LETTERS: CAPE GIRARDEAU WAS GOOD SUPPORTER OF EASTER SEALS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

To the editor:

The Easter Seals Child Development Center emphasized inclusion and integration. This proved to be a two-way winner for all children. Not only did learning take place, but more importantly values of acceptance, empathy, compassion and a genuine willingness to help each other was seen on a daily basis as the children interacted. This facility is the only one in our community that provided this type of classroom setting.

On Feb. 24, we were informed that Easter Seals would be closing its doors March 10. The reason? It was stated by Jerry Ehnes, vice president of Easter Seals, that we were not proving to be a worthwhile business venture and because of lack of community support our future did not look good. It is true that I am unaware of many business aspects that surrounded the center, and it is understood that the closing was a good business decision. But to be told that Cape Girardeau has no support for Easter Seals is an absolute untruth.

There have been numerous businesses and individuals who have donated time, labor and materials to the center, not to mention a multitude of monetary donations that were given with the distinct impression that the money would be spent at the local level. Somehow, this money never reached us and found its way to the St. Louis office.

If have to ask myself: Why would so many people be willing to give their money and time to us? I feel the reason is quite simple. They care. They care about the service the center provided and believe that educating our children is worth the effort.

I feel that there has been a definite communication block among all those involved and that facts have been misconstrued along the way. Nevertheless, it is extremely offending the way this business decision was delivered. It was thoughtless and uncaring and unethical to drop a bombshell on Easter Seals and expect it to tie up all business matters within a 10-day period.

It is imperative that St. Louis understand that the product we "manufacture" is not shoes, car parts or toiletries. Our product is educating children, and that in itself make this a very emotional issue. Not only has Easter Seals placed many people in a position of finding employment with very little time, Easter Seals has placed parents and children in a predicament that cannot be remedied in 10 days. Parents have to have time to tour centers, interview child-care providers and locate resources so that services of children with special needs will not cease.

It is understood by many that Easter Seals is a not-for-profit organization and that money should not have been a controlling factor. We would have offered our help in trying to keep this center open if Easter Seals would have given us the chance. Our trust and faith in St. Louis has altered dramatically. Once you lose that, there isn't much left.

It is time that St. Louis knows that Cape Girardeau has supported us and will continue to support us. I sincerely hope readers of this letter will understand that the staff of Easter Seals acknowledge the community's contributions, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

CINDY BIRDSONG

Special Education Teacher

Easter Seals Child Development Center

Cape Girardeau