Across Asia, as the Lunar New Year holiday draws near, in even the poorest families debts are paid, floors are swept, homes are scrubbed top to bottom and filled with flowers, fruit and candies.

Children too are scrubbed clean and adorned in bright new clothes. Everyone is ready for a fresh start…ready for spring. Maybe after a difficult year like the last, it’s not so easy to sweep away our troubles and make ready for a time of renewal. But as I reflect on all the challenges we’ve faced over the years, how far we’ve come, how much there is to celebrate… all things seem possible once again.

Looking back, I’m perhaps proudest of how a determined little group of foreign adoptive parents somehow managed to forever change the way China’s most vulnerable young children are cared for. And how today, the work those foreigners began is built upon and driven by equally determined and committed Chinese citizens.

If you follow us, you know this: Once upon a time in China, it was bad luck to be born a girl. Back when Half the Sky was founded, one out of every seventeen baby girls conceived was missing from Chinese society. A million were likely aborted. Others were abandoned, and many thousands ended up in overcrowded, understaffed welfare institutions under the indifferent watch of randomly assigned, untrained government workers.

The children, forgotten by just about everyone, spent their days without loving care or stimulation. As a result, those who survived the early years often suffered extreme developmental delays, were emotionally vacant, and ill-equipped to ever learn to function socially and thrive in their communities.

With sheer stubbornness and no small amount of good luck, we foreigners and our resolute Chinese colleagues found a way to partner with the Chinese government to make life better for those little children and the ones who came after. Working together, we have been able, over the years, to help the country re-imagine its entire child welfare system.

A great sign of success came in late 2012, when after years of effort, the government finally gave us permission to establish Chunhui Children’s Foundation, a 100% Chinese organization, but with the transparency and high standards of an international NGO. At  a special launch party the following year, we happily passed the torch (actually the official torch I carried before the Beijing Olympics!) to the new Chunhui board of directors.

Chunhui, whose name literally means “the warmth of spring sunshine” and, colloquially, “a mother’s love” now is responsible for implementing all of OneSky’s work in China. It is led, not by foreigners, but by Rachel Xing, OneSky’s former head of China operations and a native of Qingdao. Not only is that as it should be—Chinese citizens running their own child welfare programs—but it also ensures that our work for China’s children will continue, despite whatever political tensions may arise between nations.

Chunhui  today is a highly-respected public foundation, recipient of over 20 national awards, with a long list of accomplishments, including bringing our OneSky Approach to 115 government orphanages in all 31 Chinese provinces.

With support from both Chinese citizens and the OneSky Community, Chunhui is our “little” sister no more, not only implementing OneSky projects, but also surpassing us in the scope and variety of services offered. Chunhui continues our work with left-behind children in rural villages, trains child welfare workers, provides life-saving medical care for orphaned children, and more.

Focusing on bringing systemic change to all aspects of child welfare in China, Chunhui also designs and operates model programs in welfare institutions for children with special needs, trains caregivers for children at risk in poor townships and soon plans to serve child migrants in China’s industrial zones. Deeply important in China and fundamental to all we do, Chunhui enjoys a great reputation among government officials and is promoted by them as a model foundation that should inspire others.

If I sound like a proud mama, it’s because I am. When I began this work 23 years ago, I didn’t dare dream of such a bright future for China’s most vulnerable children. Today, it feels like nothing can stand in our way.

With Rachel’s awesome Chunhui team in mainland China, along with those under Morgan’s OneSky leadership in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Mongolia, I think it’s safe to say—we are most definitely ready for a brilliant New Year and whatever Spring may bring!

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From Chunhui’s Launch Party in Beijing, 2013…

At this time of celebration and thanks,

I figured this would be a good moment to share some of the many hundreds of notes of thanks I received in response to my “Long Goodbye”. But as I read them, I became even more aware that these thanks are really not just for me. What we have done together is what makes the magic happen.

There’s our incredible Staff, of course—the ones who do the real work. And our passionately steadfast Board and Advisors—the ones who keep us on mission and out of trouble. And then there is YOU… The kindhearted ones who helped us get started and the ones whose support keeps us going. The ones who told us about places where help was most needed. The ones who found urgently needed medical help for children in desperate need. The ones who volunteered on our builds, worked long days, grimy and paint-splattered but never complained.

And all the ones who simply believe that every single child’s life matters, that all children have potential, and that it must not be wasted.

