In the News

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Travelling Artist From Rwanda Inspires Crisis Center Youths

By Lisa DeNeal

Post Tribune

July 31, 2008

(click to enlarge)

GARY -- A lesson in living and perseverance was given to young adolescents at the Crisis Center's Alternative House on Wednesday by an artist whose own story demonstrates those lessons

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 Growing up in Kigali, Rwanda, Gabriel Dusabe said he first showed his artistic talents using nature as his tools.

"I would mix water and bits of the earth for texture and use sticks and wood to draw," he said.

Stretching out his right arm, the 32-year-old married father said that he'd also draw on his arms.

"If I used a notebook, my parents and teacher told me I was wasting my time drawing," he said.

Surrounded by his artwork of his home and inspirational themes, Dusabe told the audience of pre-teens and teenagers to never give up and always be open to opportunities.

Gabriel is the co-founder of Cards from Africa, which employs and trains orphans to create custom greeting cards that sell nationwide.

"We have many orphans who lost their parents and families to genocide and disease and famine. This gives them a second chance," he said.

Dusabe, along with his wife, Margaret, and 1-year-old son, Hero, visited the Crisis Center to deliver inspiration and hope. The young family is ending a two-week visit to Gary, leaving early today on a continuing Christian-based mission. [read full story here]

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Slice Of Life: Gavin Mariano

By Stephanie Vega

Viva Los Tiempos (from The Times)

July 18, 2008

For more than 30 years, the Crisis Center in Gary has been providing help for kids of all ages, with issues varying from problems at home to drug and alcohol abuse. The Center offers 7 different programs, each with counselors available to offer support and guidance. One of those counselors is Gavin Mariano. "I’m very lucky because the Crisis Center does extraordinary work, and they’ve been around since 1971," Mariano said. "I almost feel like what better agency to work for than someone who’s been doing so well and producing such positive outcomes and outlets."

For the past 7 years, Mariano has worked at the Crisis Center, and he’s one of the few counselors on hand who is bilingual. He’s known by many in the community because he is the Public Relations Specialist for the Center, but that’s not the only job he has. "I’m also the webmaster for the Crisis Center," he explained. "I was the one who did our entire website in Spanish."

Mariano enjoys keeping busy and work and outside of the office. He’s the National President for the Indiana University Latino Alumni Association, and he’s a member of the Hispanic Organization Promoting Excellence (H.O.P.E). "When I’m involved with organizations like H.O.P.E, which I’ve been a member for over 2 years, it means a great deal to me," Mariano said. "There’s just something special about being in H.O.P.E and working with the Latino community in Northwest Indiana."

And when Mariano isn’t working or volunteering, he enjoys listening to music. A self proclaimed music junkie, Mariano says he loves downloading music. "I have maybe 3,000 songs in my I-tunes library," he said giggling. "My whole life I’ve been listening to music, it’s my second life."

He has a fun side for sure, but when it comes to work, Mariano is all business. When asked where he sees himself in 10 years, he said still working at the Crisis Center. "The idea of knowing that you are a resource and an asset to the community and you’re a part of that good endeavor, it makes you feel really good."

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Programs Solid As A R.O.C.K

By Stephanie Vega

Viva Los Tiempos (from The Times)

July 11, 2008

When we talk about living a healthy lifestyle, usually that means eating better and working out, but what about our inner self, our mind, and our soul? Maintaining a positive mental health plays a large role in living a healthy lifestyle, and affects people of all ages. "There was a study done by Indiana University that determined the time between 3 and 6pm were critical hours for children aged 10-14," said Albert Gay, Program Director for Afternoon’s R.O.C.K. "The study found that those hours were when youngsters could make the wrong decisions about alcohol, drugs, gangs, and sexual activity."

So to deter kids from making the wrong decisions, a statewide program was started called Afternoon’s R.O.C.K., a program offering activities filled with "ROCK" - Recreation, Object Lessons, Culture & Values, and Knowledge. "We’ve been doing this program for 11 years," Gay said, "And every year we are reaching out to more and more of our youth."

In the Latino community, the Afternoon’s ROCK program has been enacted at the Boys & Girls Club of Hammond, East Chicago and Lake Station, and this year alone has served 157 young Latinos. And while this program is helping to change the lives of our youth, so is another program in Lake County, aimed at teaching teenagers responsibility. "Youth as Resources is an advisory board made up of other kids, teenagers," said Gavin Mariano, Public Relations Specialist at the Crisis Center. "What they do is raise money, and then they turn around and give the money away to other teen groups in need of assistance," he added.

Typically the kids involved with this program are aged 12 and up, and it’s just one way they learn how to better themselves. The Crisis Center offers several different programs aimed at helping children, and the goal is to help each one live a safe and happy life. "We help kids deal with serious problems like drug and alcohol abuse, but we also have programs that are prevention programs," said Mariano. "We’ve got a lot of tools and resources that we give to the kids to keep them informed but at a level that they are comfortable with," he added.

And while keeping the community informed on health issues should start at an early age, it’s important to continue the work as they get older. That’s something the North Shore Health Center does, especially for young women who are pregnant. "We have a great pre-natal program," said Norma Cruz, Community Outreach with North Shore Health Center in Portage. "We go over issues like nutrition, the importance of preventive health care, coping with a pregnancy and postpartum."

The program also offers help for those Latina pregnant women who are having trouble breaking through the communication barrier. A lot of the pregnancy material is being made in Spanish, and the Health Center has a bilingual staff, something Cruz is very happy about. "I want them to have the opportunity to be able to have that access because they don’t always know about it," she said. "Our goal is to let them know the options they have for delivering a healthy baby."

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INSIGHT: Crisis Center has record year for wine tasting fundraiser

By Adele Mackinow

The Times

July 6, 2008

It was lucky 13 for the Crisis Center's 13th annual Wine Tasting and Auction fundraiser at the elegant Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton as hundreds came out for the event and the total amount raised registered a record-breaking $268,600.

The Crisis Center serves as an outreach center for at-risk youths and their families throughout Northwest Indiana. The Crisis Center began in 1971 to help prevent teenage suicide. Last year it helped 10,714 people.

A wine tasting and auction are without a doubt the premier event in the region for a nonprofit organization, with hundreds of businesses and people donating items for silent and live auctions [read full story here]

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Crisis Contact Program Coordinator, Willie Perry

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Goods Works (column)

Post-Tribune

May 10, 2008

(click image to enlarge in PDF view)

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Celebrating keeping youths safe

The Times

March 20, 2008

Lake County will join more than 1,100 communities nationwide as the Crisis Center, in Gary's Miller neighborhood, celebrates its commitment to keeping youth safe during National Safe Place Week, which continues through Saturday.

