Nearly half of the nonprofit proposals currently found in this newsletter are focused on programs that serve our youth, defined for the sake of this column as ages 10-19 years. It's such an impressionable time, and if they don't have the benefit of at least one reliable parent or guardian, the challenges are pretty tough.

We read about successful entrepreneurs, who in their youth had that "one teacher" or next door neighbor, who encouraged their potential. They made a strong connection, and that positive perspective sparked hope into their life. But not all kids are that fortunate. They may be neglected and never make it to school, or they may live in various foster homes left to figure out what they have to offer the world from a very dark place.

Since Valentine's Day is about showing love and caring, perhaps you might consider evaluating your own small beginnings, which translated into the fine person you are today. Sharing your talents and gifts with one of those kids whose parents are missing would be the most loving thing you could do. They need someone who will recognize their attributes and talents, and teach them to balance a checkbook, write a resume', go grocery shopping and learn what good food choices are. Maybe you're an artist, dentist, a cashier, or a builder, gardener, or lawyer; it doesn't matter what you do for a living -- it's about the action of taking a personal interest in a young person who was shuffled aside. We all have so much to offer, and if you have something to share, it's not hard to find a young person whose life would forever be changed -- by you!

Through the generous donations of individual supporters and grants from Oregon Foundations, Parenting Now! is close to achieving our goal for the year for funding our Children's Program. Donations and grants of any and all sized will help raise the balance of $4,500 to provide fun and developmentally appropriate programs for up to 400 children while their parents participate in our critical parenting programs. For every dollar you donate, 76 cents goes directly to Parenting Now! programs and services supporting families.

The Children's Program is an essential component of our parenting education and support groups, providing children with a rich early childhood program, and parents with models for positive parenting.  Children attending the program are primarily ages 1-5.

UPDATED GOAL OF: $4,500 toward the original $8,000 goal!