A family's furnace hovers near empty as temperatures outside dip into the teens. A youth reaches out for help, needing a safe place to spend the night. A child needs winter clothing. A family faces a near-empty refrigerator. A former student and his mother are stranded in a domestically violent relationship several states away and require emergency assistance to return to Vermont where they have family supports. There is an immediacy to the need---to tide someone over until more concrete solutions can be enacted.
This is not Norman Rockwell's America. These real-life circumstances are emblematic of life in America today for youth and families struggling under the weight of socioeconomic disparity, exacerbated by mental health, learning and/or behavioral issues.
Laraway operates a small and carefully managed Crisis Fund which is parceled out to address the day-to-day emergencies our clients face---when they've exhausted resources and have no where else to turn.
"Laraway's Crisis Fund is there to provide immediate assistance," said Jim Heath, Laraway's Finance Director.
Members of the 2nd Congregational Church of Hyde Park are stepping up to help Laraway grow its Crisis Fund. The church is hosting a Jam Session on Friday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. at 28 Prospect Street, Hyde Park. The family friendly event, hosted by Ted Lambert, features a slate of local performers including Jeremy Sicely; Shaun Booher; Nate, Madison & Ruby Perham; Joe Ciccolo; Mark Faith; Melissa Senesac; Liz Fox; Ann Marie Bahr & Gerry Falkenberg; Beth Carrier and Debbie Yacovone. Refreshments will be served. Suggested Donation: $10.
We hope you can turn out for what promises to be a wonderful community event. For more information, please contact John Clark at 888-4864 or Katherine Stamper at 635-2805 x 106.
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