When Craig Secher first set out on his crusade against child abuse 27 years ago, he never imagined how far his work might reach. All that really mattered was finding a way to do things better, shining a bright light on the problems he dealt with in his day-to-day as a case manager for child protective services. In the early days of Realities for Children, he remembers meeting with local leaders and business owners, trying to get what would become a revolutionary program off of the ground. One of those people was adamant that he would not be able to make an impact on such a large problem and Sechers response, though he admits he’s unsure of how he found the words, was a simple question.
“How many children that have been abused and neglected would have to be helped by your support to make it ‘worth it’?”
When confronted with uncomfortable issues like child abuse, we often turn a blind eye. We don't want to talk about it, so we try to pretend that it doesn't exist. But Realities for Children has a different approach. They continue to prompt us to confront these problems and ask ourselves, “How many can we help?”
For Secher and the rest of the team at Realities, the answer seems to always be, “at least one more.”
In pursuit of their goal, of making sure that no child is forgotten and fostering a holistic approach to upending the cycle of child abuse and providing lifelong support to their kids, Realities’ greatest asset is community. Throughout the year people find seemingly endless ways to apply their passions to this common goal. Whether it’s through world record-setting group events like the annual Realities Ride poker run or the individual donations that power the holiday NightLights display, there is no shortage of opportunities to make an impact in a child’s life. Over the holiday season, their work becomes even more important and is immediately supported by their month-long NightLights fundraiser, which was created as a direct response to the statistical rise in child abuse cases that historically comes at this time of year. Realities is preparing to serve upwards of 4,000 children in December alone. NightLights provides a particularly poignant example of their mission, the 50-foot blue light display has shined every December in Fort Collins for more than twenty years, providing a “beacon of hope” for affected children in our community and generating awareness - “lighting the darkness.”
While Secher has not yet succeeded in working himself out of a job, the efficacy and success of Realities for Children are apparent and the organization has received recognition both locally and on a national level. Their unique community collaboration approach enables Realities to guarantee every donated dollar goes directly to supporting children in need, an impact even furthered by their partnership with 40 other organizations in the area and ability to respond to any need almost immediately. From the moment emergency services arrive and on down the line as their kids move forward in life, Realities is there to provide support and a community of people who care and want to be a part of their success.
While the lofty goal of eradicating child abuse may not feel much closer to Secher, the difference being made by Realities is all too evident. Hanging on office walls at the Realities for Children headquarters are thank you cards sent from the children, many of whom have grown to adulthood since they first encountered the organization. Names have been removed to protect their identities but here are a few of the ‘thank you’s’ we’d like to share.
-”Thank you for giving us a home! Because of Realities for Children, my mom, two sisters, and I are now in a safe home. My mom left our home where my dad hurt us and when she did, even though she has a job, we didn’t have anything from our old house. Realities for Children helped us with food, supplies, beds, and everything we needed while we made our new safe home.”
-”After I was removed from my home, I went to live with my grandma. My grandma didn’t have much money and the shoes I had were too small. Realities for Children helped get me a pair of shoes in my size, new clothes, and even a bike! Thanks for helping me to feel like a normal kid.”
-”Thank you for giving us our first Christmas! My children and I were homeless for several months due to domestic violence. When we received toys and clothes from the Realities for Children Santa’s Workshop, the kids said, ‘Thank you, this is the first normal Christmas we have ever had!’ As a parent, I thank you so much for this.”
-”I am 12 and because of Realities for Children, I am finally able to start feeling like a normal kid. I am a survivor of abuse since I was 7 years old. After a very hard year of many new homes and lots of difficult times in court, Realities for Children provided me with a recovery therapy package of special activities that has allowed me to focus on moving forward and just being a kid.”
To donate to the Nightlights campaign this month, visit realitiesforchildren.com