Every day, children across the state, by no choice of their own, are thrust into situations that are bigger and more frightening than most things any of them ever imagined were hiding under their beds or in their closet at night. Despite our best efforts as a community to keep kids safe, no child is immune or exempt from the possibility of having crisis touch their lives on any given day. In a mere instant, screeching tires and crumpled metal may burst into their seemingly routine ride to or from school, or undetected thirsty flames may creep into their homes and steal away a huge piece of the child's world. Currently here in MI the ever-growing economic stresses are fueling domestic conflicts in our neighborhoods that are beyond a youngster's understanding, and daily, medical crisis and accidents interrupt a quiet playtime at home without warning. The frightening and confusing sights and sounds that go along with these uninvited, and unwelcome scenarios are what bring a community's fine emergency professionals onto the scenes, into the homes, and into the lives of this community's youngest citizens, at a time when they are most needed. Sadly at times, despite the best efforts of the most well-intentioned emergency worker, the tyranny of the crisis at hand leaves little or no time and few effective tools to distract, comfort, and calm the kids standing by with tear-filled eyes and broken and confused hearts.

As the Executive Director of Michigan With Wings and a Halo-R.E.A.C.H. a Child! I am so very eager as I anticipate the opportunity to announce the expansion of this into every community who desires to have their emergency first responders vehicles equipped with these B.A.C.K. Packets. By partnering with us each community's brave and busy first responders can have one more tool to make the very difficult and additional responsibility cast upon them a little bit easier when children are caught in the midst of a crisis.

Our B.A.C.K Packet initiative equips the vehicles in any department who so desires to partner with us with a red B.A.C.K. Packet filled with 10-12 new or to next to new children's books geared for all reading levels. It is intended that these books will be given out by these professionals to the frightened children encountered at the traumas like those described above. Through the gift of reading these children can power up the emergency vehicle that is built into every child who has a book in his or her hand-imagination. Books put the kids in the driver's seat of their imagination and gives them the keys and a map to escape the chaos and transport themselves to an emotionally safer and happier place. In addition, equipping a child with a book at a time of crisis promotes literacy and begins a healthy life-long coping mechanism for the times when they are overwhelmed.

As MI residents, we can be proud and comforted to know that already there are departments following in the steps of Blair Township Emergency Services, the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, The Traverse City Fire Department, and Grand Traverse Rural Fire Department and are going the extra mile to REACH a Child when they need it most. They recognize the opportunity to build bridges that will last a lifetime and in many cases, prevent scars on young hearts that could take a lifetime to heal. It would be incredible to have the privilege of partnering with the First Responders in every county across this state. The departments previously listed have gone above and beyond by answering the call to implement this program and it is my hope that everyone who visits this site will contact the emergency first responders in their own community and make them aware that the program is available and request that they get involved. The program does not impact the budgets of any department as it is supported by a strong and growing network of supporters and volunteers in each community.

It takes only one call (231-879-4640) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to our office to begin the process. It is remarkably simple and those who serve your community simply need to know about the B.A.C.K. Packet Program and that you want to see it available in your community. When someone takes a step that impacts the life of another in a positive way, especially a child's life it is a beautiful thing. Go ahead and give us a call or think about how you might get this Program started in your community and bring a smile to the face of a child at a time of need.

You can visit the National Website at www.withwingsandahalo.org.