A Note from our Executive Director
Dear friend,
My heart is aching. This week, we saw 19 children and two adults brutally murdered at school. Last week, we saw 10 human beings slaughtered while shopping in the grocery store. A hate crime. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s just too much! What are we to do? How are we to retain our humanity when we feel overwhelmed by the trauma, the racism, the brokenness of the world? Those are the days when we need community, we need trusted relationships, we need buffering.
That is the role that IVYP strives to play for children, for families, and for our community. We cannot solve all the worlds’ problems. We cannot end poverty, racism, and trauma. Neither can we shy away from addressing those wounds. We do our work through relationships of trust. In partnership with others we speak out. In partnership with others we care for children and for families and for ourselves.
May is Teacher appreciation month and Mental Health Awareness month. I know you aware of just how much stress is involved in being a teacher. Especially an early childhood teacher. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that our teachers feel appreciated, valued and safe. I invite you to take a moment to reach out to a teacher in your life who made a difference.
Join me in saying, "Thank You." Because even when we’re feeling overwhelmed, disheartened, outraged, expressing gratitude help us feel more grounded.
Lori Goodman
Executive Director
