EddieEndures - Children's Home Society

ExecutiveDirectorEddie EnduresBillColson(Continued from page 1)Just over a month ago was thetenth anniversary of the horribleevents that we refer to as 9-11.Most people remember where they were thatmorning and what their initial reaction was once theylearned that our country had been attacked byterrorists.I remember that day as clearly as if it wereyesterday. As the day unfolded, (the second tower inNY, the collapse of the pair, the Pentagon, and ruralPennsylvania), I began to wonder—“What will benext?” and “When will it end?”.Like so many others, I was filled with fear andworry about the unfortunate people directly affected,their families, our country, and even myself and thoseimportant to me. It was a very scary time. But eventhen, I had confidence in our strength as a nation andin the leadership that would be needed to carry usthrough. I knew that we would work together, confrontthe challenges, and be okay in the end because ournation is built on sound principals, documented forus to follow in the Constitution.I wonder if the tragedies and hurts experienced bythe children we serve is any less scary. I doubt it.Imagine the life of an abused child. They, too, don’tknow—“What will be next?” or “When will it end?”.Just as we did after 9-11, they need reassurance oftheir safety. They need to know that someone iswatching out for them and will do whatever isnecessary to prevent more awful things fromhappening to them.Being these things to CHS children is our calling,and is a responsibility we embrace. If we can’treassure them, comfort them, and help them findtheir way—who will? No one, I fear. Thank Heaven forour caring staff, our Board, and our long list of friendsand supporters. Because of them, CHS will be thereto serve whenever needed.And what about Children’s Home Society?Economic times remain uncertain, causing us to alsowonder “What will be next?” and “When will it end?”.We’ve received reductions in vital Medicaidfunding in the last year that amounted to nearly$500,000. I’ve reported on and we’ve dealt with theseMedicaid reductions. We can do this only becausewe have spent decades getting ready for theinevitable, and focused on endowment-building,financial readiness, and “friend raising”.Quite honestly, we don’t know “What will be next?”or “When will it end?”. But we do know that we havea legacy of perseverance, spirit, and conviction, andthe support of committed friends dedicated to thecontinuance of our mission. No matter what happens,we are in the best of hands, thanks to you.CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY OFSOUTH DAKOTA serves over 2,000children each year through residentialtreatment, education, emergencyshelter, forensic interview &examination centers, foster care &adoption services, relativeplacements, and prevention services.The majority of these children arevictims of severe abuse or neglect.SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AT:Black Hills Children’s Home........Rapid CitySioux Falls Children’s Home.......Sioux FallsMessengers Children’s Center ....Rapid CityChildren’s Inn ..............................Sioux FallsChild Advocacy Center...............Rapid CityChild’s Voice ...............................Sioux FallsAccredited by the Joint CommissionLicensed by South Dakota Department ofSocial ServicesCertified by South Dakota Department ofEducationCHS services are provided regardless ofrace, color, religion, gender, or nationalorigin.2 www.chssd.org/foundationEddie doesn’t recall being afraidor upset by the experience. Hethought it was pretty fun to get toride in a police car, stay in a fancymotel, and then get to ride on anairplane. Once back in SouthDakota, it was decided he shouldreturn to CHS to process all thathad happened.So while at CHS for the second time, another family cameforward. But this family was interested in adopting him. Notknowing their intentions, Eddie was selected to be a tour guidefor these “guests” on campus. They were able to spend sometime with Eddie without any pressure for either them or Eddie.After several months of work and transition, Eddie went to livewith his new family when he was 12, with the adoption finalizedwhen he was 13. He still considers them to be his parents tothis day.Today, Eddie has been happily married to his wife, Andi, for 11years, and they have three children: Brett is 10; Erica is 6; andJared is 5.When asked what he would say to CHS kids today, Eddie says,“I would just remind them to listen to staff and not getdiscouraged. They are here to help your life get better. Never,never give up. There are people who care. I have met them.They are all around you.”When asked what he would say to CHS staff today, Eddie says,in a voice that breaks, “I would just wrap ‘em all up in my armsand give ‘em a great big bear hug. I am here today because ofthe road they helped me find, and travel on.”Bill Colson ........................Executive DirectorRick Weber.................Development DirectorPat Nadolski...............Chief Financial OfficerMuriel Nelson ............Community Services &Marketing DirectorAshley Fellows ....Human Resources DirectorTim Fitzgerald ........BHCH Program DirectorSue Williams ...........SFCH Program DirectorSteve Deming .................BHCH CommunityServices DirectorRoxie Schmitz ..................SFCH CommunityServices DirectorGreg Riley ...........BHCH Education DirectorRod Lenz ..............SFCH Education DirectorChildren’s Home Foundation (CHF)provides operational support,building funds, endowment security,and community awareness &education for CHS.The Children’s Friend is a twiceyearlypublication of Children’sHome Foundation. Debra Moritz,Editor. Address correspondence todeb.moritz@chssd.org; or Children’sHome Foundation, PO Box 1749,Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1749; or call(605) 965-3136.