I’m grumpy today, but it has helped hearing the news about non-profits. Finally! There is nothing more important than to have the government pay their fair share by giving grants to programs that help our youth and seniors. Recently, the Cocoon House in Everett was denied a $200,000 grant. Why, government? Look into it, government. The program takes in homeless youths, gets them away from drugs, gives them a place to sleep, feeds them, counsels them and requires continued education. You might say that cuts have to come from somewhere. Why here? You are supporting our youth by giving them the opportunity to grow into healthy adults. It doesn’t stop here. Once graduating from school they need additional education, whether it be college, trade school or even the school of hard knocks. It must be their choice. They are intelligent, just scared.

One small program, one small first step is the way to protect our future. You can’t expect to be so fragmented in trying to support here and everywhere. Start granting more programs like this. How wise to use the taxpayers’ dollar from all and then let the individual choose where they would like to donate their own money. Choices, how healthy. Government, please be a leader in accepting the reality of not being able to solve all our problems. Start at the beginning, continue in the middle, continue to the end of life with programs like this. We are important. We are human. We all need help. We will benefit. It might even put a smile on our faces, LOL.

Sandra Barton

Everett