Where do you go to escape winter’s cold?
Before we were empty nesters we always planned a trip with our kids for February or March, when they were out for a week for Easter or Winter Break as it is now called. We always went someplace warm, preferably with warm waters. Cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean, or a week at a Hawaiian condo was the usual. Somehow when we got back the weather here always seemed to have made a change. It was a little bit warmer, the days felt longer, and we were in Spring mode. You may have similar experiences, and isn’t it nice to be able to have some fun and a change of scenery during our long cold and dark winters.
Of course, we all realize that not everyone is so lucky to travel to a warm exotic location, and many people hunker down in front of the fireplace, put on their warm winter clothing, maybe take a hot bath, and pull out a nice book. That doesn’t sound too bad either. In fact, I think I know what I plan to do this weekend now!
But, for many, the winter is a time of suffering, literally in the cold and wet, and a time for survival. As we have learned throughout Youth Network Initiative, many of these people are young and alone. This is the time of year when you don’t see as many of these youths down by the river at the Circle, or along the Riverwalk. But, they are around. One of the reasons you don’t see as many of these youth is because they have a place to go during the day… the “YOU”, the Youth Resource Center, operated by the Eddy House. The number of youth there daily increases in the winter, and this is the time of year when the YOU needs your support. I’ve included a link here so you can go directly to their website, but they would also welcome your phone call.
http://www.eddyhouse.org/theyou.htm
Each week at the Foundation I have the privilege of signing grant checks being distributed to several charities in the region and beyond, and just last week one of the generous fund holders at the Foundation made a gift of $2,500 to benefit the YOU. As I looked out into the cold I was warmed inside thinking of all the help that gift would provide to the youth.
Winter is here, and it will persist for some time. Please join me in thinking of the youth in our community who are availing themselves of resources like the YOU to improve their lives and move up in their ability to care for themselves. And, if you haven’t checked it out yet, please look at
www.renoyouthnetwork.com, and spread the word about this resource that helps case managers, social workers, school teachers, friends, neighbors, and youth themselves connect with support offered by more than 200 organizations in our community. It takes a village and we have a very big and supportive village indeed. Together we can help them have a great life, and move toward that day when winter brings them a warm fireplace and a good book in a comfy chair.
At the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, we connect people, like you, who care, with causes that matter.
Chris Askin, President, and CEO. 775-762-1932
