Recently, I began gathering information and insights about children and families from a variety of people and networks. A composite of these ideas was compiled and formed a document entitled "Generating Pictures of Possibilities."
Why "Generating Pictures of Possibilities?"
We all have photo albums at home, gathering dust, with old photos of our children, family and friends. Think back to when you took those pictures and then went to the store to pick up the prints or your old Polaroid Instamatic shot out the picture. When you looked at those pictures, what did you do? You looked at the picture and you thought about the person or people in the photo and probably began to think about what the future held for them. Standing there, you began "Generating Pictures of Possibilities."
"Pictures of Possibilities" are what I see every time I look at, meet with or hear the story of one of our children and/or families. A wonderful example of how "Pictures of Possibilities" change is Shelia. When Shelia came to Marlowe House, like many other children, she was already labeled by the "system" as an emotionally impaired youth who was extremely oppositional and defiant. The "system" had already generated a "Picture of Possibility" for her and it was bleak. Thank goodness the "system" was not the only one "Generating a Picture of Possibility" for Shelia.
When Shelia entered Marlowe House, the staff members saw a completely different picture. Marlowe House was able to provide her with the structure, stability and support that she needed to excel. School had always been difficult for Shelia, not because of her lack of intelligence, but because of her inability to remain in a school placement without conflict with her peers. Working closely with her teachers, Marlowe House staff members helped Shelia successfully complete the eighth grade. Her achievements then carried into high school where she graduated with honors.
Today, Shelia is the picture of resiliency and strength. Now a 2nd year student at her Community College majoring in Criminal Justice, she plans to give back to troubled youth and her community by working as a Probation/Parole Officer. As Shelia continues to grow into a mature, contributing member of society, it is the life skills she learned at Marlowe House that provided long-term benefits that helped her experience success.
Today, Shelia continues to "Generate" her own "Pictures of Possibilities." How can you help our children and families in "Generating Pictures of Possibilities?" What skills, talents and resources do you have that could change a young person's or family's future? Would you consider helping us as we're "Generating Pictures of Possibilities" for those we serve?
I would love to hear from you. Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan needs loving, caring, dedicated people to help us with this process. If you want to help us "Generate Pictures of Possibilities", click here and let me know.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert G. Miles
President and CEO