Safe Place provides access to immediate help and safety for all young people in crisis. More than 105,000 youths nationally have received help through a business or community location displaying the yellow and black Safe Place sign since the program's inception 25 years ago in Louisville, Ky. Now, 144 youth-serving agencies in 41 states manage Safe Place programs in their local communities.

The Crisis Center has operated the Safe Place program in the Lake County since 1987 and has an office at 101 N. Montgomery St.

Currently, 190 businesses and community locations in the region - including all city buses of Gary, all fire stations in Gary, East Chicago and Hammond, and most libraries in Lake County - serve as Safe Place sites where a young person can be connected to Youth in Need's services. Locally, nearly 2,000 youths have walked into a Safe Place to receive support since 1987.

"All of our partners in Lake County make this program possible by caring enough to open their doors to youth in trouble and getting them connected with our services." Nikki Wielgos, Safe Place program coordinator, said in a written release. "Each Safe Place sign depicts another gateway to help for our kids in trouble."

As part of National Safe Place Week, the Crisis Center is offering free presentations for any interested Lake County business or organization wanting to learn more and/or wanting to become an official, designated Safe Place site. Presentations can be customized and offer an interactive view on how the program works and how it benefits communities.

For more information, visit www.nationalsafeplace.org or the Lake County Safe Place site, www.crisiscenterysb.org/safeplace or call (219) 938-7070.

As part of National Safe Place's Building A Safety Net For Youth awareness campaign, new youth-friendly Web sites, where they can learn more about the program, have been established such as www.safeplaceforteens.com and www.safetynetforyouth.org.

"Safe Place empowers kids to seek help themselves," Sandy Bowen, executive director of National Safe Place, said in the release. "These young people, many of whom would have nowhere else to turn, are tremendously brave and we honor their courage. We also honor the caring adults nationwide who have worked tirelessly for a quarter century to make their communities safer."

The U.S. Senate has designated the third week of March as National Safe Place Week each year since 2001.

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Launching A 'Safe Place' into Porter County

Editorial by John Davies

The Times

March 9, 2008

Thirty-one years ago this month, the Crisis Center launched a great idea called "Safe Place" to help children at risk.

It's a program in which a youngster can walk into a business and ask for help.  The Crisis Center dispatches a driver to pick up the youngster, and then the staff works fast to return the younster home or provide other assistance. [read full editorial here] PDF file

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Crisis Center Seeks Adult and Youth Volunteers

Post-Tribune Staff Report

March 1, 2008

GARY -- The Crisis Center Inc., located in the Miller area of the city, is actively recruiting youth and adult volunteers for five of its seven programs.

The programs and volunteer descriptions are:

Crisis Contact -- adults to answer the information and referral, depression and suicide hotline

Reassurance Contact -- adults who make outbound wellness phone-check calls to seniors, disabled and homebound citizens

Teen Court -- youth ages 10 to 17 to serve as officers on the Lake County youth court

Youth as Resources -- youth ages 13 and up to serve on a fun advisory board which awards mini-grants to other youth groups

Alternative House -- adult volunteer arts and crafts teacher for youth at our emergency shelter

More information about each program and volunteer requirements can be found on the Crisis Center's Web site, www.crisiscenterysb.org or by calling 938-7070.

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Mark Masssel

BY MELANIE CSEPIGA, The Times

Sunday, February 17, 2008

When Mark Maassel came to the region three decades ago for a job with the Northern Indiana Public Service Co., he expected to make the move, stay for a while, and then return to Minnesota.

Happily, he remained.

In December, Maassel, whose humanity put a compassionate face at the helm of NIPSCO, relinquished his position as president there. He had served in that leadership post since the beginning of 2004.

Now, Maassel, 53, the youngest to be inducted into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame, is hitting his stride, some say, and they hope that the region will be  the happy beneficiary.

Maassel, who was a recent University of Minnesota graduate armed with a civil engineering degree when he and his wife Christine first came to Indiana, said he found the work at NIPSCO, as well as the region itself, compelling.

"It's hard not to develop an affinity for this community," Maassel said, relaxing in the lakeside home in Valparaiso that the couple has called home for 10 years. "There are wonderful folks in this area."

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It is his intent, Maassel said, to continue his associations with a number of civic groups including the Crisis Center, Inc., Gary, where he is vice-president of the board of directors.

Maassel said he feels honored to be named to the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame.

Mulling the notion of success, he said he finds the monetary definition to be fleeting. "The more lasting definition of success is people-oriented," Maassel, a strong family man,  said, pointing to his father-in-law who raised seven children. "He was the far richer. It's something to aspire to," he said.

What of the future? "I'm spending time now to see what I want to be when I grow up," Maassel said with a grin.

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Schools Should Seek Suspension Options

Post-Tribune Editorial Board

February 14, 2008

Recent data released by the Indiana Department of Education attest that schools have serious problems with discipline.

No school is immune from problems. School suspension rates in Northwest Indiana are up 9 percent from 2005-06.

Schools must report the number of suspensions and expulsions during the school year as part of the data collection required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Schools also must report the infractions that include drugs, alcohol or weapons.

Merrillville High School suspended 691 students last year compared to 461 the previous year. School officials blamed the large number on students who decided to skip Friday night detention. Merrillville Superintendent Anthony Lux said students were being taught to accept responsibility.

That's a good thing, but it's also a shame that those students who are suspended must miss school, because they're the very ones who need to be there. Their misbehavior also ruins the academic experience for children who want to learn.

Gary school officials had promised to come up with a plan for in-school suspensions and community service, but so far nothing has materialized.

Many schools in Lake and Porter counties participate in Teen Court operated by the Crisis Center in Gary. Instead of facing out-of-school suspensions, teens face a jury of their peers who determine their punishment. Gary schools, however, don't participate.

The Duneland schools in Chesterton offer a Positive Life program for students with drug and alcohol problems. Students are given classes in overcoming peer influences and the dangers of chemical dependency.

These are fine programs, but more alternatives are needed to help students benefit by staying in school.

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Student Suspensions Spike

By Sharlonda Waterhouse, Post-Tribune

February 11, 2008

Newly released Indiana Department of Education data show school suspensions in 2007 rose 9 percent locally from the 2006 school year, while expulsions, particularly for drugs, alcohol or weapons, fell 27 percent.

Last year in the region's schools, more than 14,200 students were suspended and 852 were expelled.

