Community's support earns heart-felt thanks
To our Sandpoint community:
It's mid-year, and we thought you'd like to know some of what we've been able to accomplish at Kinderhaven because of your thoughtful support.
First, the numbers … Because of your help, we've had the resources to care for an average of nine children a month since January 2008. This is more than twice the number we were able to care for last year. Since September 2007, we've never had less than six children and frequently have had 13. We are grateful that we've been able to care for all the children who needed us this year.
You already know that we provide safety, nurturing, food, clothing, and shelter for the children who come through our doors. This includes taking them to medical and counseling appointments, attending parent/teacher conferences and school events, and taking them on recreational outings. We help them with homework, teach them to problem solve, and lend an ear and shoulder when they are sad.
Now, we'd like you to know the "rest of the story." These are the sweet victories that are not always readily visible; they are why we do what we do:
n A toddler now knows how to use words to communicate. When we first met him, he knew no words and did not engage with others. After months of work by specialists and staff, his world has exploded into a confetti of words. It is a delight to watch him as he identifies the world around him; even the word, "no." is music to our ears. Today he is a typical two-year old: playful, engaging, and always eager to go "bye-bye."
n A 13 year-old who for the first time in his life has completed a year of school. An incredible accomplishment that he will never lose because he now knows he has the intelligence and capacity to master school.
n Several of our boys are in Boy and Cub Scouts, an experience that brings friends, citizenship, mastery of skills, and wonderful exposure to healthy role models. Each time they earn a badge, they earn a greater knowledge of the world and themselves.
n A 10 year-old who originally stayed in the background to keep safe and who now has grown into "taking charge" with friends and is showing definite leadership skills.
n A six year-old girl who has learned to read and spell (progressing from getting no words correct to only missing one) and is proud of her new skills. She has blossomed into a more confident young girl who goes from being a tomboy one moment to a princess the next (and she has the tiara to prove it.).
n A frightened 8-year-old who finally feels safe enough to express anger.
n A 14 month-old who first came to us rigid and crying, not used to being held. She is now a happy, delightful toddler who explores with gusto and is beginning to talk.
n The pride of 2nd and 4th graders as they catch-up with their schooling and discover the joy of reading for the first time.
n A teenager who relishes the "big sister" role and who is learning to trust in relationships with others.
Some of our children have been with us for almost a year and others, for only a month. In all cases, we strive to give them the experience of being safe, respected, valued, and loved. We help them make sense of their world and always surround them with love and safety. As their trust increases and they begin to relax into themselves, we have the honor and delight of watching them blossom.
On behalf of all of us here at Kinderhaven, we send you our heart-felt thanks for truly making a difference in the lives of all the children who come to us. Please know that not only are their lives now different, but the lives of their future spouses and children will be also. You are all wonderful community parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We're honored to be a part of this incredible Sandpoint family.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
BARBARA PERUSSE
Kinderhaven
board president
PHYLLIS HORVATH
Kinderhaven
executive director