A Story of Giving

The word went out that there was a child in need. Four year old Tim, his legs twisted and gnarled from cerebral palsy, inched his way up the ramp to my office. He propelled himself with the tips of his toes, alternately leaning on and bracing against the metal walker that framed his small body. He was focused and determined. His mother walked along side seemingly oblivious to his labors.

It took a long time for the two of them to make it up the ramp. When Tim slowed and rested his mother encouraged him onward. As they approached my door, Tim broke out in a big smile and said, “We did it!”

Tim’s mother handed me a bag full of toys and books…for the child in need.

“This is our way of saying thank you for the support and encouragement we received through the Center” she said.

The small and simple things that we say and do can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Dear friends and supporters,

The generous spirit evidenced by this boy and his mother is not unusual. It is one of the great pleasures of working at the Center. Families that have received help from the Center want to give back. They are not always able to give financially, but they find other meaningful ways to say thank you. Often it is in heartfelt and simple ways!

There is no substitute for a strong and caring family. Agencies and organizations cannot be the parents a child needs. What we can do is provide a helping hand, make it easy to access help, raise awareness and educate. We accomplish this by bringing people and resources together…it really works.

Over 5000 children, parents and teachers became involved with the Center this year. It may be a family receiving respite care, or a teen mom finding the means and encouragement to stay in school…. a child screened for developmental progress…. a parent needing help locating quality childcare ….a preschool teacher seeking assistance…or a grandparent seeking guidance. Families can receive help from several different sources in one place and at one time!

Our vision is a community unified in respect for children and committed to helping them reach their full potential. Thank you for your generosity. We continue to need your support. Simply put, it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with the smiles and laughter of those you love,

Maurean Adams, Executive Director

P.P.S. Donate an item for our on-line thrift store…Let us know the names of others who may be interested in learning about the Center…Volunteer…Consider the Center when doing estate planning.

May your holidays be filled with simple pleasures!