As juvenile court-appointed attorneys, and social workers, we have all seen many children and families struggling to overcome poverty barriers. So often, the odds seem stacked against our clients because they lack resources, such as: transportation passes so parents can afford to visit their children in foster care, emergency rent so families unable to work during a child’s crisis, remain stable, activities and camps so at-risk children are well supervised and inspired, beds so children can go to relatives not foster care; laptops so motivated students can keep up with homework.
In 2005, one of our founding members, Anne Bader-Martin, sat with a teenage client in a fast food restaurant after reviewing her case. Fifteen and pregnant, the girl spoke about a stroller she wanted, but could not afford. As they were finishing their meal, a man tapped Anne on the shoulder and handed her a blank check. “Get her the stroller,” he said, and walked away.
It was obvious from that moment, that people would want to help if only they were made aware of the need. But juvenile court cases are confidential and hearings are heard behind closed doors. The public rarely gets to see the deprivation and heartbreaking situations unless or until a tragedy happens. Then we all wish we had done more sooner.
That is why One Can Help was created. This 501(c)(3) non-profit began operating in in 2006.
Since then, One Can Help has provided assistance to more than 12,000 underserved children and families in crisis who are trying to improve difficult lives but lack the resources necessary to take that next positive step forward.