Bridges out of Poverty

Poverty is an overwhelming problem. In the US alone, we have 39 million people living in poverty. I, along with other CASA's from the region, was able to be part of a day spent discussing and learning more about poverty and our very honest perceptions of those who find themselves trapped in "the system." By the end, I felt like I had just finished the SAT's as there is so much to take in and digest.Jodi Pfarr was a wealth of experience and information and works closely with state supreme courts around the country to help them better understand the issues at hand and why current "answers," will not solve the poverty problems.

The theory is that we view the world through our experiences and we in turn react and act based on those experiences. We learned of businesses who are also rethinking how they set up factories and other workplaces so people remain working there and are still able to take care of social services and daycare without missing work and therefore, fired.

It's like being a left handed person in a right handed world. Being right handed is the norm. Scissors, power tools, notebooks, and yes, even shotguns are all geared for those who are right handed. To be left handed can not only be a bit tedious, but downright dangerous in certain situations. For us right handers, we may not even realize what that is like. Well, middle class is the norm. And to live in poverty is tedious, sometimes dangerous and...well you get it. The point is we all need to come together and collaborate on ways to rework that norm so social services amd such are able to help more efficiently and more effectively.


So, if you are interested in more I highly suggest the PBS special "People Like Us, " and the book, "Bridges Out of Poverty." They have also created work books for college students and for teachers as well.

1)Jodi Pfarr. She was able to teach us so much and with a great sense of realism and even some humor.

Keep a Child Safe and Warm

There are six crisis nurseries in Illinois. All are open 24/7 to support families in crisis. They provide short term care for children birth to six years of age and provide support and education for the parents. Families seek out the nurseries for reasons such as medical and mental health issues, domestic violence and homeless issues.

Contributions can be as little as $1.00. The Crisis Nursery fund can be found on your schedule G form, letter J, which is the tenth on the list. Transfer from line 30of your 1040. The funds raised will be divided among the six Illinois nurseries which make up the Crisis Nursery Coalition of Illinois.

http://www.cncoi.org/

Happy 21st Birthday;) Michelle.

What a great reason to get back to my home away from home: Nashville,or Nashvegas!
It's where I worked for the Big Nickle (WTVF News Channel 5)and where I met some of my life long friends including Chell. Michelle and I were roomies there until I moved to Indy to work at WISH and she got married to Christopher. It's amazing how quickly it changes there, but my girlfriends stay the same. Well, actually, they get better! Chell's hubby threw her a Birthday Bash at the ever chic Sambucca. Everyone had a great time, if I don't say so myself. Here's to an bigger and even better year my dear!
1) Chell in all her glory
2)The toast
3)Me, Chell and Rona. They are two of my "must-haves."

Huffin and Puffin and Cryin

Sounds like a bad song, huh? Well, in reality is wasn't that bad. It was the 13th annual Step-up for Kids. We all climb the Aon building's 80 floors for Childrens Memorial Hospital.Did you know they are the only place in the state that performs certain high-risk surgeries (like heart transplants ect)for young ones? This year I did it in 25 minutes and felt pretty good at the top. The altitude change on the way definitely messes with you a bit. I now understand why Rocky trained up in the mountains. It was the journey along the way that really got me though. The stairwells are lined with pictures by the hospital's young patients which is so endearing. And then there are the other climbers. One father climbed with his 11 year old son on his back. His son, who has been a patient, has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk. Seeing them as they slowly made their way up each one of those 1643 steps was one of the more emotional things I have witnessed. It was so symbolic of the long and tough struggle for them. But, they would eventually get there. And for me, I took Carter Linz along with me as I did last year when he was only a few weeks old. Carter has made it uphill alot further than 80 floors!

1)Lining up for the stairwell
2)Some of the pictures
3)Me and Carter about to get steppin
4)A view from the top.

A Shout Out

This is just me climbing on a soap box for anyone who'll listen-or read. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children who have been abused or neglected, I spend a bit of time at the Lake County Juvenile court building. Usually, I head there about once a month. As advocates, we are appointed only one case at a time and we stay with it until the child or children are in a permanent home. The case workers handle many more. The person I work with has the max of 18 cases which involve many more children. She, the guardian ad litems and judges must be efficient and detailed. I am in awe by their work. Everyone I have worked with and watch wants the best for the children. They really do put their hearts into their jobs. Would it be better if cases could be handled faster and more easily so these children didn't have to linger in limbo while matters are handled? Absolutely. That is up to the established laws. But those who work inside those juvenile courts, such as Lake County, are doing what they can to help the best they can. Want to help also? Become a CASA or even buy our new handy dandy cook book. We have concocted recipes that are all SO easy, you can make them with your kids. I mean, even I can make them which is why several of them are in there! $15 for one, $25 for two. Here are 3 ways to get them while they're hot! www.casalakecounty.com Call 847-808-9154 or email pfrazin@casalakecounty.com

A Milestone of a Year in the Making!

As much as I have been eyeing the coming of the New Year, I must say 2009 did bring many great surprises and even a miracle or two. Well, maybe several. And for those miracles, I thank 2009.

Carter Linz turns one today. He is the son of my dear friend Deanna and her husband Andy. His start in life was at only 23 weeks and give or take a few days. He was so small he was weighed a mere 820 ounces. But in his case, every single day mattered as did the prayers of all of Deanna and Andy's family and friends. Here was a baby boy who doctors said would not make it through the night on several occasions. But D never gave up her belief she was given this miracle who would survive it all, every single time. There were many times we would talk during the first few months and there was nothing that could be said to ease all they were enduring.I'll admit, I don't think I cried so much in my life as she travelled through such emotional torture. You would never wish it on anyone. There were often times we would talk about anything that could offer a distraction, so we got very good at talking about everything else under the sun. Don't worry. We have all the major world issues handled;) She would be at the hospital around the clock and up all hours as every minute and every breath was truly critical. I have no idea how she made it through as she was already one of the strongest people I know. I believe her late mother and father had much to do with him pulling through those fatal diagnosis, but I also believe she willed Carter through those times and that everyone who surrounds them are also reason for why today he turns one year old. What a milestone you three (and the fur babies) have to celebrate! Carter, you are always a reminder that we should never give up or give in because anything is possible.







1)Birthday Boy!
2)Deanna, Andy and Carter
3)This was Andy's wedding ring on Carter
4)Such a fighter, he was deemed,"Rocky."
5)Meeting miracle man, Carter, for the first time at 4 months old when he weighed in at 4 lbs. A huge accomplishment!

Not the bright idea I thought it was...

Being that the "claw," or my splint is a bit sightly and will be adorning my wrist for 4 weeks, I thought I would craft it up. Bedazzle it or whatever. So I went online and found a site that sells "Shrinkins." It's shrink wrap decor for casts, IV poles, walkers, wheelchairs ect. A fantastic idea from a Michigan mom. With many designs to consider, I opted for the leopard print. The bald eagle or kittens just weren't my thang. So I got the wrap in and spent an hour, maybe more, getting it all lined up and taped down per directions. I whipped out the hair dryer and got to shrinking. That is when I realized it was heating up the plastic splint and therefore causing it to lose shape fast. After sticking my hand in the freezer I was able to remold it back into place. So there was a reason Shrinkins didn't list splints on there. Still, it is a great idea and something to keep stashed in the back on the mind if ever needed for someone you know.