Help protect Children's Home

To the Editor:

Nestled in the rolling hills and farmland of Indiana lies a safe haven for young people who desperately need a chance for a successful future. Away from the streets of the big city, gangs, drugs and violence, the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home in Knightstown has been serving Indiana's youth for 143 years, giving them the opportunity they so richly deserve.

In January of this year, the State Health Department announced its decision that the Children's Home would be closing its doors forever at the end of this school year. Immediately, the American Legion and the Home's Alumni Association began rallying forces to intercede in the situation to hopefully overturn the decision.

I'm proud to say that over the past 33 years I have served as a classroom teacher at "The Home." Over the many years I have been a witness to a multitude of miracles. I've watched little boys and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds thrive in the Home's caring environment. From there they have gone on to become productive citizens with families of their own, doing a variety of jobs or serving in our military.

It is vitally important that we keep this issue in the forefront of everyone's mind as our legislative leaders make important decisions regarding the future of the Children's Home. I would ask then that all caring Indiana residents call, e-mail and send letters to Gov. Daniels, state representatives, and particularly to state senators to voice your concern about Indiana's at-risk youth and keeping the Children's Home open.

Hundreds of children are counting on us to speak up for them. Please don't let them down.

Cynthia Kendall

Greenfield