Several weeks ago, Time magazine profiled the last 10 years with a cover story entitled “The Decade from Hell.” From the disputed Presidential election in 2000 … to the World Trade Center attack in 2001 … to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 … to the meltdown of our financial markets in 2008, it was a traumatic time for many Americans.

“To paraphrase Ronald Reagan,” the magazine said, “are you better off today than you were at the beginning of the decade? For most of us, the answer is a resounding no.” 

The point is well-taken, and there is no denying the fact that Casa de los Niños felt some of the turmoil. 2009 was hard. The state budget crisis hurt us deeply. But if we take a longer view, we came through the century’s first decade in surprisingly good shape.

Indeed, Casa de los Niños experienced the biggest growth spurt in its history. Consider this: In fiscal year 1999, our budget was $2.9 million. In fiscal year 2009, it was $6.4 million, an increase of 120%.

Also consider this: When the decade began, we offered three principal programs: our Crisis Shelter, Healthy Families and Family Visitation Services. Today, we offer a wide range of programs that touch the lives of 4,000 children a year. In addition to operating the shelter and offering Family Visitation Services, we care for abused kids by managing a large foster care network and a mental health clinic for youngsters who have experienced violence.

In the area of prevention, we now provide prenatal care through our Nurse-Family Partnership. We help at-risk parents with young children through our Raising Healthy Kids program. We provide free parenting classes to anyone who would like to attend.

Because the last year has been so difficult, we tend to forget that Casa de los Niños is far stronger today than it was 10 years ago.

This didn’t just happen. Our growth is a tribute to the many board members who have shared their time, their talent and their love of Tucson’s children. It is a tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who have worked arm-in-arm with our staff members to give the kids a warm and caring home. It is a tribute to all the employees who gave their own meaning to the word “nonprofit” but who wanted to make a difference.

Finally, our continued growth is a tribute to the thousands of good people of Tucson who have “been there” for us for more than 36 years. When we needed diapers, you brought them. When we needed blankets, you brought them. When we needed dollars, you brought those, too. We couldn’t haven’t done it without you, and we can’t thank you enough.

Happy New Year!