Here are a few of your kind messages, edited for brevity. It’s just a sampling but will give you a sense of our good fortune. We never need walk alone! With love and enormous thanks to you all.

Dear Jenny,

I view many things in life through the prism of leaving only one meaningful thing behind upon my passing – my children.  They are truly the only thing of importance that will continue when I’m gone. Your work has blessed our family tremendously through our now 15-year-old beautiful, wonderful daughter from Beihai. Everyone wants, one way or another, to change the world.  You probably have done more to accomplish that than anyone I can think of.  Where I have only three children to pass along to the world, you can rightly take credit for changing the lives of thousands.  I’m sure “credit” was never your objective, but the world, particularly China, has been forever changed by your tireless work and vision. I’m proud to be counted as a supporter.  It is one of the best investments I could ever make.
– David Cox, Texas

As always you write in such a heartfelt honest way that we cannot help but all feel we are part of your team, your vision. I wanted to write to wish you well in your step back (although I fear it’s a minimal step!) and say how excited I am to read what you do next. Your incredible energy, enthusiasm and can- do approach gave me such hope when I was setting up Box of Hope in Hong Kong, and I’m immensely thankful.  You truly have touched the lives of thousands, possibly millions, and that is really a life well- lived. I hope you continue to inspire us all with your wonderful down to earth, no fuss, no ribbons approach!
– Nicole Woolhouse, Hong Kong

As one of the “originals” and I think someone who helped with your early questions about adoption, you have been amazing. Making this group happen and a success has made those of us who are lucky enough to have a child from another country, remember just why we made that move. My daughter, Nikki is 25 and a thriving TV producer in LA. With hopes you remember me,  [Sure, I do!]
–  Susan Winston, California

We have always encouraged our children to give back to our community and Hailey started by asking that instead of presents at her birthday, that she would prefer a small donation of money that she could collect for other causes. Her favorite Charity was Half the Sky. In eighth grade, her school required all students to give a speech on any topic to the whole middle school. Hailey gave a speech describing all the different paths your organization had taken over the years and why it meant so much to her.  She described our visit to her orphanage when she was 10 and got to tour the Half the Sky classroom in Fuzhou.  It was amazing considering how painfully shy she was. She encouraged every student to find their own way to give back.  The teachers around me were in tears knowing how hard it was for Hailey to be up there and yet her fear dropped away and she spoke with such passion. She got the only standing ovation of all the students and was voted best speech almost unanimously.  You have been such an inspiration impacting lives of children in China but also far beyond!
– Sharon Donohue

I just finished reading your book, Wish you Happy Forever, and I am in awe of everything you, ZZ, your husband, and everyone else has done to help the orphans in China. To have found your place and your purpose in this lifetime is truly a gift, and it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your story, your gifts and your innate talents. I adopted my daughter from Nanjing, China in 2010, after waiting 7 years. She was in one of your orphanages. I am so grateful for all that you have done.
– Tracie Sipple

Personally, I’d like to thank you for the inspiration you have given me over the years. You have helped me to realize that anything is possible so long as we are committed and unwavering.  I often cite you as a wonderful example of someone who is not an expert on a subject, was inspired to do good and went out and did it. OneSky and Chunhui have helped me to invest some of the money that I have made wisely in helping to make the world a better place. In the meantime, thousands of children have been raised with love and compassion and they and their children will echo your goodness for generations. The love that they will pass along will be your greatest legacy.
–  Joe Tatelbaum, Massachusetts

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You saved many lives at Huazhou in Guangdong.
– Rose Duhaime

I had the great honor of meeting Jenny at one of her book readings in Portland many years ago. Shortly after I lived in China for two years and learned first-hand that navigating that government and culture is not easy. Jenny, you created a remarkable program and touched so many lives. You gave the greatest gift ever to these children.
– C. Louise Benson

Thank you, Jenny. Half the Sky gave my oldest the best launch in her circumstances. She came to me healthy and able to attach and we have three precious photos from those early days. She has grown into an incredible young woman who is applying to colleges and has a passion for equity and equality. I know that the care she received in your program gave her a solid foundation that we built upon. Will always be grateful to your organization and to your vision!
– Kimberly Pollinger, California

It’s nothing short of amazing that you could go to China and create so much impact, transforming the lives of so many children, when many others have struggled in such a challenging environment.  It speaks of your great entrepreneurism, tenacity and drive. And then to take it to Vietnam and beyond…. I can only wish for more people like you in this world.
– Laurence Lian, Singapore