Most of the disciplinary actions were in urban schools. East Chicago Central alone suspended 700 students last year.

But suburban areas like Merrillville also had their share. At Merrillville High School, 691 students were suspended. That's up 50 percent from 461 the previous year.

Superintendent Tony Lux said 300 of those suspensions were due to students who skipped Friday night detention.

Lux said day-to-day behavioral problems were down, but the data spiked because students are still being taught to accept responsibility.

He said students often refuse the lighter assignment of Friday night punishment. Administrators add more detention, but eventually they have to suspend students.

In Portage Township, 437 students were suspended at the high school. That's down from 559 the prior year.

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Lake Ridge Schools in Calumet Township, like many other area schools, recently began participating in teen court, which allows students to remain in school instead being suspended out-of-school.

Sandra Porter-Phillips, coordinator of the Teen Court run by the Crisis Center in Gary, works with students from both Lake and Porter counties. Peers listen to student offenses and decide punishment.

Court convenes monthly, dealing with offenses ranging from thefts to fighting, chief bailiff Nick Samardzija said.

While students from all over Northwest Indiana serve as jurors, so far only Lake Ridge and Griffith have formally agreed to refer school incidents there. Porter-Phillips would like to see participation increase.

"Instead of throwing students out, give them a second chance," Porter-Phillips said. "They need their education and we can change them if they are in school."

During a recent court session, Porter-Phillips allowed teens to talk about their experiences but required that last names be kept confidential.

Teens like court

Kaitlyn S., 16, of Lake Central High School, endorsed the teen court concept.

"We know what it's like to be their age. We feel what they are going through," Kaitlyn said.

Brian C., 16, of Chesterton High School, said the court is somewhat lenient. Students are often given punishment like writing 100-word essays, writing letters of apology, and serving future jury duty time.

Munster High sophomore Jelena G., 15, a juror with a desire to go into politics, said the focus isn't on an easy out.

"No one deserves an absolutely lenient environment, but they do deserve to have peers who understand them," Jelena said.

It doesn't always stop the behavior.

Jamie, 17, of Highland High, is facing his second teen court incident. Four months ago he and friends were caught with marijuana.

Rather than send him through the Lake County Juvenile Court system, police diverted him to teen court. He missed no school and was ordered to complete 12 hours of community service, make two apologies, and serve on the jury.

"That's what I don't want to happen. I don't want to miss school. I have 24 credits and want to graduate," the teen said.

But just last month, he was caught drinking.

"They've been so generous with me. I know it looks like I'm a bad kid, but I'm just making bad decisions," the teen said.

Understanding consequences

Teen Court Judge Scott Yahne said the court "is designed to alert students to the fact that there are consequences to making mistakes." [read full story here]

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Be thankful for the basic; even life itself

Editorial by Shirley Caylor, Executive Director - Crisis Center, Inc.

Sunday December 16, 2007

At the holiday season, we are reminded to be thankful and to count our blessings. The children and youths who are temporarily living at our Crisis Center's Alternative House were invited to list for what they were thankful.

These are kids, as young as 6 up to age 17, who are out of their home for their safety and protection and because of hurtful things in their young lives. These are their words:

I am thankful for ...

God, that he is always there whenever I need him.

My friends that have always been there for me.

The food I get to eat. [read more here].

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Well-known Attorney Dies

By Bill Dolan, The Times

Thursday, November 22, 2007 2:18 AM CST

CROWN POINT | James J. Krajewski, a former Lake Superior Court judge, died Tuesday night after a brief illness.

"He was a gentleman judge, and when he undeservedly left the bench, he remained a gentleman lawyer," Highland attorney J. Michael Katz said.

Others praised Krajewski's intelligence upon learning of his death Wednesday.

"He was the smartest lawyer I knew," Munster attorney Jim Padula said, adding Krajewski, who suffered from cancer, "accepted it courageously. There was no self pity."

Visitation for Krajewski is scheduled to take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Burns Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Ave., Munster. His funeral will be at a time yet to be determined Saturday at St. Thomas More Church, 8501 Calumet Ave., Munster.

Krajewski, 50, had practiced law since 1983. He came to public prominence when Gov. Robert Orr named him to the Superior Court County Division seat left vacant by the federal conviction of former Judge Orval Anderson on obstruction of justice charges.

Critics said Krajewski owed his appointment to his relationship to former Lake County GOP Chairman Joseph Kotso.

Krajewski won praise for operating the court at a savings to taxpayers. "He always treated litigants with respect, particularly those without lawyers," Katz said. Krajewski stood for election in 1990 and was defeated by Gary attorney Bernard Carter, who is now county prosecutor.

Shirley Caylor, executive director of Crisis Center, a Gary-based counseling center, said Krajewski had served as president of the center's board of directors for three years and had served as a teen court judge for many years.

Read full obituary here.

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Find safe alternatives for vulnerable 'throwaways'

Editorial by Cheryl Hall-Russell, The Indianapolis Star

Sunday November 4, 2007

We see them, but we don't really see them. Hanging out under a bridge in Broad Ripple, sleeping in parks, or "couch surfing" somewhere different every night, homeless youth are kids who can't quite seem to get it together. They have fallen out with their parents one too many times or have fled abusive situations.

Often, we don't see them, but clearly we need to. For the past several months, state Rep. Dennis Avery, D-Evansville, has chaired an interim study committee on missing and homeless youth in Indiana. Committee members are bringing focus to the problems faced by homeless and unattached youth in the state. They are considering legislation to get these youth moving in the right direction. The National Runaway Switchboard reports that, nationally, there are 1.7 million runaway youth on the streets every day.

Gavin Mariano, who testified for the study committee, knows their plight well. By the time he was 17 he had run away almost a dozen times. Affected by the trauma of living in a violent household, he finally ran to a public library that had a bright yellow Safe Place sign. Staff members referred him to the Crisis Center Alternative House in Gary. Mariano is one of the lucky ones. Now a graduate of Indiana University, he works at the Crisis Center as a counselor. The kids he helps are called unaccompanied youth, homeless or even throwaways. Most don't have access to services; some fear returning or cannot return home. Too many become victims of sexual abuse or use "survival sex" to help them meet basic needs. Drugs use is common, as is poor physical health. [read full story here

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Readers can pat themselves on the back

By Jerry Davich, Post Tribune

Tuesday October 23, 2007

Arlene Lyons paid a visit to Pat Johnson last week at the South Shore Health & Rehabilitation Center in Gary.

Lyons, who works for Reassurance Contact, a social work program of the Crisis Center in Gary's Miller neighborhood, told Johnson about the generosity of P-T readers.

