Yesterday, my husband Cam and I had a chance to visit with our dear friend Shirley Morgan, director of the Mt. Hood/Welches PAL Youth Resource Center. The Center provides a safe and secure environment for parents to entrust their children who would otherwise have to go to an empty home after school.
We had a chance to talk with the children served by the Center about "Healthy Families, Safer Communities," and got some specific advice about what they believe adults should be doing to make that a reality.
The world is a different place now. It is up to all of us to do what we can to keep our families healthy and communities safer. As I saw yesterday, when we afford families a safe place for their children to go when mom and dad are away from home, everyone prospers!
What a fun day! We toured the facility and got to see all of the improvements. From multiple computer stations and a game room, to the kitchen and "family room," the center feels more like a home than anything else. There is even a cozy reading nook (my personal favorite!).
After the tour we heard a child's perspective of what they think adults should be doing to prevent children from gaining access to alcohol and drugs, or engage in other risky behavior. It turned out to be an all girls day at the center, which made for a great opportunity to share what they see as important in keeping them alcohol and drug free through adolescence.
When the serious discussion ended, we got down to some fun questions about being Mrs. Oregon International. "Are those real diamonds in your crown" (no), "what is your talent" (successfully managing my family, my career, and being Mrs. Oregon International), and my personal favorite, "May we try on your crown?" (the answer of which was a resounding-yes!).
The girls took turns trying on the crown and sash, and having pictures taken as a queen for the day. It was so heartwarming to see their faces light up as they tried them on. Of course we also talked a bit about fashion as the girls logged on to the Mrs. Oregon International website so they could see what my gown looked like.
When each of the girls was picked up to go home, it made my resolve to Healthy Families, Safer Communities that much stronger. As a mom who's daughters are now adults and successfully making their own way in the world, I am reminded of what all parents hope for their children.
The world is a different place now. It is up to all of us to do what we can to keep our families healthy and communities safer. As I saw yesterday, when we afford families a safe place for their children to go when mom and dad are away from home, everyone prospers!Thanks again to Shirley, Liz, and all the girls at the PAL Center for welcoming my husband and me into your special place. I look forward to coming back and seeing what fun things you are up to this summer!
Fondest regards,
Debra