Thank you for all you’ve done. You changed my daughter’s life in the Chuzou SWI. She would not have been as prepared for me if you hadn’t set up the school for the children. You’ve earned your retirement! Thank you so much.
– Mary Agnes Ledbetter

Thank you so very much for the work you began and continue to direct. While my daughter was not directly impacted by Half the Sky (from what I know), you have allowed us the privilege of sharing our love and resources in a way we know will impact those in need!
– Lori Deacon, Ohio

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my daughter get the heart surgery she needed in 2004. Without your efforts I would have been heartbroken forever. You are the source of my double happiness.
– Michele Levin, Pennsylvania

I still think of you often with such warmth. My time in Beijing with the opening of your pre and post op surgical home for medical needs children was a highlight of my life.
-Teresa Weidenbacher. RN, Minnesota

We are committed to continue to support and being part of the OneSky family!  What you have done in the past decades inspired and touched us deeply, and children are better off with OneSky in this unfortunate time globally.
– Simon Hsu, Hong Kong

Our son came through OneSky and he is amazing. The difference you and the nannies make in these children’s’ lives and for families is immeasurable. The imprint of your work will have ripple effects for generations.
– Nina Dharmasaroja

My daughter benefited tremendously from the love and care she received from HTS in Nanjing before her soul found mine. Thank you so much, Jenny, from the very depths of our hearts.
– Trisha Willis Ranes, Missouri

Thank you for everything you have done for the children. We are lucky enough that our son was one of yours.
–  Angelia E Sucipto

Thank you so much for all you did that resulted in my sweet daughter experiencing a beautiful homecoming. Her transition into our family was seamless and it makes my heart so happy to know that my baby girl was loved and nurtured during those years when I was half a world away.
–  Jill Kynaston

Thank you so much for creating Half The Sky/OneSky, and allowing us to work with you as volunteers in China. It was, as you may remember, the first all- Canadian crew…we worked hard and played hard and we are still all in touch with each other! You and ZZ took great care of us and without the opportunity of working with you and your amazing crew, we would have missed out on learning where our children came from and how your program created a nurturing environment for all the children to thrive
– Tannis Shaw, Canada

You have created a wonderful legacy off love, for so many around the world.
–  Evan Wish, California

Thank you very much for what you have done for all children
–  Ling Zhu, New Zealand

The groundbreaking work of one woman, Jenny Bowen, is my favorite story to tell & refer to OneSky and Wish you Happy Forever! Lucky kids that one woman across the pond, read a paragraph in the Sunday paper that elicited a personal response and changed so many lives! Be well & look forward to the sequel!
–  Sandy Forseth, Minnesota

Thank you for the fantastic work Jenny! We are proud parent to a Half the Sky- babie, now 16 years old!
–  Birgitta Norberg, Sweden

Our child is the light of our life, blessed to be a Half the Sky kid. You are much his mama as his China caregiver and my wife. May the torch always burn bright for this beautiful organization you brought to reality. Enjoy a well-deserved step back. One Sky is always in our hearts.
– Troy Perry, California

What a proud legacy you leave, Jenny!
– Patricia Lee-Hoffmann, California

Thank you for all you have done for China’s children. You have truly made a difference in this world! Your legacy will live on through One Sky as well as the impact you have made on those of us who have had the honor of getting to spend time with you.
– Kathryn Liska, Volunteer Trip 2009, Urumqi

You will always be a part of how our family became what it is today. Thank you for all that you do.
– Karen Lindberg Beattie

As we waited in the room in China back in 2009 to meet our daughter for the first time, we watched the van pull up and a lady got out with our daughter. Our guide/translator was surprised that it was not her “mama”, but another nanny who had brought her to meet us. The nanny later told our guide that if her “mama” had brought her to meet us, our daughter would never have let go of her. That is how much she was loved…because their SWI was a part of Half the Sky. Thank you so much, Jenny, for heeding the call when you saw the need.
– Sharon Keyes Grace

Jenny Bowen, for all you have done for my daughters, thank you. For what you have done for China’s sons and daughters, THANK YOU. This photo taken of my daughter just six months after she arrived home (2011) says it all about the work you have done. We found her staring at this image of her with her nanny. When we handed her the picture she pointed and kept saying “mama”. Then she did something we couldn’t have expected, she kissed the photo. In that moment I knew that she was loved while at the SWI in care of this woman and for that I will always be grateful to you and your work. Best of luck in your next chapter.
– Trisha Willis Raine

I adopted two girls from China back when they were left in cribs all day and had very little physical cuddling. This profoundly affected their emotional and physical development. This is why I have supported OneSky. Your child care education has, and will help so many children throughout their lives. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
– Karen Hunt

And thanks also to the many, many more who wrote. Wish I had more room!

