After reading the letter to the editor titled “HYFS a community cornerstone at risk,” I felt it is important to add to this high level of concern from my own life experience. Families who come to the United States from other nations often embark on a journey driven by the hope of a better life, but they face many real life challenges. Especially during a time when technology is overcoming us at a fast pace and causing changes to our society’s lifestyles, leading to addictions of all kinds.

Many families also arrive without the crucial safety net of extended family or established social support systems. During hard times, community spaces like Hopkinton Youth & Family Services are the only place and most important one for families. Hopkinton is a successful town, and HYFS is a huge contribution to that success and should stay that way to support the future. Director of HYFS Dawn Alcott and the rest of HYFS staff play a big role in this. I think it is important for Hopkinton Youth & Family Services to be supported by the town as best as possible, especially in these challenging times.

— Haris Kisija, Hopkinton

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