasting impression” that Rosario has left on all of us. Her life is an extraordinary example of one who lived out what we believe--that our efforts are worthwhile and makes a difference.

May she rest in peace!

Happy Birthday Hillsides

According to our documents of incorporation, Hillsides was established on September 8, 1913 making it 98 years old! In just a couple of years we will mark our centennial and there is a committee of our Board of Directors already anticipating the event.

We sometimes find the enterprise of providing services to such vulnerable children and their families very overwhelming, but at least, we have a well established donor community, an organization that is competent with a great reputation, and a publicly funded social service system in place. So I can just imagine how daunting it must have been for Deaconess Wile, our founder, to have begun this work from scratch.

As we prepare for the centennial, we are combing through a lot of memorabilia and, in particular, I am interested in everything and anything that can offer an insight into the life of this remarkable woman. We know she was a woman of remarkable faith and that she saw her dedication to orphaned children as an expression of her beliefs and values. As such even today, although there is no sectarian agenda, the values she espoused continue to serve as the bedrock of the organization. She believed in the singular value of each child no matter what their history or circumstances. She was driven by the dream of providing a home for these underprivileged children and amazingly generated the resources that initiated what is today Hillsides.

Much has changed since 1913, but some things have not--our commitment to all the children and families we serve, helping them to understand their inherent value and their potential for a full and healthy life. Ninety- eight years later the tradition continues of being a resource for the children and families of our day who need assistance in a time of crisis.

Thank you, Deaconess Wile, for your vision, stamina and unwavering commitment. As friends and donors of Hillsides, know that your support continues to honor the dedication of this remarkable woman. She is the best example we have of someone, who in spite of the challenges, persevered and was successful. This hope is precisely what we pass on to all we serve.

Green Exercise Boosts Self-Esteem and Moods

An apple a day isn’t the only thing that might keep the doctor away. Try spending five minutes of exercise outside to boost your self-esteem and mental health. In a United Kingdom study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, evidence showed that green exercise, which is activity in the presence of nature, leads to positive short and long-term health outcomes. The study also indicated that exercise in the presence of water generated greater effects. More so, self-esteem improvements were greatest in children and emotionally challenged individuals.

We understand the importance that Mother Nature has on our children. From boosting self-esteem to lifting behavioral moods, our children and youth receive serendipitous benefits during their summer camp experience. Outdoor activities also help children burn off frustration or anxiety.  The outdoors soothes them and they return to the Hillsides campus more relaxed. 

Camping has always been a much anticipated summer outing. Our recreation department schedules several outdoor activities: swimming, archery, wall climbing, hiking, canoeing and fishing. Rotating hour-long activities provides them with the structure and the support they need.  Meal times are consistent with those on our campus, which helps the children maintain the comfort of their routines.

For many of our children Hillsides’ summer camp is the first time they will have enjoyed the great outdoors. With support from several organizations and volunteer groups, we have been able to take residents camping for nearly three decades.  Campers have stayed at various sites over the years, such as Laguna, Dinky Creek, Silverwood, Big Bear, Wrightwood and most recently, Teresita Pines.  

One thing is certain—as Mother Nature plays an important role in providing mental health benefits, our Hillsides friends also play a key role in continuing this longstanding tradition of exploring the outdoors and creating keepsake memories.

Decisions Postponed

As I prepare this blog I have received word that the President has signed the legislation that extends the debt limit. My immediate reaction is relief--not that we increased our debt ceiling, but that finally the barrage of vitriol inundating the air waves for the last month will perhaps end soon. I am afraid, though, what we have experienced is just a dress rehearsal for the next round of elections. Meanwhile, what some say was a fabricated crisis to advance a particular agenda has kept us as a nation from addressing the needs of the most vulnerable among us, who are truly victims of what was unquestionably the excesses of the last decade.

I will leave to others more versed in these issues to analyze how we got into this situation. We can blame it on the polices of former administrations, the financial meltdown in 2008 or the increased costs of entitlements, but it would seem to me that the balancing of our budget at both the State and Federal level on the backs of the most vulnerable without soliciting  the support of those most able to assist is the most un-American thing I can imagine.  

Some have described the “deal” reached in Washington on the debt limit as a compromise. I suggest that it is rather a tactic in a strategy to build the political momentum that either side needs to address not just the pressing issue of debt reduction, but also entitlements.

Entitlements are the safety net that supports education, services to the needy, and access to health care. How can we consider cutting these crucial services and asking the most vulnerable to sacrifice without soliciting the support and sacrifice of those far less vulnerable? How fair is that in such a great nation?

