In Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors, Children's Defense Fund president Marian Wright Edelman pays tribute to those who guided her journey to ensure that no children in America are left behind.

Reviewed by Morris Rodentstein

Pursuing Justice
In the 1990's, the federal government ended its 60-year safety net guarantee to the poor, shifting responsibility to the states and local communities with limited resources. This means that the burden increasingly has moved to community groups, like America's churches, synagogues, temples and mosques, which have a long tradition of caring for the needy—a shift in responsibility that challenges the foundation of faith communities across the country.

The San Francisco Beacon Initiative is a public-private partnership that promotes youth and family centers in our public schools. The goal of the Initiative is to offer opportunities, services and activities that promote the healthy development of children, youth, families and communities.

The Beacon Centers transform public schools into youth and family centers that become a beacon of activity for the surrounding neighborhood.

To promote growth in the community through comprehensive marketing and educational programs. To enhance the abilities of youths through mentoring, tutoring, money management are just a few avenues we will incorporate to accomplish these goals.

Partnering with families and communities to build a strong foundation for young children to succeed in school and in life.

Fighting for truth, justice and equality in family law, and to promote that idea that children need both parents

NEAT strengthens, engages and empowers St. Paul public school parents, parent organizations and community members working to improve public education in St. Paul.

To provide or facilitate services for local families and individuals, including education, referral or other support, by bringing together professional staff, volunteers and broad community support.

Can art be an ally in fighting the lure of the streets? Ask the kids who attend the Artists' Collective, an after-school program in Hartford, Connecticut, which has enriched their lives with art, music, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment.

Social workers in Seattle, Washington, created Treehouse to help make foster kids' wishes come true.