Numbers aren’t only factor

We all know funding for social programs is shrinking. It’s a tough time for those who make decisions regarding valuable social programs. I certainly don’t envy their jobs.

In such tight economic times, it’s tempting to consider only numbers in order to squeeze every bit of value out of a dollar. In over 35 years as a nurse and mental health therapist, I’ve found that numbers don’t always tell the whole story.

Young families with multisystem problems have found a safety net in the Early Head Start program at Crosswalk. They are given education, social support and a chance to make a life for themselves and their children. This safety net, and the preventive functions it provides, have proved to save tax dollars in the long run.

Moving the program to another location in order to make numbers look different won’t change the fact that these families still need the safety net provided by Early Head Start.

Ginger Metcalf

Spokane