Q&A

Q - Why did you decide to form a foundation that would generally favor young {ages 3-7} inner city children?

A - There are lots of reasons. We need to change the perception of what life has in store for many of these youngsters. We have heard from others in the community that these children wake up in the morning and for the rest of the day they are exposed to negativity… it’s on Television, in the movies, in our newspapers it’s even in our music. Unfortunately it’s also in so many of their homes. We need to change that perception. We must work to turn pessimism into optimism.

Q - Okay, but why begin when they're so young?

A - While these children may have been subjected to the negativity we spoke of, it's not yet indelibly entrenched in them. Introducing them to another way of life and new ideas may just take hold. It is much more difficult to change behavior and attitudes with older children and adults.

Q - How do you plan to go about changing the mind set?

A - Well, first we need to help them to appreciate themselves. Improving self image and self worth is so important to the process. We want to give them something positive to focus on. Just about everyone likes music. Music has been a common denominator in every culture since the earth began. We plan to introduce them to the Arts and especially music through our network of people who are successfully practicing their craft.
Later, as the children begin to age, 10, 11, 12 13, we will also introduce successful Business people into the program to speak with them. But first let's let them have some positive fun!

Q - You mentioned your target age is between 3 and 7 years of age. Does that mean you will forget about the teenagers?

A - We believe we have to begin with these youngsters for the reasons above, however that doesn’t mean we won’t support other organizations which strives to educate the high school youth about health and nutrition. If the young people in our society understand the importance of good health they very likely will spread the word through their actions. This will result in reducing absenteeism amongst our future work force, making for a more productive country and positively impacting on our health care costs. We are great believers in this program and we are in the early discussion stages to explore the viability of partnering with organizations focusing in these areas.

Q - Why are you so confident that your program will positively impact these children?

A - We believe everything begins with education. Helping these children to learn how to think and reason will pay huge dividends in the future. As the saying goes “If you give someone a fish, they'll eat for a day. If you teach them to fish, you feed them for life. We will strive to explain how to reach independent opinions based on an understanding of all of the facts through seminars conducted with guest speakers and community role models. Once the art of how to research is mastered, it will result in the ability to ask more questions than can probably ever be answered. This again will help to build self esteem and we believe this can be accomplished by giving these children a positive focus, Music and the Arts. Many will begin using their ability to focus narrowly at first and then broaden their horizons.

Q - Aren’t the schools dealing with educating our youth?

A - The schools are doing a better job than they have in the past; however as you know, with the budgetary restrictions and over crowded class rooms, we don’t believe most schools have the time to teach confidence and self esteem. You have probably heard that everything begins in the home. This is vital for our youth to grow and our society to prosper. We believe that meeting with positive role models in the communities and partnering with other certified organizations through our donations will help us to create a new Cadre of Positive community Leaders. By the way, what ever happened to the Music Programs in our schools? Seems so many have been cut. What a shame.

Q - It sounds like the focus is about helping children to build a positive self image so they could compete in society. What other steps will you be taking?

A - You are correct! We are researching other organizations that we feel fit within the parameters of our organization. We are going to begin by focusing on those organizations in the tri state area. When we have sufficient information we will meet with the Directors and CEO’s, continue with the Due Diligence process and determine whether a real “Fit” exists between the two organizations. At that time we will determine our overall role within the parameters of the partnering organizations and our philosophy.

Q - Will your organization be interacting directly at any point with the children?

A - Absolutely! While part of our plan is to partner with other fine Charities, we intend to hold a series of meetings, let’s call them town meetings where we will invite children between 3 and 7 and their parents. We will have guest speakers who have successfully navigated these issues in their own life. Later we plan to have meetings just for the children in a well controlled environment. We are planning to raise enough money to purchase a variety of instruments so that a part of our program will be devoted to giving these children a sense of accomplishment and having fun while doing it. With Positive Role Models from the community showing these children that anything is possible if you work hard and believe, they will become the next Success Story!

Q - What do you see as the “End Result”?

A - If the children among our less advantaged society feel good about themselves and envision a wonderful life, we will be creating a positive and productive society. Their future and the future of our great county will be secure. Just imagine going back to the days when the whole world viewed the USA with respect and admiration. Our countries “Wellness" needs to begin here in our communities. If we are to continue to be the leaders of the free world then we must pay more attention to our Youth and the issues they are dealing with!
 
Q - Why do you believe this program will be successful?

A - First we are totally committed to its success.
Next we plan to staff our board with directors who are industry and community leaders who agree with our philosophy and are totally committed as well. Commitment is a term that has seemed to have escaped so many. Let’s bring it back. And let’s remember “It’s Okay, or more properly it’s HOCAE, Help Our Children Achieve Excellence.