Each year Lakeside’s leadership and Board of Directors meet to review and reflect on all that directly impacted our students in our programs, in addition to the vast amount of training that we offer to schools and communities regionally, nationally and globally. It is a day that encapsulates so much of who we are, what we do and our impact to those in our care and sphere of influence. I have just been a part of that annual event.
As we reflected together report by report and program by program there were both tragic and amazing stories. We heard the significant number of obstacles that faced both our students and the staff who cared for them. There were so many victories and success stories. There were also some significant losses and struggles that remained unresolved.
A total of 3, 673 students had a direct impact in our programs. These were students who struggled with many life-dominating issues that would have caused them to no longer be in school and would have been victimized by these issues. Instead they had administrators, school teachers, counselors and behavior managers who cared, strategized and helped them cope with some of the circumstances that they were facing. Over time many of them were able to graduate or continue in school and find hope and help to reach some significant life goals.
We also were able to train 26 schools to provide those same services to their students. We trained thousands of teachers who had impact to tens of thousands of students. These were regional schools, school staff all throughout Pennsylvania and even school staff in several foreign countries. We also received feedback that some significant systems changes in schools have occurred because of the impact of our Neurologic Initiative in schools.
Additionally, we provided trauma training to over 7,000 professionals who work with trauma-impacted children, teenagers and adults. The training impacted hundreds of organizations who serve thousands of clients. Our trauma training has currently provided training in 60 different Pa. counties and in other places in the country. Once again the impact is significant, compelling and life-changing for those we train through Lakeside Global Institute.
So this truly was a day of sober reflection and great celebration. To Lakeside this is the humble stewardship of care and education that we have been privileged to share. To help so many in such dire circumstances is a responsibility that we believe is our mission and ministry to the world in which we have impact. I feel very blessed and honored to be part of such a vital and committed group of people who care for children, families and professionals by supporting them in some of life’s most difficult moments. It is truly inspirational!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