Elizabeth Ann	Margaret Ayer, Illinois	Amanda Beall, California	Kim Berley
Theresa Musheno Bradburn, Pennsylvania	Marie Coco Brannen	Rich Brubaker	Bob Calvin, Illinois
Kris Parent Christensen, Michigan	Coleen Colbert, New York	Darryl Conklin, Montana	Kimberly Harvey Cristofoletti
Layne Dalgetty-Rouse	Stefanie Davis, California	Mary Ann Gossman Day, Florida	Dave Dodds
Suzanne Eisenberg, California	Deborah J. Ferguson, Iowa	Siobhan Flynn	Evelyn Garstang
Merryl Goldberg, California	Cheryl Craven Graham, Tennessee	Lisa A Rasinski Green, Maryland	Marcy Gregory Gross, Kentucky
Heidi Gullion	Madella Harrison, Kansas	Gayle Hawley, New York	Jeanie Hazel
Nancy Hemenway	Angela Hindman	Tim Hornung, Wisconsin	Yong Huang, Texas
Connie Darnell Johnson, Kansas	Carol Jones	Fliss Patrick LaRosa	Elisa Mercogliano Lamonica
Marcy LaRont, Arizona	Lisa Lenig, Virginia	Sarah Loten	Sara Lyle
Sharyn Marcuson, Oregon	Kelli McDermott	Karen McGinley	Sandra Moats
Jill Nemiro	Mai-Britt Nielsson, Denmark	Vivian Pan	Ann Peace
Mary Fran Prevost, New York	Jayme Reimels, Maine	Susan Reitano Rizzo	Kelly Stem Rumbaugh, Maryland
Kaysie Plummer Rusk, Arkansas	Mary Jo Savageau, Hong Kong	Trish Henry Schuster	Donna Verlotta Schaefer, Illinois
Andrea Thaggard, Mississippi	Molly Thomas, Kentucky	Amy Treadwell, California	Sylvia Trevitt
Jeanne Turner, California	Carrie Mathis VanGeertry, Illinois	Shirley Wetherald	Michele Wield, California
Pam Thorpe Williams, Henan	Kristen Zens	Robin Magana	Karin Taylor
Megan Donovan Ryder	Trisha Willis Ranes	Lisa Larson	Kym Gentry-Peck
Maryellen Pengelly Geiger	Lori Axelson	Heidi Speakes Fenton	Roberta Forseen
Jaime Butler	Joy Beck Altman	Rae Timko	Sharon McCaffrey
Cheryl Davis Clement	Doreen Kerner	Luanne Roberts Billstein	Dave Woodhouse
Faith Shaw Winstead	Erin Valentino	Calvin Marr	Wanda Binford
Shelbi Allen	Susan Sachen	Linda Austin	Heidi Ann Eckert
Jane A. Liedtke	Lisa Gulino	Anita D McClellan	Bj Newman Stocker
Carolann Butler-Poole	Dawn Alexander Roberts	Nancy Kohn Hoppa	Eve Adelson
Deb Kane	Cindi DeLaney	Carroll Roblin	Michael Richard
Janis Brown	Christine Sauer Catherman	Lisa Haydel	Eva Wallace Green
Margarita Mandoki McClain	Jennifer Muccioli-Hamilton	Liz Kilby McClure	Claud Blass
Kay Cannon Warner	Kathryn Liska	Stephanie Jean	LeeAnn Reksten York
Sean Rowan	Amy Binin	Maggie Jarvis	Liz Kilby McClure
Lori Dubbs	Ruth Elizabeth	Sheree Jones	Christina Tinna Ljunggren
Kathleen Long	Mary Hopfensperger Rhame	Karla Sonnichsen	Lara Peterson
Debbie Udycz	Carole Manheim	Cynthia Gould Brown	Gemma Yarger
Megan M Mayer-Shorb	Pamela Neail Thomas	Sarah L. Whitehead	Janice D’Amico, Rhode Island
Carol Schram, Pennsylvania

So let me begin with the hard part first.

