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Children are worth our care, support
As economy worsens, the need increases
“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”
That thought by Neil Postman causes me great concern as I see how much the current economics are affecting the young people in our neighborhoods. Those in already at-risk situations face an even greater need as the resources necessary to help them become even scarcer.
Let us take a trip down memory lane. 1997 was the year that the Southeast Neighborhood Community Center (SENCC) opened its doors to the students of the Richmond, Bush, Leslie and South Salem schools. It offered after school programs and open gyms to those who would otherwise have been hanging out on the streets.
The kids came pouring into an encouraging and nurturing environment filled with fun activities and a caring staff of volunteers. It was a vision realized when Capital Park Church and a multitude of supporters vowed to make a difference in a neighborhood that didn’t have a stellar reputation at the time.
Then something just as exciting happened. The crime rate diminished in the neighborhood and SENCC became an inspiration for many more churches in Salem to follow in their footsteps. People were eager to help and times were brighter. The national unemployment rate was 4.5 percent and a gallon of gas cost a whopping $1.20!
Through these past 15 years, SENCC has been faithful to serve the children and adults in the neighborhood and as the economy has become bleaker, the needs have grown exponentially. This school year we will see 60 to 80 students after school each day.
Like many other non-profits serving the community, financial resources in these times are critical. Resources diminish yet the needs increase. Even with making drastic cuts in staff and operational costs, it is not always possible to make ends meet. Without additional public support many important programs could end.
What message do we want to send to the future? Are the children worth our care and support or will non-profits have to close their doors at a time when they are most needed? I like to think Salem cares enough to continue making a difference in children’s lives. That will be our message
David L. Hayworth
28 September 2012
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20120929/OPINION/309290018/Children-worth-our-care-support
