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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