Johnson, if you recall, is the 58-year-old Gary woman who struggles with several medical conditions, including elephantiasis, and who is unable to move back into her home until her utility bills are paid.

I wrote about her plight last week, and many of you acted on it, Lyons told Johnson.

Readers of this column reached deep into their hearts and wallets, donating more than $1,100 so far to Johnson's cause.

Also, a few churches have stepped up to help with the plumbing in Johnson's home, and to help pay for the reconnect fee for her utilities.

That's not all. A local agency has donated services to clean her chimney, and her high school graduating class will host a fund-raiser.  Plus, two employees from local social service agencies who could not help Johnson through their workplace have volunteered to help personally.  I personally heard from a man from Wheatfield, a nursing home resident from East Chicago, and a woman from Portage, who's waiting on her next Social Security check to donate.

"Every caller is so enthusiastic, I am overwhelmed," Lyons told Johnson at the center.

Do you know how Johnson responded that day? She broke down and cried. Because of you.

Not only will you restore her home's utilities, you also have restored her faith in human nature. And you really can't put a price tag on that, can you?

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Northwest Indiana's Society of Innovators

Innovatenow.com

October 2007

The Society of Innovators for Northwest Indiana was founded by Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest and our community partners of ArcelorMittal, The Times of Northwest Indiana, Krieg-De-Vault Law Firm, and Horseshoe Casino. [view winners]

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Innovators Earn Honors

by Carrie Napoleon, Post-Tribune Correspondent

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The co-founder of a crisis center, a researcher who discovered three new genes in the human genome and the creator of one of the world's most popular Web sites are among six local innovators who will be feted Thursday.

The Society of Innovators will induct six new fellows and the first two co-recipients of the Chanute Prize for Team Innovation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Horseshoe Casino Hammond.

In addition to 23 other individuals called members, the new inductees are among 54 nominees this year to the Society established by Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest and its community partners.

[read full story here]

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Undying Passion Leads to Innovation

by Susan Erler

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 12:57 AM CDT - The Times

Climbing into a cramped attic to wire an electric fan led Bill Keith to one conclusion: There's got to be a better way.
Finding it landed Keith on a list of new inductees into the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana.

Keith was named one of six fellows and 23 new members of the society founded three years ago, managing director John Davies said Tuesday. They will be inducted Thursday, along with two co-recipients of the society's newest honor, the Chanute Prize for Team Innovation.

"We are identifying a network of innovators," from throughout Northwest Indiana, Davies said. "As entrepreneurs, they are an asset to the region."

...

Other Society of Innovators fellows include:

Shirley Caylor, who co-founded the Crisis Center, Alternative House, Teen Court, Safe Place and other programs for helping youth in the Miller section of Gary. [read full story here]

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Woman's return home unsafe but social worker determined to

by Jerry Davich

Saturday October 13, 2007 - Post Tribune

Pat Johnson has been a giver all her life. When a stranger reached for a handout, her heart reached out to them. When a neighbor starved for a meal, she went into her kitchen. When the needy needed her, she knew what she needed to do.

She didn't think twice. It's simply how she's wired.

But now the 58-year-old woman is hurting for help.

She struggles with serious medical conditions, including diabetes, congestive heart failure, and lymphatic filariasis, more commonly known as elephantiasis. The disease makes her legs balloon with fluid and caused her weight to swell to 450 pounds last month before she was admitted to a hospital. She has since lost 70 pounds

...

In mid-August, Arlene Lyons, a local social worker, paid Johnson a visit and wondered why she couldn't turn on a light in her home. Johnson explained why.  

"Oh, we can't have this," Lyons told Johnson.

Lyons works for Reassurance Contact, a program of the Crisis Center in Miller, which offers free phone calls and home visits for seniors and homebound or disabled residents.

Since that day, she's been hustling to help Johnson [read full story here]

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Senator Bayh Acts on Gang Violence

by Stephanie Vega

Wednesday, September 5, 2007 12:03 PM CDT  - The Times

The start of another school year means playing sports, joining new clubs, and getting involved with a number of other after-school activities, but one concern for some law enforcement agencies is that students will get involved with the wrong crowds. “Everyday the gang threat is there,” said Mark Becker, head of the FBI’s anti-gang taskforce in Northwest Indiana.
...

One of those places that could help make Becker’s job easier is the Crisis Center. Even though they don’t have a formal gang prevention program, they do see a lot of teens who have had gang related problems. Many of them are part of Teen Court, a prevention, early intervention and youth development program. “We would be a perfect candidate for what the Senator is talking about,” said Gavin Mariano with the Crisis Center. “These are the programs we need to support our teens, these initiatives are great.” [read full story here]

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Crisis Center Offers Second Chance To Bid

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:52 AM CDT  - The Times

Organizers of the 12th annual Crisis Center Wine Tasting and Auction hope e-mail bids will boost the benefit's bottom line.

An e-mail silent auction is available through noon Friday for items that didn't receive minimum bids during the fundraiser at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton.

The Crisis Center serves as an outreach center for youths at risk and for their families throughout Northwest Indiana.

One of the items still up for bids is a Greek dinner for 12 in your home cooked by Lake County Convention and visitor's Bureau CEO Speros Batistatos. The minimum bid is $500. [read full story here]

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Program Keeps In Touch With Elderly and Disabled

August 17, 2007

BY SUE ELLEN ROSS Post-Tribune correspondent

GARY -- Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while. And there's a program called Reassurance Contact that does just that for elderly, disabled and homebound residents.

The program, operated through Crisis Center Inc., is a free telephone safety check for those living alone who meet the criteria

Home visits also are available, according to Arlene Lyons, who serves as Reassurance Contact program specialist.

"I (as well as volunteers) make the friendly phone calls, home visits and handle any inquiries that they may have," she said. "During the visits we talk, I may read to them, play games, etc. These home visits usually last one hour."

The current roster lists dozens of recipients with addresses  from Lake and Porter counties as well as from portions of Jasper and LaPorte counties.

Each recipient is evaluated on an individual basis regarding days and times of phone calls or visits, according to Willie Perry, coordinator of the Reassurance Contact program.[read full story here]

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Parents, Students, And Coaches Must Be Vigilant Against Sexual Misconduct

by Steve Hanlon.  The Times,

August 5, 2007 SUNDAY SPECIAL

Jim Miller has seen his share of teenagers, broken and hollow because of sexual abuse perpetrated on them from an athletic coach in Northwest Indiana schools. A counselor at Gary's Crisis Center, Miller has seen young lives destroyed by a person with a whistle around their neck.

