As summer provides time to slow down and reflect on the year past and the remainder ahead, we want to express our gratitude for the consistent longtime support we receive from so many of our supporters and donors. Two of our very special friends, Judi and Don Curtiss, took the time to share their story of care and commitment to foster youth and our work. We hope that you will find it inspiring.
“We first heard about Aunt Leah’s in the 1990s through my husband’s aunt who was downsizing her home of 40 years. She told us of this great organization that helps youth coming out of foster care, and also young Moms who were on their own. We also had some things that needed ‘new homes’, so I packed them up and delivered them to the Thrift Store. While there, I learned more about Aunt Leah’s programs and the Tree Lots. I was particularly happy to give to an organization where all the funds raised went directly to their programs. I love Christmas, so decided I would like to volunteer some time to the tree lots. It was the start of many years of volunteering and eventually becoming a monthly supporter of the organization.
Over the years, we learned more about the programs offered for the youth. So many basic life skills that most of us learned from our parents—the importance of education, cooking, managing money, how to find employment etc., as well as the emotional support of the ‘family’ at Aunt Leah’s. Safe housing for young Moms who might otherwise have had their babies taken from them is also so important. There have been so many wonderful success stories over the years. Young people who have been supported and encouraged to reach their dreams, be it to get a University degree or just to establish a stable loving family of their own.
I was lucky to grow up in a loving family who supported and encouraged me along the road to adulthood. My parents were both involved throughout their lives in various groups to help those in less fortunate circumstances. They both volunteered at a Children’s camp supported by my Dad’s union, and were also involved with what was then The Children’s Aid Society. If Mom knew of someone who had nowhere to go for a Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, they were always included in our family gatherings. Our family developed an on-going relationship with one young girl through Children’s Aid, and I learned first hand how traumatic it could be for children who were shuffled around from one foster home to another. No wonder so many youth coming out of Foster Care have a tough time coping with being faced with the ‘adult’ world when they age out of care! After a rough start, she went on to have a successful career in nursing, and we are still in touch, 60 years later.
We have been monthly donors to Aunt Leah’s for several years, and, not having children of our own, decided to leave a legacy to Aunt Leah’s in our wills. Our hope is that it will help to keep the important work that Aunt Leah’s is doing! If you feel you might be interested in finding out more about leaving a gift to Aunt Leah’s, please take a few minutes to look at Aunt Leah’s website to learn more about the amazing impact this organization has had on so many young lives. The founder and current executive would welcome your interest and be happy to tell you more.”
Sincerely,
Judi and Don Curtis
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