My experience with Child Enrichment comes by way of hearing about the work that they do in the community, and then meeting Dan Hilman and Sheila Stubberfield and then I became a Board Memeber. They are very serious about the protection, healing and facilitating justice for the children and families that come under their wing. They do a service for a population that the majority of people would be happpier not thinking about. The reality is child abuse happends, and I am glad that Child Enrichment is around to help put the pieces back together for the child and family.
I have been involved with Child Enrichment off and on for the past 20 years. I started by raising money to buy Christmas presents for children who were being housed in Child Enrichment"s Shelter for Abused Children. As I began to learn more about the organization and it's wonderful mission, I formed a commitment to support them in any way I could. I Co-Chaired a committee the next year that created a golf tournament in support of the Shelter. From there I became a Board Member, focusing on fund raising. I also co-created an annual event called The Art of Chocolate, which continues to this day. Over the years I have continued to support CEI with fundraising events, creating another fundraiser for 2 years at my business called Dawg Days. I have joined the Board again, and now am President Elect. Child Enrichment holds a special place in my heart because of the many valuable and necessary services they provide to abused, abandoned and neglected children. When our shelter was open, I volunteered in the evenings to help with dinner occasionally. It was tough for me emotionally, because I wanted to save and/or protect each one - take them all home. Obviously I couldn't. Through time I learned I could contribute SO much more by helping raise monies and support. When the Shelter closed, CEI's focus shifted to providing therapy and advocacy programs to serve and protect the same children. CEI provides a qualified, passionate voice in the courtroom on the child's behalf. We provide therapy not only to the victim, but to their siblings and family members. Unfortunately, a need for our services will never go away. There will never be a time that all children will be loved and safe. In my heart, there will always be something I can and should do. Child Enrichment makes a difference in the lives of chilren, one at a time.