As the number of high school students becoming involved sexually with a member of a school's staff grows nationally, Miller believes it is accurate to call this troubling phenomenon an epidemic.

"A teenager who has been abused by a coach has a tendency to become depressed, emotionally distressed, feeling a sense of loss," Miller said. "They feel like they're no longer a part of the team. People leave their school, leave town, trying to avoid what's happened. ... Maybe it was them being aggressive, maybe they wanted to make friends or get somewhere. Maybe the result is something you thought you wanted... [read full story here]

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INSIGHT: More than 700 come to Sand Creek to support Crisis Center

Thursday, August 2, 2007 12:45 AM CDT

BY MARGE KULLERSTRAND - The Times

The weather was perfect for the 12th annual Crisis Center's Wine Tasting and Auction fundraiser at the magnificent Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton as hundreds came out for the event.

The Crisis Center serves as an outreach center for youths at risk and for their families throughout Northwest Indiana.

The wine fest and auction has become the premier event in the region for a nonprofit organization, with hundreds of businesses and individuals donating items for the silent and live auction. The 2007 fundraising total is an estimated $262,544.

Where else could a person bid on a David Hugg Landscape painting - donated by the artist - or a yellow and white diamond ring donated by Fred and Josh Halpern of Alberts' Jewelers, an original 1956 movie poster of "D.Day" donated by Bill and Rita Nangle, or a Greek dinner for 12 in your home cooked by the Lake County Convention and visitor's Bureau CEO Speros Batistatos? And where else could you bid on a dinner for four with Bishop Dale Melczek at Miller Bakery Cafe, donated by Tom and Sylvia Collins?

Congrats go out to Dr. Stephen Gandfield, the high bidder for that fun evening.

Crisis Center Director Shirley Caylor thanks all underwriters, sponsors, committee members, auction item contributors, ticket-buyers, attendees, staff and volunteers.

Kudos to the 2006 Crisis Center Wine Fest and Auction Committee, which did an outstanding job.

Co-chairmen were John Diederich, Janet Schulte and E. Thomas Collins Jr. Committee members were Andy and Sue Arnold, Speros Batistatos, Indiana University Northwest Chancellor Bruce Bergland, Leon and Vanessa Bland, David Bochnowski, Charlie Blum, Jeff Brant, Keith Bruxvoort, Rusty Bucko, Hobart Mayor Linda Buzinec, Bonnie Coleman, Shelby Curry, Joyce Davis, Vic DeMeyer, Peter Doherty, Timothy Fesko, Karen Fulkerson, Bunny Furlin, Pat Giannini, Yvonne Hoff, John Kerr, Janine Kurpiel, Patrick Lee, Marc Leuthart, Mark Maaassel, Mary Mack, Rick Mazer, Bart McCartin III, Tom McDermott Sr., Bishop Dale Melczek, Suzanne Mulshine, Don Nagdeman, Rita Nangle, Carmen Neighbors, Tom Ploski, Craig Pratt, Pat Puffer, Joe Quinn, Cindi Rucinski, Tom Sourlis, Scott Steinwart, Milt Triana, Lisa Tatina, Dave VanDyke, Glenn Vician, Carey Yukich, Donald J. Weiss, Robert Welsh, Bruce White, Marty Wielgos, Ed Williams, McKenly Wright, Tamera Young-King and Debbie Zych.

We also must give major kudos to the extremely hard-working committee members from the Crisis Center: Shirley Caylor, Barbara Wisdom and Nikki Wielgos.

Consider giving a gift that will perpetually assist the Crisis Center. There are many ways to donate, including gift annuities, bequests and cash gifts. For more information, call or em-ail Shirley Caylor at (219) 938-7070, ext. 2727, or Barbara Wisdom at (219) 938-7070, ext. 2710.

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Leadership Academy Draws Youth

July 20, 2007

Story ran in valpo.edu website

Hispanic youth throughout Northwest Indiana will prepare for roles in a new generation of community leaders when Valparaiso University hosts its first Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy next week.

Nearly 50 students from 23 schools in Lake and Porter counties will attend the Academy July 24 to 26 and learn from prominent state and national Hispanic leaders how to take on and succeed in positions of responsibility within their schools, churches and community.

Dr. Jose Arredondo, adjunct assistant professor of education and coordinator of multicultural programs for Valpo’s Department of Education, said students have prepared for the Academy by reading Sean Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. The book is serving as a foundation for the workshop, with speakers addressing each of the habits to the high school seniors-to-be.

“The transition from secondary school to the roles and responsibilities in adult life is a critical stage in life,” Dr. Arredondo said. “We want to help students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills that are necessary to meet the challenges of being an effective leader in a diverse world.”

Among the featured speakers at the Academy are Dr. Juan Andrade, head of the Chicago-based United States Hispanic Leadership Institute; Judge Jesse Villapando of the Superior Court of Lake County; Amy Mendoza, executive director of the Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs; Gavin Mariano, program coordinator of the Crisis Center in Gary; Dr. Juan Anaya, superintendent of East Chicago schools; and Frances Vega, director of Hispanic/Latino outreach for Ivy Tech State College...[read full story here].

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When We Help Ourselves, We Help Others

Editorial by Shirley Caylor

Sunday, July 1, 2007 12:12 AM CDT - The Times

Beginnings and endings are linked. School ends. Summer begins. We are raised in the rhythm of the seasons. The longer days and warmer weather beckon us to enjoy. When the school year ended, many kids celebrated graduation, ended their years of childhood and began a period of new expectations. Endings and beginnings.

Joseph Campbell, an American writer who influenced George Lucas' Star Wars movies, said, "The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure" -- "to the life that is waiting."

The trick is to see the opportunities waiting, to accept the challenges and bring meaning to life. As young people venture out, they are confronted with the "real world" forces, both known and unknown, influencing their decisions while dealing with their own limitations. It can be tough in the best of times.  That tough time can be compounded by the circumstances in which young people find themselves. It is a lot harder to prepare yourself for a productive life when raised in an environment where you fear for your personal safety, where models of personal responsibility, hard work and educational attainment are lacking.

We see kids in these circumstances at the Crisis Center's Alternative House.

Half of all births in Lake County occur outside of marriage. Stable and viable family structures are just more difficult for single parents who are stressed by multiple demands.

In East Chicago at 50.5 percent and in Gary at 55.5 percent, single parents exceed the state average by 24.3 percent.  In Gary, 54 percent of related children under age 18 were below the poverty level in 2005 compared to a state level of 13.7 percent. And 45 percent of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level.

