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It is once again the time of year that I hold onto my other ideas for Blog topics to update all of you on our progress over the previous 12 months and then humbly ask you to help us stick around for another year. Honestly, this annual appeal feels like it has higher stakes - mainly because the big grants we wrote didn’t get funded. Nevertheless, I have faith that our dedication to the mission and the stories from the kids themselves will inspire folks to join us in keeping it alive for all our current families and those who will reach out for our help in the coming months and years. The narratives we hear from parents daily keep us motivated - like the Mom of one of the kids who home schools on their own and consults with me, who called on Friday to say she wasn’t sure what to tell me to write in his quarterly report. Then she proceeded to say this 16-year-old kid (who had been nearly impossible to live with and was on track to be put on PINS by his social worker) has been volunteering to do things around the house, including decorating and organizing tasks for his extended family, is super pleasant to be around (according to her a major attitude adjustment), and he is working non-stop on an ATV to get it running. Additionally, his interest in RC cars has been renewed, and he is getting those operational again. All of this in the four weeks since he left school. Needless to say, I had plenty to write in his report. Even though this kiddo does not come to Deep Root Center - he has my full support to follow his interests and explore the possibilities. That, right there, is our why! Thank you for reading our Fall Funding Appeal, and supporting us in whatever way you can. Together we make a difference - one kid at a time!   DRC-Canton kiddos enjoying the Grasse River spring run-off by throwing "pooh sticks" from their favorite outdoor adventure place - the SUNY Canton foot-bridge. Wow, another year just sped by, and Deep Root Center (DRC) is set to celebrate our tenth anniversary in January. My annual message each of those years has not changed much - we are still here (now with two locations), and despite our austerity budget - the number of kids we serve continues to expand, the amount we provide in fee reductions has grown substantially (200K+ - this year), and DRC's reputation in the community for providing a safe, non-coercive environment where kids are trusted to freely follow their interests to be themselves has only solidified. Nonetheless, in the not-for-profit world, DRC doesn't quite fit the typical fund-able mold. We are committed to staying small and flexible, and we are passionately fierce in our dedication to our mission. We are focused solely on supporting the amazingly brave kids who refuse to fit into societal expectations and would otherwise fall through the cracks. Additionally, we don't speak "entrepreneurial" - the language of capitalism. We consider these traits our strengths. However, those who gate-keep the grants and funding for not-for-profits often see it differently. With that being said, we are deeply grateful for the local businesses and individuals who recognize our value to the community, donated items to our silent auction, contributed to annual appeals or monthly, and sponsored our kiddos this year. Our mission might not be sexy or provide overloads of cuteness, and the language we use doesn't bring to mind a business; however, as evidenced by these quotes from DRC families, we are changing lives every single day. And for us, that is the only thing that matters.
Your financial contributions will go a long way in helping us continue our one mission. You can donate one-time or monthly or even purchase an item from our Amazon wishlist. If you know of someone who is excited about outside-the-box ideas and supporting kids, please spread the word: the Deep Root Center board is also seeking sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and organizations - stores committed to doing a roundup campaign or restaurants or bars willing to have a DRC Day and donate a percentage of a day’s sales. We are grateful for you sharing our message. Thank you!  Some of our DRC-East Kiddos in action.  A few DRC-Canton kids doing their thing. 
Deep Root Center Mission:
At Deep Root Center (DRC), we believe that all young people deserve a safe, educational environment where they feel like they are part of a community - and where they are free to explore all the possibilities. Staff: Maria Corse - Executive Director. & Founder, Christopher Raymo - DRC-Canton Staff, Karen Gagne - DRC-East Lead Staff & Mentor Board of Directors: Virginia Galligan, Tiffanie Jacob, Susan Foster, & Candace Cowser
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