Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Many Ministries of HopeTree

  I really enjoyed reading this Wall Street Journal piece about the benefits of orphanages. In a first-hand account, the author cites the advantages of orphanages and other group homes over foster care and includes some pretty impressive figures comparing orphans to the rest of the population. The author didn't swing too far in the other direction and call for the elimination of foster care either. In fact, I stand with him in agreement on his central thesis: children need options.

  There has been a shift within our state government to move more at-risk youth into foster care. I am certainly not against foster care as it is one of the many wonderful ministries at HopeTree. I also know that Residential Care is not the best option for all kids. What I would like to see, is the people making these decisions being the ones that know the kids the best. The social workers, Residential Care directors, and others who work with at-risk youth each and every day and are most equipped to determine the best environment for them.

  Some youth need the group home setting of our HopeTree campus. Some youth need a more restrictive environment like our Camp on Craig WOODS program. Some are almost ready to enter the adult world and need the life skills classes found in Independent Living. Whatever the case may be, HopeTree is in a position to determine what is best for the youth placed in our care and I hope to see that continue.

Monday, March 1, 2010

A Story For All Ages

  I am very excited about HopeTree's Tall Tales competition at our Hot Diggity Dog and Tall Tales Festival in May. Story telling is an art as old as mankind. It is a common thread that all cultures around the world use to pass on their traditions. Its delivery has changed with the advances in technology, but its message is almost always the same.
 
  When I think of great story telling, I always think of Jesus Christ and the parables he told to the apostles. He was smart enough to know that simply answering difficult questions about life can often be confusing. By using parables, he gave the apostles context and perspective to the meaning of truth. These parables have lasted for 2,000 years and still bring comfort and insight to millions of people across the globe. What an impact!

  Television seems to have replaced most of the story telling in our world today. Sure, it still is a form of story telling, but there is such a disconnect between the viewer whoever is writing the script. There is nothing like sitting in front of a compelling story teller and getting lost in the moment. So if you miss that old fashioned story telling or you are a story teller, please come to our Tall Tales Contest on May 8. Contact David Wilson at (540) 389-2112 for more information.