Indiana has the worst teen dropout rate in the United States and ranks last among teenagers completing school.

A critical measure of competence is a mastery of basic math and English. The major Lake County school systems of Gary, Hammond and East Chicago scored well below the state average. Gary schools have a 29 percent passing rate in language arts and a 19 percent passing rate for mathematics as compared to a 68 percent Indiana ISTEP passing rate. Compounding the situation, five Lake County school districts are listed as having the highest suspension or expulsion rates in Indiana.

Why is this important? At the Crisis Center, we say, "you never get to be a child ... twice." The future of our region and our country is connected to the welfare and health of each child, each citizen. Individual responsibility is important, but so is mutual responsibility. We are all tied together.

Opportunities await. When we help others, we help ourselves.

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In Between A Wall And A Hard Place

Editorial Column by Gavin Mariano

This story ran in the June 18-21, 2007 edition of Viva Los Tiempos Magazine

How often do we hear the phrase, “Don’t get the kids into this?”  It’s usually in the trenches of a domestic dispute or a custody fight.  Yet, this same phrase can be applied to the immigration war that recently played out in Washington.  On one hand are the proponents of deportation, and on the other hand are the proponents of comprehensive laws allowing a phased avenue to citizenship.  It’s at this crossroad that we should remind ourselves about the kids.  Children of undocumented immigrants, whether birthright or not, are part of this battle; thrusted perhaps, at times with abandon into this uncertainty.  The consequences of separating a family are something that should not be forgotten.  Let’s not forget seven year-old, Saul Arellano seeking sanctuary for eleven months in a Chicago Church; is this where he is destined to grow up, live, and be child?  In sanctuary?  In the United States of America?  Or should he and his mother be separated by a border?  Thinking of this notion reminds me of the organization motto from my employer, the Crisis Center in Gary, “You never get to be child twice.”  This is Saul’s only chance.  

The immigration battle comes at a time when children and youth are facing many other tough hurdles such as bullying, cyber-harassment, evolving drug use, and more.  One can only imagine the whirlwind an undocumented child must face.  Should they watch their back for that bully, or for the INS?  Furthermore, with many undocumented workers paying taxes yet not having their children eligible for government services, what resources are there for these youngsters while their parents live in fear?  Can we expect these children to be barred from school in the future?  Luckily, a March 2006 NPR poll indicated that 71% of Americans favor undocumented children attending school.  The consequences of effectively ignoring immigration reform for so many years means it has arrived with not with expedition but rather with commanding speed, yet it seems to have faded as quickly as it awoke.  One thing might be certain-that deporting the estimated 11.5 – 12 million people is highly improbable. Undocumented children are here, living, and growing—their well-being and future will have a firm influence on this country’s future, so when the immigration war awakens again, don’t get the kids into this. 

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Chicago native driving force in Miller arts scene

Saturday, June 30, 2007 12:19 AM CDT
BY JANE AMMESON
Times Correspondent

Joyce Davis, owner of Lake Street Gallery in Miller, moved to the area 27 years ago and since then has totally immersed herself in the community. Fourteen years ago she opened the gallery, was one of the organizers of the Gallery Gallop, a beach run that also takes participants through historic neighborhoods, The Crisis Center Arts & Wine Auction and started the Annual Gallery Christmas Sing Along.

"Next year will be the 15th anniversary of all these," says Davis who grew up in Chicago and attended Lutheran North High School in the city.

A graduate of Roosevelt University with a degree in art education, Davis never taught after she finished her student teaching. Instead she started doing art fairs in 1972 and from there segued into owning a gallery. She moved to Miller after marrying.

"I love Miller," says Davis whose gallery carries the work of regional and local artists particularly those focusing on the Dunes...[read full story here]

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Getting to Know....The Crisis Center

Thursday June 28, 2007

The Times

Established in 1971. Serves Northwest Indiana. Helps any person, of any age, in personal crisis through 24-hour services. Web site: www.crisiscenterysb.org. Nonprofit organization.

Mission: "We believe people are important," says the organization's Web site. "We believe that people can change. We believe in each life there are crisis events that are opportunities for change. We believe relationships between people are the vital link that holds society together. We believe in each life there are moments when the individual or the family must reach beyond themselves for support, help and understanding. We believe it is in such moments that the Crisis Center serves as agents to respond, to aid, to support and to enrich the people we serve."

[read full story here]

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Churches have different approaches to dealing with gangs

Sunday, June 24, 2007 12:16 AM CDT

BY LOUISA MURZYN
Times Correspondent

Like the Good Shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep, Willie Perry rejoices when a sinner is rescued, comes home and delights the heart of heaven.

But her experience at the Crisis Center in Gary tells her not all preachers see troubled youths with compassionate eyes that look for ways to embrace them in their parishes.

"I heard from a former gang member, and he said he always felt like he wasn't good enough to go to church," said Perry, who has devoted more than 20 years to helping youths in crisis....[read full story here]

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Stay in school campaign starts

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City's Crisis Center Responds to Weather

Story in Post-Tribune Briefly in the Region section - February 2007

The Crisis Center in Gary has increased the number of telephone specialists.  The center's Crisis Contact help line provides real-time information, referrals and depression and suicide prevention.  Also, the Reassurance Contact program staff make free daily or weekly wellness-check calls to elderly, homebound and senior citizens.

The telephone line is available to anyone seeking information, referrals, depression or suicide prevention.  Call 938-0900 for information.   The 24-hour suicide hotline is (800) 273-8255.

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Teen Court Offers Students a Chance

February 10, 2007 BY SHARLONDA L. WATERHOUSE Post- Tribune

Would-be misdemeanants on the verge of being kicked out of the Lake Ridge School system can now plead their cases in a Teen Court, avoiding jail time and expulsion.

Peers on a jury will hear their cases and assign punishments ranging from community service to apologies to restitution for offenses such as smoking, fighting, graffiti, truancy, etc.

"It's a lot better than going to LCJC," said Gavin Zapata, public relations director for the Crisis Center Inc. in Gary.

That center recently agreed to oversee the court for Lake Ridge Schools, handling the cases of children ages 10 to 18.

"We're really excited about it," said Lake Ridge Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley.

"We're trying to keep children in school. Lots of times they come from circumstances that influence their behavior. We believe in second chances."

Last school year, 421 Lake Ridge students were suspended and 37 of them were permanently kicked out, according to Indiana Department of Education records. But now through Teen Court they can be punished and remain in school.  "When dealing with children, it's important to allow them to correct their lives early," Johnson-Shirley said. 

