Have you ever imagined what it’s like to live in a world where you can’t read or comprehend words? Picture a six year old girl sitting in a classroom, the teacher calls on her to read aloud in front of her peers, and no words come out. Her cheeks are flushed; she begins fidgeting in her seat, and she grows quiet as well as pensive. Rather than enjoy learning or developing a love for books, instead she begins to despise them. “Why, you might wonder?” Without language, she can’t function independently or socialize among her peers with ease. With the growing number of children and adolescents being unable to read, programs are needed to facilitate the process. Keep in mind this is not an easy feat. When you’re younger, your main focus is to fit in with your social group. And, if you cannot read, then you become a target for criticism or negative remarks. Knowing this, our local library set up a program to help children develop as well as utilize skills to become … [Read more...]

  Have you ever wondered what makes PAALS so special? Is it the adorable dogs they train? Or, is it the dedicated volunteers or prisoners who raise and foster them? Perhaps, it's the devoted Executive Director and her husband, Jen and Chuck Rogers, who selflessly give of their time as well as home to improve the quality of life for individuals like myself. Maybe, it's the generous sponsors and benefactors who contribute money or resources to keep the program continuing. No matter the reason, PAALS continues to change lives in the community. This week, I had the opportunity to meet an amazing man who works to overcome life's challenges to move forward. His positive, shining spirit truly touched me. Having faced the perils of war, this brave soldier works hard to integrate back into life. No matter the circumstance, he rises to the occasion, asking not what can be done for himself, but what he can do for others. As I witnessed this man's compassion and true courage … [Read more...]