My heart has been with Cary Home since I was first introduced to it several years ago at an AWBO meeting. Every year AWBO has had a fundraiser, we have chosen Cary Home to give back to the community. Before new state regulations were recently put into place, I would go and make crafts with the girls who were in the house at the time. It was really a blessing to have some fun with them making Christmas decorations to decorate their Cary home with or give to a special family member. Other AWBO members also went to share their talents or professional skills with the girls. These were girls who were abruptly uprooted from their homes, sometimes through no fault of their own. They would find themselves away from family and those they love at very difficult times, like holidays, birthdays, a family member who is seriously ill, etc. They could be in need of everything that we have access to in life, like clothing, pajamas, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, comb and brush. You name it, they were often without it.

But today I would like to share with you some history that I learned about Cary Home.

“Jessie's Kids is named for Jessie Levering Cary, a Tippecanoe County native who was dedicated to the welfare of children.  On December 11, 1929, Franklin Cary donated funds for the Jessie Levering Cary Home for Children, named in memory of his wife.  The home was dedicated on November 30, 1930.  Until 1972, Cary Home operated as an orphanage, housing boys and girls with bad home lives.  Cary Home later became a residential treatment center for adolescent boys and girls.  Today Cary Home for Children strives to prepare adolescents for successful re-entry to the community through case management and treatment, educational support, family services, and behavior modification."

“Jessie’s Kids Foundation, Inc., formerly The Friends of Cary Home for Children, was expanded in order to better serve at-risk youth all over Tippecanoe” and not just at Cary Home. I previously mentioned the state changes and not being able to go and do crafting any more. I discovered another way that we can help besides having our fundraiser. There is a desperate need for Big Sisters, and of course a greater need for Big Brothers, to help those who go through the home. Some may be there for a few weeks while others, a few months, but EACH ONE needs that big sister or brother to mentor them and just be a friend, listening ear, a shoulder to cry on.

It’s time for ACTION at the AUCTION and raffle tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec.13. AWBO’s fundraiser for Cary Home for girls is from 11:30am-1:00pm at MCL Restaurant & Bakery in West Lafayette! You won’t want to miss it.

Bring a gift for the girls (wish list is on Jessie’s Kids website and Amazon or posted on AWBO’s Facebook), a donation, a friend, your billfold to buy. Everyone’s invited to join in the fun while giving back! See you there!

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women