Zapata said the Crisis Center has an 88 percent success rate with its Teen

Court, run since 1989 under coordinator Sandra Porter-Phillips.

Part of the reason is that defendants later must work in the program, as teen lawyers or jury members for future trials.

"They go from being defendants to being defenders of justice," Zapata said.

Lake Ridge students interested in criminal justice as a career will be able to volunteer for Teen Court.

Students argue the cases with no help from adults.  The only adult is the judge. Cases are tried in Crown Point in an actual Lake County Juvenile Center courtroom.  Zapata said Teen Court students take their responsibility seriously and don't offer lenient punishments.  Johnson-Shirley said students with serious violent offenses will not be able to seek refuge in the program.

She said Teen Court emphasizes the district's commitment to alternative discipline.

Zapata hopes other local school districts follow suit and is negotiating with East Chicago.

Although Teen Court is a national program, he lamented that only schools in LaPorte and Lake Ridge are involved.

Several local police departments refer students from throughout the region to Teen Courts, but Zapata said he'd like to see more schools get involved before matters go to the law.

Contact Sharlonda L.

Waterhouse at 648-3085 or swaterhouse@post-trib.com

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National Safe Place Newsletter

January 2007.  Photo by: Gavin Mariano

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Wine Fest great success for Crisis Center

BY MARGE KULLERSTRAND, The Times
Saturday, July 22, 2006

The elegant Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton was filled to the max for the 11th annual wine tasting and silent and live auction for the benefit of Crisis Center Inc.

The Crisis Center serves as an outreach center for youths at risk and for their families throughout Northwest Indiana.

The Crisis Center's Wine Fest and Auction has become the premier event in the region for a nonprofit organization, with hundreds of businesses and individuals donating items for the silent and live auction.

Where else could a person bid on a David Hugg Landscape painting - donated by the artist and Lake Street Gallery - or a handmade miniature Serbian music box and a book on Serbian music culture - donated by the author and instrument maker himself, Milan Opacich? And where else could you bid on a dinner for eight with Bishop Dale Melczek at Miller Bakery Cafe, donated by Tom and Sylvia Collins?

Returning for the second year on the outdoor patio were the apple martini bar and hand-rolled cigars by Chris Kelley from Strictly Men Shop in Calumet City.

Crisis Center Director Shirley Caylor thanks all underwriters, sponsors, committee members, auction item contributors, ticket-buyers, attendees, staff and volunteers.

Kudos to the 2006 Crisis Center Wine Fest and Auction Committee, which did an outstanding job of putting together a great event.

Co-chairmen were Vic DeMeyer and Mark Maassel. Committee members were David Allen, Andy and Sue Arnold, Indiana University Northwest Chancellor Bruce Bergland, Leon and Vanessa Bland, David Bochnowski, Jeff Brant, Carmen Kent Bruner, Keith Bruxvoort, Hobart Mayor Linda Buzinec, Purdue Calumet Chancellor Howard Cohen, E. Thomas Collins Jr., Ken Cuvala, Joyce Davis, John Diederich, Peter Doherty, Timothy Fesko, Bunny Furlin, Arnie Gough, Mike Heinhold, John Kerr, Janine Kurpiel, Patrick Lee, Marc Leuthart, Rick Mazer, Bart McCartin III, Bishop Dale Melczek, Suzanne Mulshine, Rita Nangle, Carmen Neighbors, Paul Orner, Micki Pavnica, Jo Pojeta, Melinda Pollak, Tom Ploski, Therrin Protze, Pat Puffer, Keith Rogers, Cindi Rucinski, Janet Schulte, Tom Sourlis, Lisa Tatina, Dave VanDyke, Glenn Vician, Carey Yukich, Donald J. Weiss, Robert Welsh, Bruce White, Marty Wielgos, Ed Williams and McKenly Wright. And we can't forget the Crisis Center committee members: Shirley Caylor, Barbara Wisdom, and Nikki Wielgos

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Directory Honored at Women of Merit Awards

The Crisis Center's very own Executive Director, Shirley Caylor, was honored at the 2005 Women of Merit awards for her dedication in making the Crisis Center a reality. The banquet was held May 14th at the Avalon Manor.

Meanwhile, there is another kind of homeland security that is not given enough attention. That is how we respond to the needs in our own country. Among those needs are protecting our resources. Our nation's young people are a vital resource upon which our future hinges. They will take our place and we will depend on them to ensure our country, our democracy and our economy. But when we set priorities, youths often are not among them. Kids don't vote.
We need educated, well-prepared young people to take our place. Alan Greenspan recently said there are "daunting challenges" from the population changes coming. Over the next 20 years, America's working age population will shift so there are fewer workers supporting more people on Social Security.

Besides the war with Iraq, besides the economic problems and job cutbacks we are experiencing, besides the Social Security crisis that is looming, there is a lack of attention to the concerns and needs of our young people as they traverse the often difficult road to adulthood.

That difficult road is made harder when their caregiver doesn't give care. In Indiana in 2001, 23,170 kids suffered substantiated abuse or neglect. More than 17,000 abuse or neglect reports were filed in Lake County over the past four years. Only a few children make newspaper headlines, and usually after they are dead or missing, but all of these children have been hurt.

Should we care? Faith beliefs say yes, and our common interest agrees.
We need these young people to be healthy, educated and skilled so they can be ready to accept the challenges coming as today's adults retire. It's evident that poverty is a powerful indicator of problems: 18.1 percent of Lake County's children live below the poverty level of $17,650 for a family of four.

Children growing up in poverty tend to have lower school achievement, impaired health and development, a lowered chance of graduating from high school, an increased likelihood of behavioral and emotional problems, and eventually a lower job status and lower wage rate as an adult.

It's tough being a kid today. Poor or rich, every kid needs love and support to grow up successfully. Business leaders know that in a competitive world, to have enough skilled workers tomorrow, we need to invest in young people now. Investing requires resources.

The Crisis Center's emergency shelter, Alternative House, is investing in kids' futures by driving them to and from their home school each day. We believe education is crucial. Well over 10,000 miles a month takes kids from as close as Gary to as far away as Whiting or Hanover school systems. It has made a difference. In our year-long follow-up after kids leave, last year 94 percent were successful in school and 97 percent of parents or caregivers reported they were doing well.

We are grateful for the support given to us to make our investment in these children and youth possible.

Thanks to the Dean and Barbara White Foundation for the initial contribution that bought two vans to get kids to school, for recreation or other appointments.
Contributions are making both a current and long-term investments to the future of these kids, but also the future of our country and, ultimately, ourselves.