On December 31, 2020, I will officially step down as Chief Executive Officer of OneSky for all children to move into a senior advisory role.

You might ask, what took me so long? After all, I’m 75 years old. And my stated goal from the day I started Half the Sky almost 25 years ago was to put it out of business—its mission accomplished. Alas, we’ve only partially succeeded. The goal posts have moved.

I made a promise back in 1998. If I could find a way to change the lives and prospects for China’s orphaned baby girls, I wouldn’t give up until every single one of them had a caring adult in her life.

Back then, nobody was doing anything like it. I had to try.

All these years later, we haven’t quite reached all the kids, but we have definitely found our path. Despite politics and catastrophes, despite obstacles great and small, Half the Sky (now OneSky) has opened a clear and reliable pathway to transforming lives and unlocking potential in vulnerable young children who are all too often forgotten in our troubled world.

Along the way on this most incredible journey, we have used what we learned in China’s welfare institutions to bring the OneSky magic to fragile families whose children are left behind in rural villages or migrating to factory towns that do not always welcome them. Our approach, based on solid scientific principles of child development, is embraced by governments and researchers and ordinary people like us because it works.

Still, there’s no end of need. Truly, most of the time it feels like we’re just getting started. Where have the years gone?

Seems like yesterday that I first walked into a room crowded with rows of squat wooden cribs, two or three tiny babies bundled inside, inexplicably tied to the railings. Eeriest was the silence. No cries for help or comfort. There was none to be had. That’s the day I made my vow.

In just the blink of an eye, how things have changed! Today, our “little sister” organization in China, Chunhui Children, provides child development training and oversight for 112 government orphanages in all 31 provinces and municipalities across China. Chunhui offers medical care for orphans and vulnerable children with life-threatening conditions. Where they are able, local governments pay for Chunhui’s services. How far we’ve come!

In impoverished rural China, together with Chunhui, OneSky works to give the very youngest left-behind children of migrant workers a fair start in life by training entire villages how to meet their needs for nurture and enrichment. In the poorest districts of urban Hong Kong, we train struggling families how to help small children thrive despite difficult circumstances. And now, of course, we go beyond China, doing the same work to benefit migrant children, from birth to six, in Vietnam, in Mongolia, and soon, we hope, in other developing countries across Asia.

There is so much to be proud of. And so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful to my colleagues wherever in the world they work, devoting their days to improving the lives of children they will never meet, to the caregivers and families and government workers who have opened their hearts to a new way of seeing and embracing the potential in all children.

And I’m deeply thankful to you, our supporters, the ones who continue to believe in what we do and stand by us, through whatever storms and struggles we must brave.

The journey’s far from over, but now, it’s time for me to step back, breathe a little easier, and allow my younger colleagues to lead the way.

Of course, I will always be OneSky’s Founder and “Mama”; she will always be my baby. Be assured, I will continue working to build a brighter future for children with unlucky beginnings for the rest of my days. But quietly. I plan to write another book, perhaps a sequel, and move into a senior advisory role, watching over OneSky with our incredible board and (hooray!) our new CEO, Morgan Lance.

Having worked by my side for the past few years as OneSky’s Chief Development Officer, I know Morgan’s boundless passion and drive will ensure that we stay true to our mission and firmly on the path that has brought new hope and new beginnings to tens of thousands of vulnerable children. I am truly excited and optimistic by what the future holds for OneSky under Morgan’s leadership and with our deeply committed staff in the United States and Asia.

From the very earliest days home from China with our little daughter, Maya (now a PhD candidate in Child Development!), it has always been the children who were our best teachers. They show us what they truly need. I am confident that with Morgan at the helm, the needs of young children most at-risk will continue to be OneSky’s North Star.

I dearly hope you will continue to provide Morgan and her team the same phenomenally generous support you have always given, especially when we needed you most. Nothing feels better, as we struggle to best serve the children, than knowing you have our backs.

My deepest thanks for all you have done and will do for the children.

With love and gratitude always,

Jenny Bowen

Founder, OneSky for all children

On Your Retirement Day—

It was a stroke of good fortune.

I was reaching out to anyone in the world who might be able to help me realize my “impossible” dream for China’s orphaned and abandoned children. It seemed nobody could. And then fate and a kind friend sent me to the China Population Welfare Foundation in Beijing. You answered the phone. You were the only person there who could speak English. That was my great luck.

