by Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald
by Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald GUEST COMMENTARY- It’s been nearly three years since David and I became certified foster parents in Yolo County. It was not something that was planned, but something that happened out of the blue and in the end turned out to be the best decision we ever made as a married couple because it led the adoption of our beautiful little Jasmine.
We had always talked about adoption and having our own children and then one day I received a call from a friend of my in-laws. She told me that their friend was trying to find a home for their baby grandson, because the mom was unable to care for him. He happened to be Jewish and Hispanic and we thought the match would be great even though we would be willing to adopt a child regardless of race or ethnicity. We came to learn that we had to become certified foster parents in order to adopt, so we quickly adjusted our schedules and made it work. We took classes twice a week, filled out the paperwork, had our background and home inspected to a “T” and became certified foster parents.
The classes we attended were at times heart wrenching as we learned of the challenges, hardships and need for a home that many children face in Yolo County and beyond. We also learned that Yolo County is full of a lot of caring and giving individuals and businesses that have a heart and come together to give to children in need. Yes, we may fill city council and board of supervisor chambers and have a difference of opinion if someone attempts to mess with our beautiful trees, our open space, our wonderful schools or our parks, but once we hear of children in need everyone seems to set their differences aside and come together to help the most innocent in our city and county.
This is one of the reasons that David and I have chosen to raise our children in Davis. Not just because it’s an involved community that prides itself on democracy, but because Davis and Yolo County provide a beautiful community that is safe for children, has great schools, parks, and kindness among its citizens.
I was on Facebook last night reading updates from friends and colleagues when I read the following post from one of the foster moms. Her post read, “The [Yolo County] sexual assault and domestic violence center (SADVC) shelter currently has over 30 kids and is in desperate need of toddler (2-6) clothes (as well as teen). Their offices [are] at 175 Walnut St Woodland, CA.”
I am sharing this post with friends and writing a letter to let citizens know that there are innocent children who are in the shelter at the SADVC through no fault of their own. Children who are in desperate need of our support, help, love, compassion and generosity. Children who are in need of one of the most basic necessities in life: clothes [and shoes I imagine]. Now that cold weather is approaching it is more critical. Now David and I have big hearts, but I know we cannot provide clothing for over 30 kids, so I am sharing this information with you, our generous community, so that if you are able to help these children in any way, then you may choose to step up and help. My thought is that if we all come together in a small way we can once again step up and help the most vulnerable in our community. And, On behalf of the children, “Thank you for your generosity!” They may not know how to say it, but their smiles say it all.
Could you please provide an age range for the children so that the clothing and shoes donated are the appropriate size, i.e. toddlers, teens, etc. Would it be better to provide cash donations? A bit more information may be helpful so that the donations provided can be put to immediate use.