Carolyn's Memorial Fund
The children services agency Kids In Crisis has been receiving an outpouring of attention and donations since the Bessette family announced that the nonprofit organization would establish a fund in Carolyn Bessette Kennedy?'s name.
In lieu of flowers, the family hopes to serve Carolyn?'s memory with a gift to Connecticut?'s most vulnerable citizens.CBS News Correspondent Randall Pinkston visited the organization and spoke with Executive Director Shari Shapiro.
For more than 20 years, Kids In Crisis has served its namesakes from two bases in the greater Greenwich area of southwestern Connecticut.
From infants to adolescents, the private group counsels, houses and helps children overcome crises of all kinds. The two homes run by the agency serve children affected by homelessness, abuse and family conflict.
"The staff is able to take a child who has been severely traumatized and teach them how to smile again," says Shapiro.
While Carolyn had not been involved with the agency, her mother Ann Freedman has been a longtime volunteer there.
Freedman, who changed her name from Bessette after remarrying, is most active helping the group raise funds. But, as Shapiro explains, "It?'s very hard to come to this organization and not get involved with the kids."
The Bessette family picked the children?'s organization because of longtime ties.
"Their reason for choosing Kids In Crisis was because of their belief in our mission," Shapiro said.
She added that she?'s received letters, telephone calls, and an "outpouring from the community" since the Bessette Fund was established.
Donations to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Fund:
Kids In Crisis
1 Salem Street
Cos Cob, CT 06807
(203) 861-2561
Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes to serve Carolyn?'s memory with a gift to Connecticut?'s most vulnerable citizens.CBS News Correspondent Randall Pinkston visited the organization and spoke with Executive Director Shari Shapiro.
For more than 20 years, Kids In Crisis has served its namesakes from two bases in the greater Greenwich area of southwestern Connecticut.
 Full Coverage and Extensive Video From CBS News |
From infants to adolescents, the private group counsels, houses and helps children overcome crises of all kinds. The two homes run by the agency serve children affected by homelessness, abuse and family conflict.
"The staff is able to take a child who has been severely traumatized and teach them how to smile again," says Shapiro.
While Carolyn had not been involved with the agency, her mother Ann Freedman has been a longtime volunteer there.
Freedman, who changed her name from Bessette after remarrying, is most active helping the group raise funds. But, as Shapiro explains, "It?'s very hard to come to this organization and not get involved with the kids."
The Bessette family picked the children?'s organization because of longtime ties.
"Their reason for choosing Kids In Crisis was because of their belief in our mission," Shapiro said.
She added that she?'s received letters, telephone calls, and an "outpouring from the community" since the Bessette Fund was established.
Donations to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Fund:
Kids In Crisis
1 Salem Street
Cos Cob, CT 06807
(203) 861-2561
