Tuesday, December 02, 2025

Author: Thomas P. Royer, Beech Brook President/CEO

The winter holidays often shine a light on our community's most visible needs - children without coats, parents struggling to put food on the table, and families worried about paying utility bills or providing gifts for their children are urgent challenges that require immediate attention. While addressing these short-term needs is critical, it is equally important to recognize and respond to the underlying factors—poverty, housing instability, limited access to mental health care, and gaps in social support—that create ongoing stress for families.

At Beech Brook, our mission is to help children and families thrive by meeting both immediate needs and fostering long-term stability. Providing a meal, a coat, or a toy brings instant relief, but lasting transformation comes from consistent support, prevention-focused services, and strengthening the systems that help families remain steady over time. Through counseling, case management, early intervention programs, and our Family Center’s resources, we empower families to navigate challenges, build resilience, and create a foundation for lasting success.

Investing in families in this dual way—addressing short-term needs while building long-term stability—benefits the entire community. Children thrive in school, parents maintain employment, and families are better able to handle challenges without crisis. Programs like the Family Center provide both immediate assistance and ongoing support, ensuring families can meet today’s needs while working toward a secure and thriving future.

Supporting Beech Brook is an investment in the future of our community. Your donation, time, or advocacy helps families in the moment and lays the groundwork for long-term success. Stability is the foundation for growth, and with your support, we can help children and families not just survive, but truly thrive—today and for years to come.

- Thomas P. Royer, Beech Brook President/CEO