From that day on, I was never alone in my quest. I had a true ally in my efforts to make life better for hurt kids. For the past 21 years, you have been my guide, my mentor, my interpreter and my voice.

As my interpreter, you always made me sound better than I was. As my partner, you never scoffed at my big ideas.

An orphan yourself, you shared your deep sorrow with me during those early orphanage visits, but you also shared my resolve to somehow change things. You showed me how to work with government, how to keep making some sort of progress, while carefully avoiding making enemies.

You shepherded endless groups of Western volunteers, you stopped big city traffic for them (they often told me they felt like baby ducks following Mama.) You ordered food for them and helped them not be afraid of trying new things. You found their lost luggage, you arranged care for their children, you helped them bargain for trinkets in the markets.

You cried for the babies with them.

Together, you and I visited every orphanage where we heard the children were hurting. Airplanes, buses and vans…we covered China. We chuckled when drivers told us “Only two hours more.” We knew it would be five.

In the beginning, we bought supplies for the new Children’s Centers ourselves. There were no credit cards then. You’d load up a backpack with cash, strap it in front like a big fat belly, and we’d head into town. We turned heads wherever we went. The locals not only stared, they’d follow us while we shopped. Foreigners were still a rarity back then.

We’d buy everything from rugs and furniture to art supplies and beads. At the end of the day, when we tried to tally up the receipts, we never could agree on the numbers and, exhausted, we’d fall apart laughing. Neither of us was great at math.

Insurmountable as the challenges were in the early days of Half the Sky, immovable as some of the government officials and orphanage directors were, with you by my side, no mountain was too high. No earthquake or snowstorm could stop us.

When things got really tough, you always told me, “One day, they’ll be knocking on our door, begging for our programs.” The very idea would make us laugh and laugh. That’ll be the day!

But you know what, ZZ?… Today they are! The doors are pretty much open wherever we go. And 200,000 children’s lives are forever changed.

The truth is, ZZ, without you there would be no Half the Sky. No Chunhui. No OneSky. No mountains would have moved. You are a gift to China’s children and a treasure to me!

Thank you, Big Sister, my jie jie, my partner. My Secret Weapon!

I’m guessing I’m not the only one who’s given up reading the news.

So much sorrow. So much loss. It hurts too much. And lately, the rare gift of free time with no place to go just doesn’t seem like much of a gift after all. I should be on the road right now, working for the kids.

These past three months, I’ve felt pretty helpless as our offices and early learning centers in China and Vietnam and Mongolia closed their doors. Our teachers, family mentors and caregivers have done their best to keep the work alive online; but these days we really miss those hugs!

And as I’ve watched our programs—the programs that bring loving attention and the joy of learning to so many once-forgotten little children—as I’ve watched them slow almost to a standstill, I worry. I worry about the precious childhood hours lost.

As world economies crumble, I worry whether the support that’s kept us going for 22 years will still be there to help us turn the lights back on. And, since a few of you have you asked—yes, it’s been especially tough to raise funds for our programs in China lately.

But among all the worrisome and deeply sad things about this time, there are moments when a sliver of sunshine cuts through the gloom and warms everything. For instance, this smile:

And, the excitement of, finally, after three long months, getting ready to go back to school!

And the first day back!

Just in time for Mother’s Day, here is a truly bright ray of sunshine:

After 3 1/2 years of determined efforts by dozens of friends of the children, despite political protests and pandemic…. OneSky is beyond delighted (and relieved!) to celebrate that special day by opening the doors at last to our brand-new P.C. Lee OneSky Global Center for Early Childhood Development in Hong Kong, where, despite its glittering image, one in five children live in poverty.

Appropriate for the day, first to open is the Family Center. A place where single moms, new immigrants, ethnic minorities and local families simply struggling through these difficult days can bring their small children. The center offers a clean, safe place to play, facilitated play and learn spaces, parenting skills workshops and counseling. And it’s all free!

It’s thanks to our amazing supporters that OneSky is able to give this Mother’s Day gift that will last for generations.

So here’s to all the caring mothers (and fathers and aunties and uncles) out there. Here’s to all the ones who give the gift of  love to children growing up without it. The teachers and nannies…

The grannies…

And sometimes even big brothers…

Just as there are many kinds of families, there’s more than one kind of motherly love. So to all of you with a loving heart—all who take the time to brighten a child’s life, we celebrate you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Thanks to the ones who care, there is more that is right with our world than wrong. Even in dark times, still, there is light.