When you read of cuts in services, when our local, state or national governments say we cannot afford to help our kids, remember these cuts bleed possibilities from people's lives.

Homeland security is certainly defense. Homeland security is also taking care that the next generation to defend our freedoms is prepared. Think about it.

Shirley Caylor is executive director of Crisis Center Inc., Gary

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Invest in our future—Hoosier children
Editorial Advisory Board column by Shirley Caylor

2002 Editorial in The Times
This story ran on nwitimes.com on Sunday, August 18, 2002

A recent summer movie, “Minority Report,” is an exciting detective mystery that deals with a philosophical and moral issue—choice. Each day of our lives, we make choices. Some are minor, like what's for dinner, but many are the kinds of choices on which lives are changed. We all want to make good choices, but sometimes we fail to consider the consequences of the choices we make. Choices can be difficult when they seem to be too many or too few. It would be a lot easier to make decisions if we could see the effects of our decisions.

In Steven Spielberg's film, "precogs" see the future. The events they predict deal with physical harm to another person and the ability to stop the injury before it happens.
We cannot see the future, but there are some things we can know. Today's children might be 25 percent of the present population, but they will be 100 percent of the future.
Today's children will grow up to become tomorrow's citizens. Protecting a community, city, town, state or the country's smallest, youngest citizens is in our self-interest. It is our responsibility to see that they learn right from wrong, are protected from those who would hurt them, grow up healthy and become responsible adults. Some day, they will walk in our shoes.

It doesn't take a precog to know that preventing harm to children can have a lasting effect on the individual, family and community. Headline news recalls the latest assault, kidnapping or murder. Recent statistics indicate that youths are twice as likely as any other person to be shot, stabbed, sexually assaulted, beaten or otherwise attacked. An astounding one in five teens has been the victim of a violent crime. Among the major causes of childhood deaths, only homicide has increased over the past three decades. Child abuse and neglect caused 45 Indiana children to die last year, and the number of neglect cases has increased 54 percent since 1998.

We can't be precogs, stopping an injury, harm or death before it happens. But there are things we can do. We can make sure the services are there for those who need them. The Crisis Center's services stared in 1971 to provide quick, easy and no-cost help. Volunteers responded to start the 24 hour Rap Line to provide listening and referrals. And Safe Place, with 190 business sites that display Safe Place signs, indicate to kids that they can get immediate help. The Alternative House emergency shelter for children and youths is always open. In yearlong follow-ups, 98 percent of children were reported by parents or caregivers as now doing well. The Teen Court program successfully intervenes early when a kid gets in trouble. And Youth as Resources connects young people to the community through the good works the kids do.

The Crisis Center, partially funded by the Lake Area United Way, is a youth service bureau. Recently, Gov. Frank O'Bannon restored youth service bureau and Safe Place funds that have helped at least 75,000 children served by the 35 bureaus throughout the state. We applaud the governor for restoring these funds. Saving lives and reducing harm to children and youths is a good choice.

Our freshly energized patriotism as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks has reminded us that we are all in this together and that we have obligations to each other. We have obligations to the children and youths who will follow us so that they grow up protected. How could we explain to boys and girls who survive abuse or neglect that we could have helped them, but we didn't?

Serious budget reductions continue to be made to balance the state budget. Making choices, when people will be hurt, is difficult. Indiana's welfare reform resulted in a 50 percent caseload drop between 1994 and 2000. Now those numbers are rising again as the economy has weakened. Meanwhile, the amount of federal temporary assistance to needy families money has remained the same since 1995. The state has proposed to cut administration and contracts first, but cuts in child care, domestic violence, crisis nurseries, healthy families, caseworker training, adoption assistance and foster parent training will cause pain.

Harm done to children and youths can be avoided by good choices. Cycles of juvenile crime, alcohol or drug abuse, school failures and other youth problems can be prevented. Recent corporate scandals remind us that preventative action should take place before problems appear. Cutting budgets that help kids is not in our self-interest. As our legislators struggle with budgets, let us encourage them to make choices that affect the long-term health of children and youth.

Bobby Kennedy said, "Each time a (man) stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million centers of energy and caring, those ripples build a current."
We have choices. The good of society asks us to invest in the future. The future is in the eyes of a child, and you never get to be a child twice.
Shirley Caylor is executive director of the Crisis Center in Gary.

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Give real meaning to ‘Happy holidays’
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
By Shirley Caylor

2001 Editorial in The Times
This story ran on nwitimes.com on Sunday, December 2, 2001

As I was driving through a toll road booth, the attendant said with a smile, “How was your holiday?” I don't know this person, but her friendly question reminded me how important a smile or warm words are every day, not just this time of year. Listening to the radio as I drove on, I heard a person respond to the question, “To what do you want to give your life?”

The recent events on Sept. 11 reminded us of what is important. Family and friends moved up in priority. The holiday season resounds with cheerful music, invitations to buy gifts for loved ones, sparkling lights and hopefulness.

Yet, for some, this time of year is filled with sadness.

The Crisis Center's 24-hour Rap Line (938-0900) hears from callers who might not have talked to anyone in days -- for whom the sound of another voice addressing them is better than any Christmas song. Every corner of the world has its clouds, gripes, complaints, but for some, winter's "clouds" are more than just a dismal sky.

America is a country that idealizes and encourages giving and caring about others. All the great religions state that caring for others is a duty. But sometimes, we react to the sheer volume of needs by doing nothing or we turn off and they barely register on our consciousness.

One of the unintended results of our country's Sept. 11 trauma was a surge in giving.
The horror watching the towers crumble, carrying the victims with it, touched us all with the recognition that it could have been us or someone we knew or loved. Money given for the victims of this terrible event poured in.

Wouldn't our community benefit if we kept our recognition of need, our sense of immediacy and our intention to make a difference here?
Time passes quickly and the holiday season jams us with too much to do and too little time.

Yet all of us can do something. We can respond to newspapers' offerings to help others. At Christmas, there are always children at our emergency shelter, Alternative House, who had no Santa Claus, who weren't spoiled, who wonder why they weren't loved or protected, whose sadness has hardened and whose future has been dimmed by their past.
Children are the heart of the future, but are often forgotten in the rush to deal with today's terrorism and war. Local programs struggle to provide services while the dollars to operate them are down.

To the question, “To what do you want to give your life?” we each answer individually. One thing we all want: We want the future to be better. Yesterday is gone. Today is disappearing. Tomorrow awaits.

Do what you can, not what you can't, to make our future better. Give the words, “Happy Holidays” real meaning.

Shirley Caylor is executive director of the Crisis Center in Gary.

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