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.

Thank You to the Angell Foundation

As many of you know, we are one of the beneficiaries of the Angell Foundation, established after the deaths of both Lynn and David Angell who perished on one of the 9/11 plane crashes. This week we were able to show our gratitude by welcoming the Foundation’s Advisory Board to spend the day on campus while they met to consider initiatives that are being entrained by the Foundation.

Lynn and David were the best examples of what good volunteers are all about. They were motivated to make a difference, understood what the commitment entailed, and were faithful. For Lynn Angell, Hillsides’ library was her way of providing a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve. She was the driving force behind developing a library service for our students and residents. She understood the fiscal constraints and set out to engage other volunteers and solicit the support and resources necessary to make the library a reality. Established by her, Hillsides’ library continues today to be one of the many programs that distinguishes us among other residential services providers. 

The library not only serves as a refuge on campus from the frenetic activity associated with both the school and the residential program, but it also continues to be a tremendous draw for many to volunteer with our residents. Whether it is reading, tutoring or visiting with a child, many volunteers find the library as a place where they can easily and yet profoundly impact the lives of those we serve.

The Angells had a vision and the Foundation established on their behalf has embedded that vision in its grant making endeavors. Here at Hillsides we have benefited not only from their support for the library, but also for many other services we offer including our outreach to transition aged youth at Youth Moving On.

As we acknowledge the Angells and the Foundation, we call upon the community to consider volunteering here at Hillsides. There are many wonderful opportunities to touch the lives of our kids and help them and their families through a very challenging time. If interested, please contact Laura Kelso, director of community resources, at 323-254-2274 ext. 251. What greater tribute can we provide to Lynn and David Angell, but to serve as they did! Join us!

Graduation: Stepping into the Future

On June 21, Hillsides Education Center hosted its graduation ceremony. HEC is a small non-public school serving not only many of the Hillsides residents, but also students from the greater Pasadena area. This year four seniors graduated. A long standing custom at the graduation is to give graduates the opportunity to address the assembly and offer some reflection on this milestone. In describing his hopes beyond Hillsides, one graduate mentioned a quote worth spending some time considering. He said, “Those who are stuck in the past risk missing the future.” How true!

For all the students at HEC, they address not just their particular learning challenges, but a myriad of issues. For many, those challenges are only complicated by emotional and behavioral issues that are considerable. As much as these students achieve academically, they also see their other issues ameliorated, their confidence restored--so much that they can step away from the past into the future. 

For all of these graduates, graduation is a moment when they come to a fork in the road and a direction must be taken. And as often is the case, they will never have this opportunity again. Hopefully, as they set out on the road they are less burdened, more assured and excited for the journey that lies ahead.

They reach this moment assisted by so many who care for them. Their families, who regardless of the challenges, hold in their hearts great hope for their children. Accompanying their families is the extraordinary staff from both HEC and Hillsides who together assist these students to be successful. It is very challenging work, but it is moments like graduation that are most gratifying when we can see the sense of accomplishment on the faces of the graduates.

As always, this is also a moment to recognize the extraordinary support that we receive from the community to maintain our educational endeavors. With school districts historically constrained, our reimbursement is significantly less than what it costs to educate the students at HEC. Without your support, we would not be able to sustain HEC. Thank you and know that you play an  important role in making it possible for these students to be set free from the past and step out into the future.