Bedtime is their Jam: How Pajama Program Helps Foster Kids
Legacy isn’t about leaving something for people; it’s about leaving something in people. ~Peter Strople
I live with a keen awareness of what my life could have looked like: growing up in an institution or group home— as is the reality for 11% of the 443,000 children in foster care in the US.
Fortunately, I was adopted. Best part, my parents. They made everyday moments magical. Especially bedtime. In our house, pajamas and bedtime stories went together like peanut butter and jelly.
The beauty of pajamas and bedtime stories? It’s ritual— a way of establishing habits of discipline and self-care. It’s also a time of uninterrupted connection, a rare thing in a world consumed and driven by technology. And even more rare for kids growing up without the sense of safety and belonging that we, with family and forever homes, often take for granted.
Where am I going with this story? To Pajama Program, a nonprofit founded by Genevieve Piturro.
The concept is simple. The impact is huge.
Pajama Program gives new pajamas and books to children living in unstable situations- be it homelessness, foster care or poverty. And, when possible, volunteers to read with. The idea? To give kids “not only an escape from their immediate reality, but, more important, a good night’s sleep and a better tomorrow.” They deliver “love, support and benefits far beyond clothing and reading.”
This year, more than 780 volunteers have completed 6620 hours of reading with more than 7750 children.
Why Pajama Program? Obviously, the topic is personal to me. And because I had the pleasure of interviewing Genevieve 10 years ago. Ever since, I’ve looked to her as an example of the power of empathy, clarity, determination.
A glimpse through her lens: “Remember the big kids who know the score. They’re (in group homes) until they’re 18. And then they’re released to the world. (And when you see how surprised they are that you brought pajamas for them, too), you know you’re probably the only one in the whole year who’s thought of them… who didn’t have to.”
“Who didn’t have to.”
Today is National Nonprofit Day.
Like they say: It’s not what’s your work. Rather, who will you fight for?
To help, go to: pajamaprogram.org ❤️
Photo Credit: Laurie Pillow for Children’s Home Society