JUNE 1, 2007

Dear Friends,

Neglect of a child, the absence of faith, is an unseen poison to the soul.

We at REACH love our children and I assure you that like a professional dancer, REACH 'spots,' keeping our focus centered as we pirouette through an array of challenging obstacles. We are serving some of the most spiritually, emotionally, isolated and deprived children at risk in our country and some from afar.

This month we received a referral to assist eight-year-old Li Mei and her family, recently immigrated to the United States from China. Near death, Li Mei was admitted to a Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit where her parents learned not only that the child was gravely ill but that the diagnosis was incurable AIDS.

Li Mei and her family not only suffer the fears and grief this illness inflicts but the fear and grief of mounting isolation. They move among the obstacles of rejection expressed by their extended family, by friends and even the community. A new dance begins. REACH steps in, choreographs relief and establishes a rhythm of relationship that earns trust and brings comfort.

Dance the dance of love with REACH and the children. Help us "spot," to focus, keep our balance as we share the dance of life with sufferers. Your contributions and pledges call children like Li Mei to courage and hope; to the music of God’s care through REACH. We continue to be grateful.

Blessings my friend,

Susan K. Slonaker