Our Kurn Hattin Homes family has been devastated and heartbroken by the recent media coverage we have received. We have served thousands of children during our 125 year history. Every single one of them is a valued member of our family, no matter the year or decade that they attended, and we care deeply about each of them. We want to acknowledge and commend the courage of the individuals who have come forward. We are committed to listening to their stories no matter how difficult that will be for them and for us. Their strength is amazing. The thought that any child has suffered at the hands of any one at the Homes at any time brings us tremendous pain and sorrow.
During these past few weeks, we have been deeply moved and humbled by the overwhelming number of messages of support and encouragement that we have received from friends and supporters from all over the country. These messages have come from alumni, families of current and past students, volunteers, donors, referral sources, and community members. They are heartwarming to read and they speak volumes about the positive impact that the Homes has had on so many lives for so long.
Here is a small sampling of the comments we have received recently:
“I am a parent of one alumnus of Kurn Hattin and another, soon to be, alumna. I am writing in support of Kurn Hattin and to contrast our experiences with the characterization spelled out in the Vermont Digger articles. Our experience is the antithesis of what is depicted in these articles. Our family has benefited from the Kurn Hattin experience for almost a decade. Not once did I ever have a concern about leaving my children in their care. I hope that independent investigations address recent allegations and Kurn Hattin’s good name is cleared. I also encourage everyone to take the time to visit their web site and acknowledge the Core Values they exemplify and teach every day to their children.”
~ Ed Nasta, West Glover, VT
“Thank you, Kurn Hattin, I made it thru high school…I’m a great mom to a bucket load of kids! I reach for the stars because I know anything is possible if I just try!“
~Ashley Minchenko, class of 2004, Henderson, NC
“… as a long-time regular tutor…I find the school to be a warm, welcoming place for all the children… I am especially glad to see high academic standards, a strong arts component….and an inter-racial atmosphere which respects diversity.”
~Elayne Clift, Saxtons River, VT, volunteer tutor
“I have been working with Kurn Hattin for 8 years, both of my grandsons have attended, one graduated in 2016 and one is a current student. I have had hundreds of positive interactions with the staff and I can’t say enough good things about both of their experiences. They have a positive way of dealing with children when they are struggling that helps them understand how to cope in difficult situations…everyone works together so that children learn, grow, and become the best version of themselves.”
~Jan Gould, grandmother, Springfield, VT
“I appreciate the detailed information about your recent (and not-so-recent) experiences with Vermont DCF. My mother (Leah Robinson) and I remain committed to supporting Kurn Hattin Homes with our donations. I hope all of your donors will react in this same way and continue their support as well.”
~ Patricia White, Chesterfield, VA
“I am sorry that the media is treating you unfairly. Kurn Hattin provided me a safe place to grow and learn in the midst of a chaotic time with my family. As an adult, I’m in a place where I can show my appreciation through action with financial contributions. I have supported Kurn Hattin, and will continue to.”
~Thankfully, George C. Colby III, M.Ed, class of 1982, Camano Island, WA
We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire greater Kurn Hattin Homes community for your encouragement, your kindness, and your belief in our mission and our important work with the children we serve. We feel privileged to be able to serve them, and we look forward to doing so for another 125 years.
Thank you,
Sue Kessler, Assistant Executive Director, (603) 313-2435 (cell)
Steve Harrison, Executive Director, (802) 289-7367 (cell)