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.??

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marilyn

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...

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!!

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by rivermom

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!!

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!!

03-01-2007, 03:43 PM	#1
AngieDoogles Donating 4WT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,509	So Sad/Frustrated!!! 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.??

03-01-2007, 05:22 PM	#2
Marilyn Donating 4WT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 4,907	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! __________________ Marilyn If anyone would like a free Bible Study CD or book entitled "Searching for Truth", PM me with your mailing address and I'll send you one. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32

03-02-2007, 05:05 AM	#4
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,624	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. __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

03-02-2007, 08:35 AM	#5
rivermom Donating 4WT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tontitown, Arkansas Posts: 2,475	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!! I hope with all your extra effort taking place actions take place to help the children. Don't give up!! __________________ ~_/> , /\/\ ,,, Sheryl When I grow up I want to be a horse whisperer!

03-02-2007, 12:30 PM	#8
Janet Moderator Donating 4WT 18K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21,624	Wow, what a great letter!! You did good, girl!! __________________ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. ECCLESIASTES 3:1

03-02-2007, 11:16 AM	#7
AngieDoogles Donating 4WT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,509	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

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