Wediko is a non-profit agency that partners with children, families, schools, and communities to provide services to children and adolescents presenting with many combinations of social, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning issues. Not only did I work at Wediko for 10 years and become the professional I am today as a result, I gained a second life-long family in the community that exists there. Most importantly, I learned more about courage, dedication, and life in general from the many kids and families I worked directly with over the years than I could ever describe. I witnessed incredible courage in kids facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and observed incredible staff members put their own lives on hold in order to be solidly present while guiding kids through those obstacles. I had the opportunity to see kids get their lives back and begin to believe in themselves so that they may have a brighter future. Wediko taught me about the power of humanity and what it truly means to be present for another person during some of their most distressing moments. I believe in Wediko's mission and have seen first-hand the quality of very important work being done with very hurt children and families. So, YES, I will be raising money and riding in The Wediko Century Ride (100 miles in 1 day from the Wediko NH campus to the Wediko Boston office) next September!!! This year's money raised will go to the "greening" of the Wediko campus in NH. With the greening project, money will be saved on energy costs so more money is available for programs and services.