This week I did something I have never done before, and I am so glad I did. After hearing about the plans to close Joshua House on the news, I was livid. Having volunteered at Joshua House and seen first hand the results of the work accomplished there I was compelled to take action in some way I could reach a lot of people without delay.
A time for action
I started a petition on change.org and published it a little after 10:00 PM on February 4th. I suspect you may have seen the petition or heard about it already, but in case you have not, please visit https://change.org/savejoshuahouse.
We have received signatures from over 1100 supporters, (primarily central Florida residents familiar with the program) in less than 55 hours since its publication. It seems pretty obvious how the community feels. The petition continues to gain momentum.
I am humbled by the overwhelming response, but most of all by the comments people have left saying why they support the petition, so I am sharing some of them with you today. Finally, please read the petition and sign to show your support. Take a moment to watch the video as well.
What others say about Joshua House
“I believe these children need the chance to experience stability and love. It will change their adult trajectory if we pour into them now.”
“Joshua House is an amazing place, and shutting it down means one less safe option for the children in the foster system.”
“Joshua house should be kept as originally intended, to be used by the local children who need the resources and care that the Joshua House is giving them!! To kick those kids out and rent it to some other organization to make money is a horrible miss use of what this place was intended for!!! I say NO NO NO! We need to use it for our local children who need the help. To do this for profit is a gross injustice to the original intention! Keep it local and non profit!! thank you.”
“We should put the children first!!! We as citizens, as a community, as parents, grandparents, etc should prioritize these kids well being over everything and anything. After all, they are the future and what we invest in them today will make all the difference tomorrow.”
Former volunteers & employees
“I have some experience working with the Joshua House kids and my heart aches for them. Leave this space just for them. Immigrants are here because they want to be; these children have nowhere else to go.”
“I’ve seen the impact Joshua House has made on so many children and myself as a former employee. It would be devastating to see this happen.”
Former residents
“I use to live here. This place means so much to me. I hope any other children in foster care can get here because it changed my life.”
“My brother was loved and helped by so many at the Joshua house. Please don’t change the zoning.”
“I was a child there. And without a doubt, the people there and that place, has done and continues to do amazing things for kids who have nothing and no one else. If it closes, it is like completely giving up on any future foster kid in that area who needs safety, love, and guidance. Please do not close it down. It would break so many hearts.”
Neighbors
“I lived across the street from Joshua house and some of the kids played on my sons little league team. These kids need this place!”
“Are you nuts? This is in MY community, we see the good it does. The hard work that has gone into this place. This property was donated for a specific cause KEEP it that way.”
“I have seen how the Joshua house has helped many children In our community.”
“I personally grew up with kids who stayed there. It has changed their life for the better.”
As of today we are almost at 5700 Supporters. Let’s keep it going!