Lisa Needs to Get Away From Family

It is difficult to understand initially why Lisa is trying so hard not to follow in her family’s footsteps. Her father and two brothers are talented artists who seem to be able to draw anything they see. Her mother and sister have beautiful singing voices and her sister writes poetry. But Lisa is keenly aware of how her family’s talents are going to waste. Her parents are alcoholics and her brothers and sister are drug users.

When sober they can be very supportive and loving, but it only takes a few drinks to turn them into a highly dysfunctional family.

Lisa, 12, has been involved with the Toberman Settlement House since taking part in its after-school programs a few years ago. And she’s learned that she does not have to follow in her family’s footsteps and is responsible for making her own choices.

Lisa sometimes spends nights at friends’ homes or plays the piano to escape her home life. She dreams of being a pianist or teacher. And Settlement House officials hope that by sending Lisa to camp this summer, they’ll offer her encouragement, a chance to relax and a week to be in a positive environment.

The 98-year-old organization has helped thousands of people escape poverty with programs ranging from child care, job training and after-school educational enrichment programs to summer camps. Most of these programs are free or offered at a low cost.

The Settlement House hopes to send about 70 children to the outdoors this summer for a daily curriculum that includes arts and crafts, rope courses, climbing and trips to the lakes at Stanley Ranch Camp. None of the participants will be asked to pay.

“I hate to tell someone who doesn’t have money they cannot go to camp,” says Howard Uller, Settlement House executive director.

The Los Angeles Times Summer Camp Program is donating $10,500 to the Toberman Settlement House this summer. Uller says the children who attend camp will be given a chance to experience the outdoors, have fun and have their eyes open to new surroundings and people.

Each year since 1954, readers and employees of the Los Angeles Times have sent thousands of needy children to camp through The Times Summer Camp Program. This year, the McCormick Tribune Foundation will match the first $1.2 million raised at 50 cents on the dollar.

It costs an average of $150 for a child to spend a week at summer camp. Checks should be sent to: L.A. Times Summer Camp Campaign, File No. 53401, Los Angeles, CA 90074-3401. Credit card payments can also be made by calling (213) 237-5771. Please do not send cash. All donations are tax-deductible.

It is the policy of the Los Angeles Times and the camp program to maintain and promote a culture of nondiscrimination and inclusiveness.