Feb 172010
I just returned from delivering some items to Jonathan’s Place. JP is an emergency shelter providing specialized services and 24-hour residential care to abused and neglected children. They are also the only licensed emergency shelter in Dallas County that provides residential services for children in crisis under the age of ten.
The center came to my attention through a colleague in my office during the Super Bowl. Dallas Cowboy DeMarcus Ware and his wife are supporters of JP and brought the center to national attention as part of Pepsi’s Refresh, Super Bowl Promotion. DeMarcus Ware is one of a handful of local celebrities that support the charity. On my visit I saw the T. Boone Pickens, as well as Mike Modano Cottages. Dirk Nowitski’s Foundation is also a key contributor to Jonathan’s Palce.
It’s hard to describe my experience at Jonathan’s Palce. The facilities themsleves are gorgeous. Very warm, well thought out, and homey. Not the sterile hospital like environment some may expect.
It’s hard for me to describe my experience and visit to Jonathan’s Place. Very Positive for sure, but definitely makes you think.
The author of this famous quote/idea has been lost, according to Wikipedia, but it came into my head while touring the grounds with Director Doug Hood. Most recently attributed to Cardinal Roger Mahony (1998):
“Any society, any nation, is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members; the last, the least, the littlest.”
That hit home in particular during the tour as we entered one of the cottages and were greeted by 7 or 8 children between the ages of I’d guess 8 mos and 3 yrs old. Babies. I have a 15 month old sparkling baby ninja myself. These children in front of me were no different than my own; except up until recently someone had been harming these children. It simply isn’t right. It should not be tolerated.
They sat staring at me, bed head from having just awoken from nap time, eating cheerios and drinking juice while trying to get their bearings. Cute little babies.
The overwhelming feeling I got then, and what I took away from JP was this: Of all the charities I’ve ever been associated with, from charity boards to simply donating a dollar at the checkout at Tom Thumb were great – but this one, Jonathan’s Place, was one that truly helps the most helpless members of our society at a time when they need help the most.
I will continue to help Jonathan’s Place be what it is - a shelter from a horrible storm.
For more information, or direction on how to donate to Jonathan’s Place, call Doug Hood @ 972-303-5303 x 212.
Morgan Ryan
Morgan Ryan is a senior broker and forensic insurance specialist at SIG Insurance Professionals. Mr. Ryan has over 15 years of successful experience in many different sectors of the commercial insurance industry. In addition to his advanced technical and market knowledge, Morgan brings a client-first attitude to every relationship. His #1 goal is to provide value to his clients by maximizing and giving time, their most valuable asset. Morgan can be reached directly at (972)490-2311 or via email at morgan.ryan@trustsig.com.
