A Letter to Advocates of Children and Families

News | Saturday, June 9, 2012

To all advocates of children and families,

Summer in Austin has a great reputation. Music camp, barbeques and days at the lake make great memories, and kids love the time off from school. But there is another side of summer. One that’s hidden and hurting our neighbors in need.

Summer is one of the hardest times of year for low-income families. Schools’ free lunch programs come to an end, putting food insecurity at an all year high. Without the mind-stimulating activities of the classroom, kids struggle to keep the momentum they need to be prepared for the fall semester. And families battle the Central Texas heat with little or no air conditioning, pushing utility bills - and parental stress levels - to the limit.

These families don’t deserve to suffer through summer, and I am asking for your help so they won’t have to.

Any Baby Can provides in-home child development activities to keep young minds active and school ready, crisis assistance for families in financial distress, and mental health supports for parents to manage stress. We understand the struggles that families face and we know how to address them, so by supporting Any Baby Can, you help families survive summer.

Consider these words from a father, Charles, struggling to cope with stress: “It is hard to even express in words the gratitude I have for your help. I’ve learned how to be a more nurturing, caring and loving father. There are countless children that are gaining a better life because of Any Baby Can. I know mine is. She thanks you too.”

Please consider a donation to Any Baby Can today. Your gift will help parents provide a happy, healthy and safe summer for their kids. And that’s a memory worth making.

Sincere thanks,