December 9, 2013
This is my first report to many of you as the Executive Director of the Rosenberg Fund for Children. I am excited by the opportunity to nurture the organization my father created out of the nightmare he experienced as a child and am honored by the trust he has placed in me to carry forward his legacy.
I’m gratified to tell you that we’ve dug deep and awarded nearly $370,000 in grants in 2013, on par with last year’s total despite having less income to work with. That will bring our total granted in our history to over $5.1 million! But my pride in what we have accomplished is tempered by concern. From Madison to Charlotte, from Seattle to New York City, children whose parents have been attacked for their resistance are suffering, and they need your help today.
It’s easy to generate a bleak list of our government’s “greatest hits” for 2013. We saw the conviction of Chelsea Manning under the Espionage Act of 1917 (the same law under which my grandparents were executed 60 years ago), and the ongoing pursuit of Edward Snowden. Add to that a government shutdown by extremists trying to push their reactionary agenda; the Supreme Court’s gutting of key parts of the Voting Rights Act; and a seemingly endless stream of revelations of the extent to which the national security apparatus is monitoring all of us, making a mockery of the right to privacy.
Within this climate, it’s hard to remain hopeful. We all know the risks faced by anyone who challenges the right wing corporate agenda. But people across our nation continue to protest and stand up for our rights. And the RFC proudly stands with them, committed to alleviating the devastating effects of repression by connecting kids to a protective community.
I wish I could share all the stories of those whom your donations helped in 2013. But I know there are many demands on your time and attention, especially at this time of year, so I’ll tell you about just one new member of the RFC community, who is both the child of a targeted activist and a young organizer who’s been attacked herself!
Carla’s mother was an advocate for the environment and animal welfare, as well as civil rights. Carla was at home with her mom when someone fired a bullet into their house, missing her mother by inches. Two years later, their house was set on fire while they were away. The family decided to move to another state and settled in a community with a strong, arts-oriented public school. A year later the district moved to privatize it, which outraged Carla, who became a leader in the fight to save her school. As a result, she was bullied, robbed on campus, and sexually assaulted. The administration refused to help and insisted she complete her senior year at home, claiming they could not protect her. With the support of her family, Carla finished high school and is now in college. An RFC grant will provide a laptop and counseling to help her process the trauma of the past few years.
Carla is extraordinary, but she is not alone. Other beneficiary families have faced similar challenges with equal strength and courage. I hope you share the tremendous satisfaction we get from coming to the aid of the brave kids your contributions support. By making a tax-deductible online donation now, you’ll help ensure that we can meet their needs in 2014.
Your assistance has never been more necessary!
Jennifer Meeropol
Executive Director
P.S. I’m honored to carry on this family tradition. Please help me keep the flame of Ethel and Julius’ resistance burning for a new generation by making a special donation now.