Many aspects of founder Fred Bailey's background and beliefs attracted me to the Children Are People, Inc. CAP is a young organization, but it is already successful, and is getting better each year. In the last four years, we have witnessed students from first grade through twelfth transform their grades from "D's" and "F's" to "A's" and "B's". Seeing success like this motivated me to get even more involved, eventually becoming the board president.
Transformation also occurred in attitudes not conducive to personal success to attitudes that will contribute to success. I saw changes in personal appearance as well as improved self-esteem. One of the most important ideas here is that of personal accountability. To witness students change from placing responsibility for failure on others to assuming personal accountability is a wonderfully rewarding experience.
When your approach includes caring adults providing positive role models to students and their families, you can expect growth. The many successes of our program create our biggest challenges (recruiting more classroom volunteers, improving transportation, and adding space suited for teaching and learning). The program has grown in a few short years from a small single room with eight students to an eight-room facility, fifty-five students and a waiting list.
Another challenge we have as board members is to determine the best use of our limited funds. Because the program is young, we are trying hard to find creative ways to make the community aware of the needs and potentials.
CAP programs are, by choice, funded with private donations. We are committed to no state or federal funding. Because we believe it is absolutely imperative to teach youth to develop a strong work ethic, complete their education, accept personal responsibility and not be dependent on the government, we should accept only private funding. Grants, corporate sponsors, our annual "Friend Raiser," and individuals like you all provide our current funding.
I believe that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
We welcome you to visit us and become a CAP Friend. It is my belief that, if you are looking for a place to channel your time or financial support, you will not find a better place than Children Are People, Inc.