One of the saddest things about a severe economic downturn is the effect it has on our social networks. At a time when the safety net of positive relationships is needed most, people experiencing difficulties often isolate themselves, consumed with worry and fear of the unknown.
As the director of a small local non-profit, I have the opportunity to interact with many other wonderful organizations that provide a variety of services to our community, and the stories I hear are strikingly similar. Other directors report dramatically increased need in the face of reduced budgets, people asking for help who used to be the ones contributing, and families struggling to provide the basics for their children.
These stories are real, and true, and part of the life of our community today. I'd like to offer another piece of this story " one that will hopefully encourage you, enlighten you, and maybe change your outlook just a little.
Austin's House is a private, 10-bed emergency shelter for children aged 0-18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. One remarkable fact about us is that our beautiful, 5,000 square foot facility was built entirely with donations of cash, materials and labor from our community. With a great deal of help from the Austin Kirby Foundation, and hundreds of people who donated whatever they could, our home was lovingly constructed and furnished for the children who would one day make Austin's House their home " for a few days, or a few months. Since the first child walked through the door in September 2007, nearly 70 children have been sheltered at Austin's House. Our kids have come from all over rural Northern Nevada, but when they walk in our front door, they become part of the Austin's House community.
Our community is made up of the many local service organizations, which come to our assistance with one phone call. They provide meals and clothing and toys and trees and recently, rebuilt an entire section of fence that blew down, using volunteers and teens who learned a lot about giving on that cold winter day. We have a neighbor who stops by on baking day to bring treats for the kids, quilt guilds who sew beautiful handmade quilts for every child, and individuals who always remember us when they do their grocery shopping. Many of our kids come from Carson and Lyon counties, too " and I'll never forget the individual from a Carson business who dropped off hundreds of dollars worth of Christmas gifts " many from employees who were being laid off that week.
Pre-school kids make holiday decorations, seniors knit hats and scarves, and volunteers come to make jewelry, or just let the kids play with their puppy for an hour. At our annual fundraiser last week, over 150 members of the Austin's House Community celebrated Mardi Gras with food, and music, and dancing with Casey the Crocodile.
Like many small businesses, Austin's House is struggling a bit right now. We don't have a full house, and it feels a little too quiet. We don't know exactly why placements have dropped recently " could be the state budget woes, just a lull, or a coincidence of timing. Like other businesses, we've had to tighten our belt, cut staffing levels, and be extra careful about spending. Grants and donations for operating costs are hard to come by for all non-profits today.
But we do have kids at Austin's House, and they are being nurtured and sheltered and cared for by not only the Austin's House staff, but by all those members of our community who know that it's the hard times that call for the greatest level of commitment, caring and compassion.
So, thank you to everyone who volunteers or contributes to any local non-profit for making this community such a great place to live.
Gloomy headlines aside, I feel pretty lucky.
- Kathleen Miller is executive director of Austin's House.
