Executive Director's Message
Executive Director
To best serve the most complex youth in our community, Stanford Home's 21st century vision is to create alternative solutions to institutional care. While government depends on us to support children and families in turmoil, government dollars do not fund our quality, innovative services. Our agency is leading the field with successful, long-term solutions that allow every child to feel safe, healthy, self-sufficient, and connected with family. Through our family-centered practices, we work diligently to unite and strengthen families so that children facing turmoil are not lost within the child welfare system.
Recently, we met Ashlee, a young woman who, in her 16 brief years, had suffered severe abuse and neglect, and lived a life she could not tolerate any longer.
Ashlee was placed in a high security group home, where she was referred to Stanford Home for intensive support to help her build a new future. Her behavior was angry and aggressive; severe abuse, neglect, and exposure to substance abuse all at an early age posed huge barriers to Ashlee's well-being.
During Ashlee's time with Stanford Home, she received the attention of safe, caring adults, which brought about dramatic changes in her behavior and her ability to thrive. With Stanford Home Vocational Services, she received work experience and job training. Through Stanford Home Family Finding Services, Ashlee's father whom she hadn't heard from in 10 years, was found living in Phoenix, Arizona. She was able to reconnect with her father, who welcomed her into his life.
As Ashlee prepared to leave her life of group home placement, she was considered a leader by her teachers and peers, she had made significant improvements in her ability to communicate her needs and feelings with others.
She has since moved to live with her father and begun a new life. Ashlee is one of many successful stories at Stanford Home for Children, who, without your support would enter adulthood with no career training, no place to call home, and no dream. Ashlee now has family to share her life with and dreams to talk about.
Every day we connect parents, and siblings with community to encourage stability and emotional well-being for the entire family unit, providing the support families need to survive even the most challenging circumstances. Our entire Stanford Home team is committed to stepping beyond the boundaries of the "system" to stand in partnership with families, giving them the tools they need to stay together, adopt healthier lifestyles, and commit to a future inspired by hope.
It is with community support, that we can generate the resources and manpower provide the care and support our children and families so desperately need. To those who have contributed to the success of Stanford Home, we are eternally grateful. And, to those who are seeking ways to help kids in need, I encourage you to call, come in, or visit our web site for more information. We promise that every dollar you give and every hour of time you donate will be carefully used to preserve our community's most precious resource-the health and welfare of our children.
Keith E. Diederich
Executive Director