December/January 2017 | 107
Tell us how you got involved with Children in Crisis?
My involvement with CIC began 11 years ago when one of the CIC
Board of Directors asked me for my resume. Then I was lucky enough to
get an interview. The more I learned about CIC and what they wanted
to do for the foster children of our community the more I wanted to be a
part of their wonderful mission.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that CIC and this entire
community has made and continues to make a difference in the life of a
child every day! On any given day we have 50-60 children living at the
CIC Neighborhood. When I see them lined up at our bus stop to go to
school and learn how to be good citizens, it really touches my heart.
What are some ways that community members can
contribute, help and get involved with Children in Crisis?
Children in Crisis certainly needs our community’s support. However,
it goes way beyond helping financially. Yes, we would appreciate the
support and involvement of our fundraisers but we need the entire
community to embrace our mission too. We need help spreading the
word and help to educate everyone on this critical need for our at-risk
children. We also always have a great need for volunteers and helping
hands!
What have been some obstacles you’ve faced and some of
your triumphs so far?
The biggest obstacle that we’ve faced and continue to face is stopping
child abuse. We have a dedicated and passionate Board, staff, army
of volunteers and community supporters. However, it’s everyone’s
responsibility to eliminate the abuse of all children. Unfortunately for
many reasons, children continue be removed from unsafe homes and
unacceptable situations. CIC has been there to give them a loving home,
comfort and care, and will continue with our very worthy mission as long
as there is a need.
Describe a situation working with the organization that really
stood out and touched you.
When CIC received a young brother and sister sibling family of four
that were severely abused, we loved them and kept them safe. They had
a home with us as long as there was a need. After a couple of years living
at the CIC Neighborhood, the family court justifiably terminated the
parental rights. The children were now available for adoption but there
were no guarantees that the siblings would not be adopted separately
to different homes. Our CIC house parents had fallen in love with the
children and didn’t want them to be separated so they resigned from CIC
and adopted all four children! This has happened several times in the last
few years and a total of 26 CIC children have been adopted to forever
homes.
Does Children in Crisis have any upcoming events?
CIC has several signature events in 2017 that are well attended and
supported by the community. On February 20, 2017, accomplished
performer David Seering will host the 6th Annual David Seering Concert
in Destin. We also have two awesome golf tournaments each year in
the spring and fall. Our 11th Annual Children’s Neighborhood Golf
Tournament will be held at Fort Walton Beach Golf Course on March
17, 2017 and the 10th Annual CIC Sugar Sands Charity Golf Classic will
be held on Columbus day, October 9, 2017 in Destin.
What is the one thing you want VIP Destin Magazine readers
to know about you and Children in Crisis that they might not
know otherwise?
Children in Crisis is a very special place. We’re a local, grass roots
charity created and sustained by our wonderful community. We give a
home to about 130 children every year and on any given day we have
50-60 children living at the CIC Neighborhood. CIC is very unique
and critically important to our community’s abused, neglected and
abandoned children. Thank you for giving a home to our children!
Interview With Ken Hair
President & CEO
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11/29/16 10:13 AM