Dear Source,
April 22, 2002. Let this date be blazoned in the minds of all our elected senators when they meet for a session. This date can and should be the day when they step up to the plate and provide the sorely-needed funding for all the agencies that deal with protecting our children and families from domestic violence and abuse in the territory.
If there was ever a need for funding these agencies, it is now. Recently the Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries held a Carnival-type forum for KidsCope, Child Abuse Task Force and others at Baa Library, the occasion being that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. The library was packed with children and adults seeking fun but important ways on how to protect their children from the many dangers of the world. This is just one of the many ways the library is a resource center for the public and it is up to you to use and support the library.
Victim aid agencies cannot provide their services without the help of the government and donations from the general public. Can we afford to have these agencies close their doors? Is the government willing to take on this service? Is the government even serious about this problem?
While I applaud Office of Management and Budget director Ira Mills for providing some of the funding for The Family Resource Center, I hope that will not be the end of the line. Once the senators have legislated funds for the agencies, I pray that the OMB director will make the funds available in a timely manner.
Monday morning after Mother’s Day should be the target date for the checks to be handed to these agencies. I challenge the powers that be to do the right thing and send the message that you care.
Jason Budsan
Board member and advocacy chair
Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries
St. Thomas, V.I.
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