Independence

On the 4^th of July one of the local television stations interviewed some Los Angeles residents asking if they knew what was celebrated on Independence Day. Some of the answers sounded like the occasional gaffes we hear from some seeking the presidential nomination. Most thought it was just another excuse for a long weekend!

Although it may be taken for granted, Independence Day really speaks to one of the primordial values embraced by us as a nation at our inception--freedom. And yet as important as freedom is we can not help but recognize that our independence was gained by the many whom sacrificed to achieve it. Independence is very much about interdependence.

I reflect on this because, at a time when so much is at stake as our state and nation strains against historic fiscal constraints, it is important to not lose sight of how much we need one another to get through this challenging period. Once again independence will be preserved by the sacrifice of all.

For the first time in more than a decade, the State of California has passed a budget on time. In speaking to colleagues who monitored the process in Sacramento they confirm that it was not a “pretty sight”. At the end of the day most of the funding that we depend upon has been preserved though there continues to be great uncertainty as the responsibility for many services shifts from the state to the local counties. 

Dependent upon $4 billion in projected revenues, triggers have been established to enact cuts if the revenues are not generated. Local counties and the providers that serve them, like Hillsides, collectively hold our breath hoping the cuts can be avoided. In the meantime, we go about serving the most vulnerable, attempting to be faithful to our commitment to do all we can to assist. Like being told the likelihood of a disastrous earthquake is inevitable, we prepare for the worse, but hope for the best outcome. An awful lot is at stake when you consider the vulnerability of the children, youth and families we serve.

That being said, the state budget process is a lesson on how the independence we so cherish is maintained by the collective actions of many who try to balance out the many conflicting interests in order to preserve the common good.

Fourth of July Symbolizes Independence for Country and Former Foster Youth

Fourth of July signifies our country’s independence. This celebration comes during a time when many young men and women in foster care have reached the age of 18 and have graduated from high school, thus becoming independent from the system too. These young adults become emancipated from the foster care system, leaving them feeling anxious, depressed, and alone. For many of these youth, the daunting statistic looms over their heads: nearly forty percent of former foster youth end up homeless within 18 months of being discharged from foster care.


At Hillsides, we are proud of our continued commitment to create safe places for youth even after they have emancipated from the foster care system. We believe it is our responsibility to find a safe place they can call home when they leave our residential treatment facility. We work with them in making sure they have a job. We encourage them to enroll in higher education or a vocational training program. We assure them that Hillsides will always be a supportive community that they can reach out to during challenging times.

So as I think about our country’s independence, I, too, think about our young adults and their newfound independence. In 234 years, Americans have worked together to build our country and make it what it is today. Together, we need to also work collectively to help shape our youth, especially vulnerable children and youth who rely on relative caregivers, foster parents, social workers, child advocates, mentors, volunteers, and donors. To learn more about how you can shape someone’s life, visit http://www.hillsides.org/.