News
ENLARGE
Every June, I love reading stories about our local graduates. Two in particular made me stop and remember that it truly does take an entire community to raise a child.
Chantel Beam has graduated from Sutherlin High School and is headed for college with a four-year Ford Family Foundation scholarship. She describes her childhood as “horrible,” citing abuse and the stigma of living in four foster homes since she was 11. She finished her senior year with flying colors while living in her own apartment. Her caseworker, friends, church members, CASA advocate, and teachers were among the support group that provided the framework for this determined young woman to succeed. Bound for Southern Oregon University, her goal is to become a counselor and drama teacher.
Aleka Spurgeon-Heinrici began using drugs in the eighth grade. By 18, she was cashing fake checks and shooting heroin. With her mother's help, she entered treatment at nonprofit rehabilitation programs in Eugene and Portland. With solid community support that continues to this day, she reclaimed her life and pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, starting college at 19. This month, at the age of 29, she is graduating from Oregon Health & Science University medical school and entering her first choice residency program in family and community medicine at University of California at San Francisco.
Our children are truly our greatest asset. They are our future. These stories serve as great examples of what our children can do, even when their lives are challenged with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Today, in Douglas County, there are 334 children in the custody of the state Child Welfare Program, usually meaning they are living in foster care. When children lack a nurturing, supportive family, they need their community to step in and provide them with opportunities to develop self-esteem, supportive relationships, and the ability to create goals and dreams for their life.
Studies have found that at-risk children benefit greatly if they are able to connect with at least one supportive adult who can provide mentoring and advice during their childhood, as well as offering support as they transition to adulthood.
I encourage everyone to act as if what you do makes a difference. Because it does. Every day at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) we see the difference a volunteer can make in the life of a child. Our advocates gather information with the goal of guiding abused children out of the foster care system, identifying the child's needs and ensuring they receive appropriate services. They act as a link between the child and the juvenile court, by making recommendations to the judge based on information gathered. Their goal is to guide abused children into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
For seven years, a CASA advocate has been part of Chantel Beam's life — seeing her plays, watching with a tear and a smile as she graduated, and being one of those adults who offered her support and encouragement. That same CASA is also involved with Chantel's 11-year-old brother and 10-year-old sister and is committed to being part of their lives for several more years.
In our community, there are many opportunities to volunteer and/or donate to organizations that provide services to at-risk and abused children. Their success stories are created because of the generosity of the people in Douglas County and all would welcome your support.
Consider lending a hand at one of the following:
• Boys and Girls Clubs of the Umpqua Valley — After-school, sports and summer programs for school-age (grades 1-12) children. 541-440-9505; www.bgcuv.org
• CASA of Douglas County — CASA trains and supervises volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused children in the court system. 541-672-7001; www.CASAofDouglasCounty.org
• Casa de Belen — Transitional housing facility for homeless teens and families with teens. 541-677-0073; www.casadebelen.org
• Douglas C.A.R.E.S — Crisis intervention counseling for children and families who have been physically or sexually abused. 541-957-5646 / www.douglascares.org
• Family Development Center — Counseling, referrals, child therapy classes for to families under stress with children 6 weeks through 5 years. 541-673-4354; www.fdcroseburg.org
• Phoenix Charter School — An alternative to public schools, grades 9-12. 541-673-3036; www.roseburgphoenix.com
• Reedsport Educational Alternative Program — Sites from Brookings to Reedsport focusing on helping at-risk youth to complete their schooling. 541-271-2022
• South County Resource Center — After School Program for youth ages 6 to 12, and support services for at-risk adolescent youth ages 13 to 20. 541-863-4115
Susan Knight is the executive director of CASA of Douglas County. She can be reached at susan@casaofdouglascounty.org or 541-672-7001.
Chantel Beam has graduated from Sutherlin High School and is headed for college with a four-year Ford Family Foundation scholarship. She describes her childhood as “horrible,” citing abuse and the stigma of living in four foster homes since she was 11. She finished her senior year with flying colors while living in her own apartment. Her caseworker, friends, church members, CASA advocate, and teachers were among the support group that provided the framework for this determined young woman to succeed. Bound for Southern Oregon University, her goal is to become a counselor and drama teacher.
Aleka Spurgeon-Heinrici began using drugs in the eighth grade. By 18, she was cashing fake checks and shooting heroin. With her mother's help, she entered treatment at nonprofit rehabilitation programs in Eugene and Portland. With solid community support that continues to this day, she reclaimed her life and pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, starting college at 19. This month, at the age of 29, she is graduating from Oregon Health & Science University medical school and entering her first choice residency program in family and community medicine at University of California at San Francisco.
Our children are truly our greatest asset. They are our future. These stories serve as great examples of what our children can do, even when their lives are challenged with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Today, in Douglas County, there are 334 children in the custody of the state Child Welfare Program, usually meaning they are living in foster care. When children lack a nurturing, supportive family, they need their community to step in and provide them with opportunities to develop self-esteem, supportive relationships, and the ability to create goals and dreams for their life.
Studies have found that at-risk children benefit greatly if they are able to connect with at least one supportive adult who can provide mentoring and advice during their childhood, as well as offering support as they transition to adulthood.
I encourage everyone to act as if what you do makes a difference. Because it does. Every day at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) we see the difference a volunteer can make in the life of a child. Our advocates gather information with the goal of guiding abused children out of the foster care system, identifying the child's needs and ensuring they receive appropriate services. They act as a link between the child and the juvenile court, by making recommendations to the judge based on information gathered. Their goal is to guide abused children into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
For seven years, a CASA advocate has been part of Chantel Beam's life — seeing her plays, watching with a tear and a smile as she graduated, and being one of those adults who offered her support and encouragement. That same CASA is also involved with Chantel's 11-year-old brother and 10-year-old sister and is committed to being part of their lives for several more years.
In our community, there are many opportunities to volunteer and/or donate to organizations that provide services to at-risk and abused children. Their success stories are created because of the generosity of the people in Douglas County and all would welcome your support.
Consider lending a hand at one of the following:
• Boys and Girls Clubs of the Umpqua Valley — After-school, sports and summer programs for school-age (grades 1-12) children. 541-440-9505; www.bgcuv.org
• CASA of Douglas County — CASA trains and supervises volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused children in the court system. 541-672-7001; www.CASAofDouglasCounty.org
• Casa de Belen — Transitional housing facility for homeless teens and families with teens. 541-677-0073; www.casadebelen.org
• Douglas C.A.R.E.S — Crisis intervention counseling for children and families who have been physically or sexually abused. 541-957-5646 / www.douglascares.org
• Family Development Center — Counseling, referrals, child therapy classes for to families under stress with children 6 weeks through 5 years. 541-673-4354; www.fdcroseburg.org
• Phoenix Charter School — An alternative to public schools, grades 9-12. 541-673-3036; www.roseburgphoenix.com
• Reedsport Educational Alternative Program — Sites from Brookings to Reedsport focusing on helping at-risk youth to complete their schooling. 541-271-2022
• South County Resource Center — After School Program for youth ages 6 to 12, and support services for at-risk adolescent youth ages 13 to 20. 541-863-4115
Susan Knight is the executive director of CASA of Douglas County. She can be reached at susan@casaofdouglascounty.org or 541-672-7001.
