Life Transitions

Our son is fortunate enouph to have parents who are taking him off to college.  Despite two years of community college, and 21 years of preparation,  our son, like most, need financial and emotional support as they transition from the world of family dependency to fully emancipated adult.   In our culture,  this emancipation occurs at about age 27 or 28.

But for thousands of kids being dropped out of cold welfare custody, or juvenile justice, or simply without stable families, the magic date of 18 is the date of full emancipation.  This policy and practice often leads to teen pregnancy,  homelessness, and incarnation.  This is the first a blog series on this Oklahoma and national tragedy.  Stay tuned in coming days to this blog site.

One of My Heroes

Kimberly Cummings,  my executive assistant,  and friend,  graduated yesterday from the Women In Recovery program.  I am so lucky to know this remarkable woman,  and our organization is so fortunate to have as one of our employees.

Kimberly represents what can be accomplished when this State rejects locking non-violent, disease addicted women AND men and turns to treatment alternatives. When will political leaders demonstrate leadership and stand up for jail diversion approaches for non-violent offenders that are more effective AND more cost-effective? Congratulations,  Kimberly.  Your mission is only beginning.