Dear Friends of PEI Kids,

Twenty five years ago, I had a dream of providing personal safety prevention programs to the children of our community.  Seven women supported that dream, six as board members and one as director of programming.  To them I will always be grateful for having confidence and commitment to share the dream.

Over the years many have asked why – why did I take the risk to start an agency committed to the safety and well-being of children?  Why was I willing to spend the greater part of my life fighting the funding and recognition battle?  For me, it was and is simple – children are our greatest resources, and they deserve the tools to help keep them safe, the support when they are abused and the help to turn their lives in another direction.  I believed this 25 years ago, and I believe it still today.

But it is time… time for someone new to take up the challenge and reward of leading PEI Kids into the future of providing services to our children…  So in the early Fall, I will retire with the belief that during these past 25 years, PEI Kids has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children.

How do you say thank you...
To my staff who have committed their lives to working with the children of Mercer County providing personal safety programs in the schools, crisis counseling for child victims of sexual abuse, classes for juveniles on probation who are not yet deep in the system, and visits for children in foster care. 

To PEI Kids' incredible Board of Trustees who committed their time, talent and resources to ensure that we would have resources to accomplish our mission. 

To our longtime donors whose consistency in good times and bad have made a tremendous difference in the health of PEI Kids, and our newer donors who consider us worthy of their support.

To my many colleagues, some of whom have wished at times that I would stop having an opinion and others who have been available over the years when I needed a listening ear and calm advice.

AND to my family and friends who have stood with me from the beginning.

Please know that each and every one of you have made a difference in my life. Life is a journey and I have been blessed that so many of you have traveled with me along the way.  Thank you!