Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear about our dwindling natural resources. While that’s true, much less is written about the loss of our most precious resource: our children. Without them maturing into responsible and productive adults, nothing else really matters. We want to leave them a world in which they can prosper, but to do that, we must pay special attention to their lives as they grow.
For those of us who were raised by attentive and loving parents, the world of child abuse is a place we never visited. It wasn’t until I worked as a volunteer in the jails that I began to understand the scope of the problem.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities there, I was interested in the background of the prisoners. Most were there, and not for the first time, because of drug-related crimes. One thing was almost universally shared: They grew up where abuse or neglect was a fact of every day life.
James told a story I could scarcely believe. At age six his mother would leave him as the caretaker for five younger siblings, none of whom had the same father. A jar of peanut butter and a box of saltines was the meal plan for the entire week. Her only instructions were not to let anyone in the apartment. James learned early on to guard his charges with sets of car keys. By sticking three keys from two clinched fists he could ward off even adults who might intend harm. I have seen what such a blow delivered to the eye can do. He recounted his story with a flat affect that told me the only emotion he understood was rage. He said he learned quickly there was no one he could trust. Then, he looked at me, and said, “Not even you, teacher.”
No child should ever have to endure what James went through. His life, and probably those of his brothers and sisters, is lost. He was smart, but that wasn’t enough to overcome the abuse and neglect in which he lived.
While that story may not be typical it is all too common. The good news is there are numerous agencies trained to intervene in such circumstances. Often, they are able to rescue children from such tragedies; sometimes not, as we have seen played out in the short life of Aveion Lewis.
I have recently become aware of such a group: Children’s Trust of Roanoke Valley. It is composed of a remarkable group of dedicated professionals and volunteers. Their mission statement lays it out: “At Children’s Trust we strive to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing continuous support for children through investigation and court proceedings. We help make kids safer and adults better parents through education.”
By working with other agencies in the valley, thousands of children have been diverted from a path that might have led to a tragic end. There are hundreds of professionals in many fields with whom Children’s Trust partners. Take a ride by The Community Arboretum on Colonial Avenue. Children’s Trust has placed a pinwheel garden there: Over 1100 blue and silver ornaments spinning in the wind—one for each child they served in the past year.
On April 22 at 6:30 PM in Fitzpatrick Hall the annual Golden Halo Evening Celebration will be held to honor eight heroes for their dedication and support of Children’s Trust. They are Jenny Basham—Educator, Heather Ferguson, Esq.—Legal/Judicial, Amy Ferguson—Child Protective Services, Karen Bailey—Mental Health Professional, Candice Carroll—Medical Professional, Detectives April McCadden and Holly Willoughby—Law Enforcement Team, and Michelle Yopp—Foster Parent. This year, the volunteer award goes to the memory of Sarah Ellis Floyd for her years of dedication to the Children’s Trust Board.
These are heroes—they protect our most valuable resource, our children. Please join us at The Golden Halo Celebration where they will be recognized. There will be excellent food, beverage, and music followed by a presentation by the Virginia Teacher of the Year, Stephanie Doyle. By attending you will show your support for preventing stories like James, like Aveion, and countless others. This is a fund raising event, but no solicitations will be made; the price of the ticket goes toward the work of Children’s Trust.
For tickets and information about contributions you can make, please call 540-344-3579, ext 4. This is an important investment in the future . . . please don‘t pass by on the other side.
By Hayden Hollingsworth [email protected]