Where are the people who will make up the work force in Michigan when I retire in fifteen years? In the perfect world of our minds the future workforce of Michigan is tucked into bed in their footy sleepers, warm and cozy, with loving parents to look in on them and admire their innocence while they sleep.

But just in case you haven’t looked around, right here in rural Northern Michigan, away from the crime and urban sprawl, our children are suffering. More than 63% of our children are suffering from poverty. What does this mean to the picture of those warm, safe, well-loved sleeping children in their footy pajamas?? Well, many are freezing from lack of heat and hungry from limited food. Chronic illness from stress and unhealthy environments, only one parent working so hard to support them they have little time to show them love. Oh, and the other children sleeping on someone else’s floor or couch because they don’t have a home, they can’t afford one. We shouldn’t overlook the lack of dental care available so many of our children suffer with chronic mouth pain and don’t even realize it.

People are suffering today, but our children and OUR future will suffer longer if we do not find a way to keep our kids safe, loved, warm, and fed. Until then, I am afraid………