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View Full Version : So Sad/Frustrated!!!


AngieDoogles
03-01-2007, 03:43 PM
Hey girls,

I hate to make a negative thread, but I'm just so sad right now. It's kind of complicated, but I'll try to explain.

My job is to tutor elementary students (K-3 graders) in reading. I technically work for a program called America Reads through my college under Federal Work Study, but I actually do all of my hours at a different location called Children First Development Center. Children First is AMAZING! They have a graduated program for the children so many of the elementary kids I work with have been at CFDC since they were newborns.

Well, CFDC is administrated by the local Housing Authority (government housing for those below the poverty line). The guy who runs the Housing Authority decided a few weeks ago that on March 31st, he is cutting funding to Children First. It's been there for 10 years!!! The staff is AMAZING and the children love it!

I was working the day they found out and everyone (staff, students, parents) was in tears because this place has meant so much to them and suddenly they find out it won't exist in less than a month.

There was a meeting tonight and the guy who made the decision was there to "hear complaints." He was basically a jerk to everyone. He had no respect for their opinions or the fact that CFDC means so much to so many people.

It makes me so sad...and I just had to vent. How can people get so self-absorbed that they can completely ignore everyone else's feelings, needs, well-being, etc.?? :cry:

Marilyn
03-01-2007, 05:22 PM
That is so sad. Has anyone tried to contact this guy's boss, or your Congressman or Senator. Surely something can be done to reverse this decision, or at least explain it's necessity. "No child left behind" HA!

AngieDoogles
03-01-2007, 05:30 PM
That is so sad. Has anyone tried to contact this guy's boss, or your Congressman or Senator. Surely something can be done to reverse this decision, or at least explain it's necessity. "No child left behind" HA!

Grr...Don't even get me started on NCLB! I'm doing a report on it right now... :mad:

As for contacting a Senator, that is definitely the plan. I'm taking his email addy in to work tomorrow for the staff to give to all of the parents. I hope it will make some kind of impact.

Janet
03-02-2007, 05:05 AM
That is so sad that it has to close. BUT, instead of just letting it happen you are taking steps to stop it. It may not help, but at least you're letting your voice be heard. What a wonderful thing to do to help these children.

rivermom
03-02-2007, 08:35 AM
It truly sounds as if you are very passionate about helping these children. We need more people to follow in your foot steps. Kudos to you!! :thumbup: I hope with all your extra effort taking place actions take place to help the children.

Don't give up!! :)

AngieDoogles
03-02-2007, 09:49 AM
It truly sounds as if you are very passionate about helping these children. We need more people to follow in your foot steps. Kudos to you!! :thumbup: I hope with all your extra effort taking place actions take place to help the children.

Don't give up!! :)

I just hope something good will come from it. Those kids need that place.

AngieDoogles
03-02-2007, 11:16 AM
Here is the letter my husband and I wrote to our governor:

Dear Governor Bredesen,

On June 16, 2005 you signed into effect a law concerning pre-kindergarten education at the Children First Development Center in Johnson City, TN. According to an article in the Kingsport Times-News, you are quoted saying "We're going to expand it again next year, and frankly as long as I'm governor, I want to continue extending the program." I respect your emphasis on education, and feel that it is the only way to secure a successful future for the state of Tennessee. It is for this reason that I am very concerned with the recent decision of the Johnson City Housing Authority to close down the Children First Development Center, the same site that you valued enough to choose as your location to sign this bill into effect. There are many people in the Johnson City area that will be aversely affected if the Center is closed, and countless children will lose many of the opportunities that the center provides. I am appealing to you to look into the situation and fight for the educational opportunities of these underprivileged children. I thank you in advance for your time and effort in resolving this issue, and I hope that you are able to act swiftly on behalf of these children, as the center is scheduled to close March 31, 2007.

Thank you
Brendon Dugan

Janet
03-02-2007, 12:30 PM
Wow, what a great letter!! You did good, girl!!:thumbup: