“Hope is a species of happiness, and perhaps the chief happiness which this world affords.”- Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson’s quote has never been more appropriate than today! Currently, with the epidemic surge rising up ahead of us yet again, we have to rely on hope as the most important ingredient in each day. I hope that despite the despair that seems to prevail that we will use this unique opportunity to embrace a renewed sense of kindness and caring for each other. I have been clinging to the HOPE that school would restart this August, so that an extra pair of eyes would be on the well being of children. I wonder how much hope children have now, who once knew that if they could get to school there was the hope of food and kindness; and a teacher or aide or someone who could recognize their need for safety. I hope their family and neighbors are paying attention…

I hope everyday that 30 plus years of building a system to protect children and families would not be discarded as unimportant because a wave of this epidemic sweeps over the country and the world for that matter. I weep at the thought that these children and their families are forgotten.

I have been living with the hope that the emergency response funded from the Mayor’s office will recognize the need for giving women living with violence the hope of a future of continued safe housing, jobs, child care, and education.

I have been waiting for the past 7 years for a solution to the homeless problem in this County. There are such great ideas out there that get buried quickly under the weight of greed and inefficiency. I hope that this health crisis will bring cool heads to the table.

I wonder if the University of Southern California will recognize the unique position it holds in Los Angeles, the County, the city, as well as in this country by providing the leadership on pioneering a university-wide coalition of professors, students, and administrators who will guarantee equity for students, faculty, as well as for this community we live in and must serve. Can this same University come with humility to the people of this county and to its agencies and ask: “How can we help with this crisis? How do we build a better Los Angeles?”

Most of all I hope that all of the entities with the power, influence, and money to make a real difference in our lives and will put aside personal gain and fame, to ask the people who live here – HOW CAN WE HELP? I also hope that they will listen carefully to the answers that come back from our community.

VIP is ready and able to participate in embracing the community, our fellow providers and faculty, the students and our patients – with the creation of the path to hope.

–Astrid