SPAN the GaP or Ruby's Taxi Service?
Will it be SPAN the GaP?
Before founding SPAN the GaP, or at least as far as I can remember, I have never not had the option of failing. If I failed at a task or venture, so be it! I would cleverly find a way to mask my embarrassment, guilt and self doubt and I would continue along my merry (or not so merry way). Now as I struggle with the difficulties of a new business start-up during trying economic times, I will admit that I am fearful.
I am fearful because I believe in the mission that Cindy and I have developed. That mission is to provide individualized services for at-risk children and families targeting needs relating to education, behavior and respectful self-advocacy. So many of our children are at a disadvantage due to a lack of exposure and experience and we believe we can span that gap and provide the support necessary to foster hope and inspire learning. The question being raised before me daily is "Will SPAN the GaP survive?" and "Should I consider just doing something else?
Believe me, I'm thinking and praying about those questions every day......
Perhaps Ruby's taxi service?
Yesterday as I drove home, I passed a young women with a preschooler at the bus stop, near the new City Center in Manassas Park. It was cool, about 50 degrees and lightly raining. Neither mother nor son wore more than a light jacket. This was Wednesday and already since Monday I had picked up about 4 or 5 impromptu passengers and dropped them at school, but this was different. This was a mom and a child, waiting for a bus in the rain.
I began a monologue in my head "Should I go back? I called Bub and said I would be home in 15 minutes. I break too many promises these days....... no, I can't leave them there. Bub will understand." At this point I made a legal u-turn and went back to offer them a ride. Fortunately, I didn't scare them when I pulled up and they graciously accepted my offer. When I asked where they needed to go she responded "home, near the Manassas Museum." I called Bub and fortunately he was fine with watching Pokémon for another 15 minutes rather than starting homework, who would have guessed?!
As you all know, being silent isn't something I do well so why even try! I exchanged introductions with my passengers and then continued with small talk. Note: This conversation was carried on in Spanish.
"Does your son attend Early Headstart?"
His mother, Kristina, answered by saying that she wasn't familiar with any programs for kids.
WHOA, stop the train! (Or is this case Ruby's Taxi!) Not familiar with any programs even though her apartment building is literally across the street from the City of Manassas Schools Main Office!
Now, let me step back. I am not accusing the City of Manassas Schools for any wrongdoing. Dr. Pope is a strong and committed advocate for children. The point I am trying to make is that the children and families that need our help aren't off in the far reaches of a neighborhood or in a basement, they are right under our noses! Not only in small apartments, housing projects or shelters, but in our homes and neighborhoods as well. How many children and families, in need of a hand up, would be found if we (all of "we") stepped out of our comfort zones and really looked?
What can we do?
First, please keep SPAN the GaP in your prayers that it may serve as a positive resource for children and families in need. Second, please consider whether your employer or business could be part of a solution for some of these kids and families. Cindy and I believe that our agency serves a need and with that knowledge as our inspiration, have developed an outline for two new programs.
The first is designed to support, teach and empower parents of at-risk preschoolers. Weekly sessions with children and their parent(s) provide a topic oriented presentation, activities, discussion, interactive group play, and snack. The second provides homework assistance and tutoring for at-risk middle and high school students while also providing a safe location for otherwise unsupervised after school hours. Two-hour sessions are offered where students have access to experienced instructors, school supplies, computers and snacks. These programs will be provided at no cost to the community.
Thank you!
Many thanks for your time and for considering whether you may know of an individual, business or organization, willing to become a part of our solution-seeking team. Details regarding Program Sponsorship can be found at http://www.span-the-gap.org/new_programs
Although the weather is dreary, we wish you a heart filled with warmth. Ruby and Cindy
P.S. If you would like to monitor the progress of SPAN the GaP, please sign up for automatic BLOG updates.
