Hollister
– Many children take the opportunity to play for granted. Their
schools have playgrounds and sports fields. And there are public
parks where they can run around and play games.
But for the children at Chamberlain’s Children Center finding a
place to play and act like a kid is not so easy. The nonprofit
organization in Hollister, has been taking in severely behaviorally
disturbed children for more than 30 years. Many of the kids at
Chamberlain’s have been abused and neglected and have slipped
through the cracks of the foster care system.
Hollister – Many children take the opportunity to play for granted. Their schools have playgrounds and sports fields. And there are public parks where they can run around and play games.
But for the children at Chamberlain’s Children Center finding a place to play and act like a kid is not so easy. The nonprofit organization in Hollister, has been taking in severely behaviorally disturbed children for more than 30 years. Many of the kids at Chamberlain’s have been abused and neglected and have slipped through the cracks of the foster care system.
“The goal is to make children socially competent and return them to a normal family environment,” said acting Chief Executive Officer Doreen Crumrine.
Because of their behavior issues, the kids at Chamberlain’s can’t play at schools or public parks. But the organization’s facility on San Benito Street only has a small slide and swing with no area for organized sports like baseball or soccer, giving the up to 24 kids who live at Chamberlain’s very limited opportunities to play.
Seeing the need for a suitable place for kids at Chamberlain’s to play, members of Leadership San Benito County adopted the cause and decided to raise money for a playground.
“There were a couple of us that brought Chamberlain’s to the awareness of the class,” said Project Co-Chair Kim Cabutage, who has made private donations to the Chamberlain’s in the past. “They totally put their arms around it. It pulled on our heartstrings”
Leadership San Benito County is an 11-month program that takes people from the community and teaches them how the county works and what unique challenges the county faces as well as leadership skills. After going through the program, participants will be prepared to become leaders in the county, be it in county government or otherwise.
“It’s to develop a good knowledge of the county for people who want to be involved,” said Dennis Reeves, a member of this year’s inaugural Leadership San Benito County class.
Leadership members hope to raise $50,000 for a new playground and fields at Chamberlains. Also the group wants to raise community awareness about what the organization does and what it needs, Reeves said.
Though costs continue to increase, Chamberlain’s state funding has not increased in five years, Crumrine said.
“Ideally, we’re looking to do some sort of extreme make over for them,” Cabutage said, adding that she thinks 2005 Leadership San Benito County members will continue to support Chamberlain’s after the project is over.
“I feel very blessed that they picked us as a project,” Crumrine said. “They’re a godsend.”
To raise money, Leadership members are visiting with local service groups, such as the Rotary Club, to ask for donations. And on June 18 it will present the Family Fun Festival & Flea Market, which is being held at Chamberlain’s at 1850 San Benito Street.
The Festival will feature a martial arts demonstration, performance by the San Benito High School Scarlet Regiment Band, bounce house, face painting and carnival games, such as a dunk tank. Hot dogs and other food will also be sold.
The flea market part of the event will consist of about eighty vendors setting up booths on the property to sell their goods.
Booths are still available for $20 each and a $50 refundable clean-up deposit. For more information contact Leadership San Benito County at (831) 636-7629.All money raised will got to the Chamberlain’s Childrens Center to help cover rising costs during a time of static funding.
Luke Roney covers politics and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at [email protected]
