October, 2009

Dear Friends,

Two frogs fell into a bowl of cream. One didn’t panic, he relaxed and drowned. The other kicked and struggled so much that the cream turned to butter and he walked out. Anon

Viva le beurre!

Fables are stories that usually use animals as main characters and are always meant to convey some sort of lesson. The story of two frogs, old and varied in its telling, reminds us of the importance of action, of hope, of never giving up. This week, the above version reminds me of REACH, of its work of participating with parents and children, with volunteers and skilled professionals, to turn fearful situations into places of possibilities.

It reminds me that I have felt the tears of parents as they embrace me, have wiped away the tears of mothers and fathers as they ask if I would be present when they tell their child that they are HIV positive or have AIDS. I have had the honor of sitting by children, listening to them express the pain of living. Just this last week, fourteen-year-old Todd spoke of his fears of dating and his hope of a future while holding close to his heart the secret that he has the terminal illness of AIDS.

My mentor and good friend Tony Campolo, President of EAPE and Honorary Chair of REACH, has tirelessly worked alongside me nearly since REACH began. We believe that every child has equal value. We are thankful both for the faith and secular communities that ‘jump in’ to support the work of REACH. We are grateful for those who take risks, and dare to struggle with hurting families in those frightening places that threaten to pull them under. With your faithful help, we vigorously stir against drowning tendencies of sorrow; we continue to rejoice in the discovery of surprising steps of escape from hopelessness or fear.

Continuing our dream,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. We invite you to help us build on the solid foundation this coming 2010 fiscal year with a 2009 year end gift and a monthly support of $10 for general support, $25 to provide activities throughout the year, $50 to support a child with a mentor. A monthly pledge of $125 will provide a child with a mentor, case management and a Camp experience. A one-time $750 pledge will send a child to Camp.