The Power to Make a Difference
by Tracy Sarich, Executive Director
Over 25 years ago one woman made a difference. Janet Miller saw the effects of child abuse and neglect and the inadequacies of our child protection system, which only acted after an incident of abuse. Compelled to act, Janet and several others lobbied to create the Children’s Trust Fund of Washington, the Council for Children & Families (formerly the Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), and the Children’s Trust Foundation to fund the first prevention programs in the state to help families before child abuse and neglect ever occurred. Little did she know that her work would endure and inspire others to support thousands of Washington families through Children’s Trust Foundation.
Today, hundreds of people have made a difference by donating to our Power to Make a Difference Campaign, which dedicates 100% of all gifts to programs that transform families through education about essential parenting skills, child development, and positive ways to cope with daily challenges. National research proves that infant brain development depends upon the parent-child nurturing process and shows that abuse and neglect are less likely to occur when families are embraced by support systems.
For anyone caring for a child, you know that the child did not, unfortunately, come with an instruction book. Parenting is a skill, learned from our parents and modeled by other family members and peers. Skillful parenting requires knowledge, support, and even instruction at times. Children’s Trust Foundation grants provide this instruction to parents of all types across Washington. We are fostering stronger families, who are raising children to make a difference—just as Janet Miller did those many years ago.
Frankly, I become tired of hearing of how the economy has affected family security and caused a spike in domestic violence and child neglect. I have also felt at times that I could do nothing to reverse those enormous problems. But, that is not true. You have the power to make a difference for Washington families—to help empower moms, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers to raise children who are healthy, happy, and ready for good lives.
At one of our recent Good Life book events, author M.J. Ryan told the audience that it is not a matter of whether one needs support but a matter of when and how much one needs at a given moment. As Executive Director, this is my time to make an impact by working with community organizations that diligently support Washington families, even amidst tremendous budget cuts. I invite you to join me and the many donors contributing to our Power to Make a Difference Campaign that touches thousands of families and children, who—like you—want their family to thrive.
I hope you will join the celebration of our 25 years of dedication to the prevention of child abuse and neglect and come to feel, as we do, that you can make a difference today.