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On October 2, Every Child Matters and the Invest in Kids Campaign hosted an “Invest in Kids
Rally” near Washington University, the site of the Vice-Presidential Debate between Senator Joe Biden of Delaware running with Barack Obama, and Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska the running mate of John McCain.
 To kick-off the event, there was a press conference in the morning at Edgewood
Children’s Center. Representatives from Almost Home, Citizens for Missouri’s Children
and Girl’s Inc. were among the attendees. Michael Petit, President of Every Child Matters, spoke about a wide-range of issues
impacting children and families including education and health care. Vince Hillyer,
President of Boys and Girls Town of Missouri, discussed local foster care issues
including the Aging Out Initiative to help youth transition to adulthood. Nathan Ross, a
former foster child who was adopted, spoke about his personal experiences recovering
from the trauma of abuse and neglect.
 Later in the day over 80 children and advocates gathered for the Kids Rally at
Washington University. Many groups participated including American Academy of
Pediatrics – MO Chapter, Catholic Charities Archdiocese St. Louis, Covenant House,
Evangelical Children’s Home, Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, Lutheran Family and
Children’s Services of Missouri, Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association,
Missouri Juvenile Justice Association and Presbyterian Children’s Services.
The Invest in Kids Campaign and our partners sent a strong message that candidates need
to focus on children’s issues. Michael Petit of Every Child Matters and Nathan Ross spoke passionately about how America needs to invest in our
children.
(videos in quicktime player)
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