Sustaining the Legacy: Families affirm benefits of donor support

By Kevin Cooper
Executive Director, Foundation

There are two things I want you to know concerning your generosity to Anne Carlsen Center for Children.

First, we are truly grateful to you for finding a place in your heart for the children and families we serve, and second, your gifts have provided us the ability to enrich children’s capabilities and help them enjoy life more fully.

In the last issue of The Ambassador I discussed some ways donors help Anne Carlsen Center for Children change our student residents’ lives and the lives of their families for the better. I highlighted our chaplain program, summer camp, greenhouse, better staffing levels for individualized attention, the therapeutic pool, customized technology for communication and physical movement, and helping students get out in the community through work and social experiences. The list goes on.

All those things are great, but do they make a difference in helping children gain independence and a fuller life? The best answer comes when we visit with parents and grandparents. It fills me with pride and humility to be associated with this place when I hear them speak of how their child is able to do things they never thought possible before coming here, and how it has helped their family.

We recently had four parents speak at the donor appreciation socials we held across North Dakota. I was surprised and heartened at how willing they were to share their children’s lives and challenges, their heartbreak at having to leave them at a place far from home, but most importantly the joy of seeing how their children have blossomed through the nurturing and expertise of our staff.

They are so happy their children are able to participate in many different activities, receive love and nurturing from people they now consider extended family, and who give their children a greater sense of belonging and self-esteem.

Lives have been changed because of you. Through your generosity you have helped make a better life a reality for many children and families. Thank you so much.