How can I help?

December, 2009

Dear Friend,

We are in the midst of a most beautiful season! It is a time of gratitude and celebration as well as a time to look forward to the blessings awaiting us in the coming year.

For some children, this is one of the few times of the year they dare to hope. Their dreams are often simple – to be well, to feel loved and to feel secure. They want the kind of simple pleasures that most of us take for granted as a part of childhood. And most of all, they want a future that’s brighter than today.

At Stillwater, we help children with severe, persistent psychiatric and emotional difficulties to find reason to hope. As they struggle through the challenges that their conditions present, our staff assists them in developing the coping skills and the strength necessary to prevail.

It’s not home for these children, but we do our best to make our residential treatment facility as home-like as possible. Many of the children stay at Stillwater for a year or more - living here, attending classes, receiving treatment, playing, and sharing meals.

Funding from the State pays for the basics. Private donations make up the difference. This year, the State budget gap will mean even less funding and some of the simple things that make our children’s lives feel “normal” will be more difficult to afford.

We need your help. Many of these children have already lost so much of their childhood – to trauma and illness, hospitalization – they deserve the opportunity to experience the pleasures that childhood can bring.

Will you help? Your donation in whatever amount you feel you can afford will help these children find some comfort, security, solace - and the hope they need to carry on toward a more positive tomorrow.

For more information about Stillwater, or to learn about other ways you can help, call us at 607.656.9073.

May you find peace and joy in every day.

With gratitude,
Karen E. Wright, LCSW
Executive Director