Bebe,
I know you're a busy lady and I apologize for adding more stress to your plate. That news station is horrible and is known for being ugly about exposing things in San Antonio. I was very surprised when my mom told me about them doing a story on Woodside since the camp isn't exactly in the San Antonio area. They are pushy and as I've seen before, usually have their minds made up about how they are going to report something before they even show up. I can imagine they weren't too pleasant when touring camp and also shot just the things they thought were bad and none of the good things.
I just want you to know that I support camp 100 percent. I know that you are all doing great work for those kids and love them like your own. I've been working for Woodside on and off (took some time off after having a baby) since 2000. I'm not sure if you remember, but my mom and I actually visited Woodside back in 2000 around November/December. The staff was very nice to us and we toured Shady Oaks. We saw the brand new school facility that hadn't opened yet (didn't see that on the news report) and the new office building also.
I've read in the logs countless times when staff would take kids on home visits on their off time, buy them dinner/meals with their own money, take them to church, and I've also read about various kids getting baptized recently. They didn't seem to report any of that. I've also typed up many of Rhonda's voxes along with Tina and other counselors' notes that show that Woodside is very committed to working with not only the kids in their care but also the families that they will be returning to after camp life or whatever the situation may be. They have reunited kids with biological siblings, family members that some haven't seen in many years. I have typed up notes where kids were taken to the mall, movies, swimming, and many other activities that some haven't done in years or very often when living at home or even at all.
I see a lot of good happening at Woodside and I see a lot of good people that work there new and old. I can just imagine your frustration when dealing with the news reporters and them not capturing all sides of the Woodside story. I don't honestly think they were there to do that but to only show Woodside in a negative light. I feel very fortunate that camp supports me in my job as a typist, which allows me to stay home with my children every day. I enjoy the work I do and hope that I (we as typists) are providing a vital communication for all staff. Becky has been a wonderful boss and I couldn't ask for a better way to earn some extra money while my kids are little.
Thank you again for the opportunity to work for camp. I feel like God is watching over Woodside and sees all the good that comes out of your program. I will keep Woodside and you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Suzanne (Suz)