Monday's CYITC Budget Hearing was a long one, but the youth advocates showed up in force to support the "Trust" and the vital programs it supports on behalf of children and youth in the District. This following post is a copy of testimony given by Linay Foreman, a parent of participants at Kid Power DC, one of the after-school programs that CYITC funding helps keep its doors open.
Good afternoon. My name is Linay Foreman. Before I begin, I would like to thank
Committee Chairman Graham, and all others in attendance whose passion for the
youth of the district brought them to this hearing.
Over the past 3 years, my two
daughters and I have had the pleasure of working with Kid Power, Inc, one of
the many afterschool programs funded by the TRUST that works tirelessly to
provide valuable programming to the youth of DC. My daughters have found a place where they
can express themselves and not be afraid to show how intelligent they are. My oldest daughter has been particularly
involved in one of Kid Power’s programs known as CookieTime. This program works to instill an
entrepreneurial and giving spirit in the youth that it serves by allowing kids
to not only perfect their skills in the kitchen, but also become benefactors to
charities not just in DC, but worldwide.
Already a deeply caring individual, my daughter has found an outlet and
a forum for developing her natural abilities.
She has a network of friends in this program that she knows have her
back and nurture her creativity.
As a parent, Kid Power has provided
me the peace of mind to know that when school is over, my children have a safe
place to do their homework and do something positive for the community. Over the years, they’ve come home with stories
of gardening and yoga, participated in organic gardening markets, and gone on
numerous fieldtrips focused on broadening their horizons. Is Kid Power a safety net for my youth so
that I can be sure they are surrounded in positivity after school? Absolutely. However, the programs that my daughters
have participated in have been far more than a safety net.
In a few years, my daughters will
be either in college, or in the case of my youngest, well on her way. I realize that this proposed budget cut will
not have the effect on my daughters that it will on the youngest youth in DC. However, as a parent and a responsible member
of society and of the District of
Columbia , I ask you to please look elsewhere for
sources of funding before considering cutting funding from the TRUST. Our children
are our strength. PLEASE, preserve
funding that builds on this universal truth.
Thank you.
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