Let there be no doubt the impact of potential cuts would be significant for the children, youth and families we serve. Further cuts at the federal level to education funding would only make it more difficult for local school districts to provide for children with special learning challenges. Cuts to services for foster care will only further jeopardize children and youth who are already very vulnerable. Reductions in health care would continue to limit access and ironically drive up the costs of providing care.

You don’t have to be an economist to know the solution to this problem. Several examples from our own history demonstrate how we can successfully reduce our national debt while maintaining our commitment to the needy. The solution requires not only prudence and discipline with regard to spending, but also requires fair access to resources to maintain the safety net and invigorate the economy. The sacrifices can not be borne just by some; they must be taken up by all.

Farm to Table Gives Voice to Children

For the second year H100, a group of young professionals that support Hillsides, have gathered at the Flintridge Riding Club for a wonderful evening under the great oak trees to enjoy a meal of local fresh food, good music and an opportunity to learn more about our mission. This year the evening featured artwork created by some of our residents and highlighted during a great presentation by Kim Ha, our art director.

The art program is such an important component of the services we offer at Hillsides. The program is focused on one thing: to give our residents an opportunity to express themselves. Often what they express is their hurt, anxiety and desire. Words fail at times, but an image captures the emotion that otherwise would be trapped by the limitations of speech. In viewing the artwork that evening you could not help but be touched by what our residents bear at a very tender age. And you can’t also help but be grateful for people like Kim Ha and so many others who support them to express and, therefore, release what can not be spoken.

Many things are associated with Hillsides. One of them is that our residential treatment center is a place where children are restored to hope, made confident and strengthened as they return to their families and communities. The presentation on the art program helped guests at the Farm to Table event appreciate how our mission is achieved and the kind of impact we have on the lives of the children and families we serve.

Quite frankly, we can not do enough regarding sharing with the community the great work we do and the compelling nature of the needs of those we serve. To tell the story is to put a face on the challenges our kids and families confront. At a time of fiscal constraint in the public funding sector, we must not forget how the cuts being contemplated will jeopardize the very same kids that so desperately poured out their hearts onto the canvases that were displayed that night!

H100 allows Hillsides to share our mission with a whole group of people who are at a critical point in their lives, starting their families and becoming established in their careers. As they embrace our mission and share it with their families, neighbors, colleagues and friends, they become a voice for our children. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals supporting us.

Consider learning more about H100 and join this wonderful group. As Hillsides approaches its centennial in 2013, our goal is have 100 couples committed to H100 and its activity in support of our mission. For more information, contact Nicola Wilkins-Miller at 323-254-2274 ext. 454.

I’ll be on a well-deserved vacation for two weeks. Our blog postings will resume on August 3 so stay tuned for the next one. In the meantime, feel free to read postings that have been archived and share with your friends.

The Numbers are Against Us

The Los Angeles Times continues to focus on the failures of the Los Angeles County child welfare system to keep children safe and free from risk. Another toddler’s death, Tori Sandoval, on April 24 was reported on Monday. This is just the most recent of seventy deaths in the last three years of children entrusted to the Department of Children and Family Services because of maltreatment. The fact of the matter is that most of these deaths did not get this much attention! If it were not for the spotlight placed on this troubling issue by the Los Angeles Times, these deaths would go un-noticed by the public, lost in the sheer volume of children and families in the child welfare system.

Even though DCFS has reduced the amount of children in the system, the number of children in care is still monumental. As a result, case loads are unrealistic, resources are strained, and the end result is that children and families continue to be at risk. In addition, the system is constricted by a convoluted organization further impeded by mandates and protocols that serve only to bolster a gargantuan bureaucracy.

The solution can not be more of the same, but rather a comprehensive restructuring of how vulnerable children and families are served and a commitment to provide the needed resources even at a time of great fiscal constraint. Otherwise, we need not be shocked and outraged at the next report of a child’s death.

A system that is broken into smaller, more manageable service delivery units is essential. The concern that such a system would generate inconsistency and duplication is outweighed by a structure where children and families are not lost in the crowd, where accountability can be assured, and where resources can be directed more efficiently.

The challenge is enormous, but not insurmountable. Clearly, no one wants to see children placed at risk. Los Angeles has incredible resources from both the public and private sectors that could be marshaled to address this issue. Together, we can create a system of care that keeps children safe, promotes their well-being, and provides a consistent and permanent home in which to thrive.