Blessings continue to flow at Kinderhaven
As the New Year begins, it offers us at Kinderhaven a chance to reflect on the blessings this community has bestowed upon the abused and neglected children in North Idaho. Thanks to the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses all year through and at the recent Festival of Trees, Kinderhaven will be able to keep its doors open for its 12th year. It has been a busy year at Kinderhaven with many children passing through its doors. It is unfortunate there is such a need for a place such as Kinderhaven, but at the same time, it is also a blessing that these kids have a safe place to call home.
In 2007 there were two Kinderhaven alumni who were recipients of our college scholarship fund which was established last year. One of the girls attends college out of state and one in state. They both keep in close contact with the staff at Kinderhaven and visit our staff when they are in town. It is wonderful to see them thrive after the challenges they were faced with so early in life.
We were excited to welcome a new member to our staff this year, Phyllis Horvath, who has a Masters in Psychology and has years of experience working with children and families in crisis. Her expertise and enthusiasm is a great asset to our organization.
It truly does take an entire community to help Kinderhaven achieve its mission. Everyone who opens their heart and wallet makes a difference to the residents of Kinderhaven. At the recent Festival of Trees, a young boy named Kyle approached me and told me he wanted to help, but only had a little bit of money. Kyle emptied his pockets and gave me $1.53 in change. "It's all I have," he told me. That gesture — though Kyle thought was not much — was more than enough.
Thank you to all in the community, young and old, individuals and large corporations, who have given all they have of time and money to help the abused and neglected children in our area. Your donations of time and money are greatly appreciated.
BARB PERUSSE
Kinderhaven president