You have made it possible for us to continue our work with and on behalf of children that most people want to ignore. Your support has distinguished you as not only kind, but discerning. I also want to take this opportunity to say goodbye. After 42 years as a nonprofit CEO with the last fifteen wonderful years at Ryther I am retiring. I am so grateful to all of you for the help you have been in the task of making sure Ryther continues its important work. We have made a lot of progress, but much remains to be done. I am confident it will be done because Karen Brady has been chosen as my successor. Karen has been devoted to Ryther for the past twenty years in a variety of capacities. Frankly, I have never met anyone better suited and prepared for the job. I know you will extend your kindness and support to her.
There are far too many people in the children’s services sector who believe children can recover from severe trauma by themselves in a “normalized” environment or with uncoordinated help from a fractured and siloed mental health system that has never adequately addressed the needs of abused and neglected children. This is one reason why the system is impoverished and habitually prone to crises.
Please stay connected with Ryther. Please continue to express your support of a proven program that can alter the futures of children who might otherwise be doomed to a life of impossible struggle and pain. Join Ryther in the fight to make sure the system focuses on the safety, health and well-being of children as the first and most important priority.
The children are counting on all of us.
Thank you,
Lee E. Grogg