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Reflecting on our mission, a year after 9/11 . . . The Work Goes On, As Does The Need
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from the October 2002 Newsletter |
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Never has the importance of family and loved ones been so evident as the past year in America. Due to ongoing events in our nation and the world, we have all been reminded of the importance of those dear to us, as we hug them all a little closer these days and pick up the telephone to call “just because”. Just like in other families, we work to keep our children safe from fears, both real and imagined, safe from past haunts and future uncertainties. It is often easy to forget how important it is to feel safe, especially if we have managed, for the most part, to avoid the scourge of violence in our personal lives. Unfortunately, our children have grown up with their own “ground zeros”. And since September 11, we are hugging them even more, assuring them our country is strong, and they are safe. We are doubly committed to helping them heal and to breaking the cycle of abuse, one child at a time. At this time, we are home to 75 children, and growing. This year, we have 6 seniors. Two of them are inspired to join the armed forces and serve their country after graduation next May. Three want to attend college, and one wants to become a vocational nurse. Miracles and blessings abound here at HCYR, and as proud family members do, we smile as we watch our children grow. Remember Sara? She was just nine when she arrived at the Ranch in 1995, after losing her mother to murder by a boyfriend. Today Sara is thriving, looking forward to her sixteenth birthday in February. Sara’s pet orphaned fawn is growing and the two have new adventures together each day. Anita still spends her free time volunteering at the Humane Society, and Beauty can almost always be found with her nose in a book. Denise was recently crowned Homecoming Duchess, and Christopher doesn’t cry himself to sleep anymore. We are optimistic in our work, assured by such outcomes that it’s worth all the effort, the long hours and the endless patience — even the anxieties that come to all families over making ends meet. Each year, we are faced with tremendous expenses that we willingly accept, realizing the alternative would be turning away children in need. We start each year knowing we have to raise about $300,000, beyond our traditional revenue sources like the thrift shop and endowment fund, to balance the budget. Due to generous supporters, we have reached our annual goal, one year at a time, for 25 years now. This means that we are able to provide the basic care -- food, clothing, shelter, recreation, education, surrogate parenting and professional counseling -- for our children. Please remember us as you make your charitable giving choices this holiday season. In the midst of all that’s going on, we cannot lose sight of the greatest hope of all for the preservation of our way of life – our young people. They are the future and now, more than ever, we must be committed to making a difference in their lives. We thank you for your prayers and support in these extraordinary times. |
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