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Head Check Awareness Week
August 2 nd thru August 6 th

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Lice Solution News
June 4, 2004 News Update

Attention Camp Directors
Info for all Summer

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Lice Solution News
June 4, 2004

They say times flies when you’re having fun. I’m not sure I’d exactly call picking bugs out of kid’s heads fun, but it is true that the time certainly has passed by quickly. It’s hard to believe we are already in our third year at this facility. What a joy it has been to see this place grow; and the pride and satisfaction we have all gained knowing we are helping so many. Our bulging file cabinets speak for themselves. We love running into past clients and hearing that they’re still lice free. It’s even more rewarding to realize that they took more than just a clean head with them; as many share the knowledge they have gained. It appears our goals and dreams, however slow coming, are being fulfilled.

Yet even as we see such positive results we know we are not out of the woods yet. Three years ago, when we set out to open the first ever Non Profit Head Lice Awareness and Control Center; we knew we would face many challenges. The fact that head lice continues to be a subject most people choose to ignore, has only complicated our efforts. However aware of the difficulties we might have been, we still never dreamed it would be so hard. So concerned was I about outgrowing our space, that I committed to a lease that allowed us room to grow. Unfortunately lack of funding has kept us from completing our build-out and we continue to pay for space that is currently unused. With our upcoming commitment of another 5 years, at this location, wouldn’t it be great to finally benefit from this use of this space?

At Lice Solutions we continue to look for ways to improve our programs. We willingly work with all school nurses to ensure that even the neediest child receives a lice free head and we do so without any compensation from the schools, school system or the county we so generously serve. While we’ve had many promises of support over the last three years, very little has actually materialized. We developed a partnership with FAU’s School of Nursing that will eventually bring with it much needed support. However it too, is slow in coming. We continue to submit requests for funding but have yet to be recognized as a popular cause- after all lice are not life threatening. The bulk of the burden continues to fall solely on the laps of those individuals who are trying their hardest to help.

So what can you do to help us help you? We ask that each of you consider options available to you that would help further this cause. Does your employer offer matching funds? Do they have a program where they will make a small donation based on your volunteer time? Are they willing to help sponsor a booth in our upcoming fundraiser or supply an ad to be included in our pamphlet. Do they offer a grants program? Are you personally able to make even a small donation? Even $10.00 makes a world of difference. Whether you get involved by way of a financial donation, volunteering your time or helping spread the word, we must each do our share to help control the spread of head lice. Only by working together can we hope to make a difference.

It’s easy to have good intentions when lice are invading your home; however all too often when the lice move on, so do our lives. We must all remember that in order to keep our family lice free, we must continue to ensure that help is available for everyone. As I like to tell my clients- I don’t need Lice Solutions for my daughter- if she got it- I could treat her. I do however need it to help keep her safe from exposure in the first place. While we realize there is life after lice- we hope you will continue to support our cause so that we can continue to serve the community.

Finally, we ask that you try to encourage media exposure. Coverage comes only when interest or need exist. We are thankful for Channel 5 and their Kelly’s Heroes segment. Thankful also for the coverage gained from the Palm Beach Post. If you haven’t seen the article yet, we invite you to look it up on our web site at www.licesolutions.org. It’s this kind of continued exposure that will help us grow and allow parents to know they are not alone.

A few weeks back the staff and I ordered Chinese for lunch- upon opening my fortune cookie I found a message that we have continued to laugh about “You are more likely to give- than give in!”. It’s true I’ve always been accused of being somewhat stubborn- OK, so more accurately the dig in kind of stubborn.; but never has a statement been more true than its description of my role in this facility. Three years later- I continue to give - give of my time (I continue to work without drawing a paycheck), give ofmy finances (we personally gave over $30,000 last year- an amount that has caused great personal financial hardship), and give of my energy (regularly working 50+ hours a week at the facility, as well as answering desperate calls and emails 24/7). But give in to the idea that this is only a pipe dream. That our community would not jump on board to help support such a worthy cause- No Way! Last week we once again ordered Chinese (seems to be a favorite around here!) and that message read “Your present plans are going to succeed!” And now check out my latest fortune below!!! Hey maybe I’m on the right track after all- well at least the little Chinese man seems to agree!!

Respectfully yours,

Katie Shepherd,
Executive Director