CEO Monica Kelsey's Inspiring Journey
Monica Kelsey, the CEO and founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, has a remarkable story. She was in the military and then became a firefighter and medic. Meeting her biological mother and learning about her past led her to take action. Her organization aims to prevent illegal abandonment by raising awareness and offering a 24-hour hotline. Safe Haven Baby Boxes serve as a last resort for women seeking anonymity.First responders can request these boxes at their departments, ensuring the safety of surrendered newborns. Currently, there is one box at the Fort Dodge Fire Department and another at MercyOne in Des Moines.The Foundation of Four Oaks
Four Oaks, an Iowa-based organization, has a rich history. Originally founded in 1973 as "Boys Acres" with a small building in Cedar Rapids for 10 boys, it has grown significantly over 50 years. Now, it serves all 99 counties in Iowa, providing resources for at-risk youth, housing, and family assistance.Jen Royer, the vice president of operations, has been with the organization for 26 years. When she joined, there were 200 staff concentrated in Cedar Rapids. Now, there are 800 staff members, and over 20,000 people are using their services.With a degree in social work, Royer initially thought her stay at Four Oaks would be a year. But she couldn't leave because of the important work they do for Iowa's kids.President Mary Beth O'Neill's Perspective
Mary Beth O'Neill, the president and CEO of Four Oaks, has been with the organization for only three years. But she is committed to the work due to the need across the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed the impact on foster families and the increased need for their services.Four Oaks actively recruits foster families every day. They need diverse families across the state to keep children in their current school systems and close to their communities.O'Neill and Royer understand that not everyone can foster a child, but the organization always needs help with donations and building relationships. Their staff work hard to identify natural supports like coaches and teachers.Whether it's a gas card, a lunch outing, or a long-term placement, Iowa's children need homes. Community support is essential for the betterment of all communities.The Role of Safe Haven Laws
Iowa has a safe haven law that allows parents to surrender their newborns at specific facilities without fear of prosecution. Since its enactment in 2002, more than 60 children have been surrendered using this law. After surrender, children may go through organizations like Four Oaks to find a safe family or be placed in custody.The law was created to prevent newborns from being killed due to unsafe surrenders. An example is the case of a baby found in the Iowa City landfill in 1992 with the umbilical cord still attached.Kelsey emphasizes that Safe Haven is a last resort and not the first choice. But it provides a safe option for parents.In conclusion, both Safe Haven Baby Boxes and Four Oaks are making a significant impact on child welfare in Iowa. Their efforts ensure the safety and well-being of children and at-risk youth."Socioeconomics and Childhood MS: Uncovering the Link"
MS in Childhood: A Rare Phenomenon
MS developing in childhood is indeed a rare occurrence. However, recent studies have brought to light an intriguing connection between socioeconomics and the disease's progression. This finding opens up new avenues for research and understanding.
Just 5% of MS cases arise before the age of 18, emphasizing the uniqueness of this population. The study of 138 MS patients diagnosed before 18 years old revealed some astonishing differences.
Neighborhood Disadvantage and Brain Tissue Damage
Kids from 'disadvantaged' neighborhoods were found to have more brain tissue damage compared to those from affluent areas. This disparity highlights the impact of the environment on the disease. The study showed that children in less advantaged neighborhoods exhibited larger volumes of inflammation and brain tissue loss.
It's a concerning finding that suggests socioeconomics can have lasting effects on MS severity. Childhood is a critical time for exposure to various environmental factors, and these may contribute to increased susceptibility to MS.
The Role of Insurance and Health Care Access
Interestingly, relying on public health insurance was strongly linked to more MS-linked brain inflammation and tissue loss. This indicates that access to health care may play a role in the severity of the disease.
Despite the fact that factors such as how quickly a child was seen by a neurologist or the effectiveness of medications did not explain the differences, it's clear that more research is needed. The root causes of these disparities remain unclear.
As O'Neill's team pointed out, many groups have been underrepresented in MS research. This study is just the beginning of a larger effort to understand and address these issues.
For more information about multiple sclerosis, visit the National MS Society. The American Academy of Neurology also provides valuable resources.
Join Forces to Bring Christmas Cheer to Needy Kids
Section 1: Understanding the Need
Just imagine the disappointment on a child's face when they realize they might not receive a Christmas gift. In our county, there are over 1,000 such children. This is not just a statistic; it's a human story that touches our hearts. These kids deserve to have a Christmas filled with love and presents.
Many factors contribute to this need. Some families face financial hardships, while others have unexpected emergencies. Whatever the reason, these children need our help. By understanding the depth of the problem, we can better prepare to take action.
Section 2: Ways to Help
There are numerous ways we can assist these children. One option is to donate to local charities that specifically focus on helping families during the holiday season. These charities work tirelessly to ensure that every child has a present under the tree.
Another way is to volunteer your time. You can help with gift-wrapping, sorting donations, or even organizing toy drives. Your presence and effort can make a significant impact on these children's lives.
Section 3: The Impact of Our Actions
When we come together to help these children, the impact is truly remarkable. Not only do we give them a Christmas to remember, but we also instill a sense of hope and kindness in them. These children will carry the memories of our generosity with them for a lifetime.
Moreover, by helping these children, we create a stronger community. We show that we care about one another and are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference. This sense of unity is what makes our community special.