My early experience teaching in an inner city school highlighted for me the lack of resources and opportunities for certain children. Young boys and girls with a myriad of problems came to school underfed, poorly dressed and without a support network to encourage their growth and development. With no structure in their lives, they were ill-equipped to handle the tasks required of them and often faced teachers and administrators who had given up on them. Unfortunately, these same situations exist today and in many ways are even more frustrating and complicated. Family economic security and housing issues continue to compound the difficulties of children's lives.

Children raised in impoverished families often do not have the opportunities that other children have. The years between child birth and the first school experience may have limited stimuli to encourage emotional and intellectual development that every child should be entitled to. Bedtime stories, walks in the woods, or visits to the circus are not always possible when other more pressing family needs demand attention. A child in this environment is already behind when he or she reaches kindergarten. When in school these children face inequities in the educational system that in many cases continue to be unaddressed. The temptation of drugs and alcohol can often be an easy escape from these realities.

I feel that there is little peace in the lives of our children today. Our fast paced technical world creates pressure and stress for children in unimaginable ways. For some it is the challenge of just making it through the day with the constant threat of abuse, for others it is the constant intense focus on getting the best grades to get in the best schools. For still others it is working against the obstacle of a mental or physical handicap.

As I have raised my family with the benefit of the resources necessary to help my sons grow into healthy, self-fulfilled adults, I have always kept the vision of those children not so fortunate. I continue to be saddened by the plight of many children in our society, which has so much, but is still marked by great inequities amongst its children.

I envision a country where all children have access to equal opportunities to grow up to be fully functioning adults who can contribute to our society. I believe that all parents want the best for their families and if given the skills will work to make it happen.

As co-founder of the Perrin Family Foundation I want to see all children mentally and physically healthy and well prepared to live a self-satisfying life.