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Alumni Profile
Janet Henry '88
A parent of 317, mother of 4, and grandmother of 8 sits surrounded by photos of friends and family, and recounts with me her days as a student at Southern Vermont College. With no driver's license, Janet Henry walked to and from the College from downtown Bennington to attend classes. She also walked or used a shuttle to get to the market, doctors' offices, pharmacy, and the many other places her busy schedule required. Janet speaks with pride of her many accomplishments--and she is not short of accomplishments. Janet is a foster mother, and she's been in the business for nearly twenty years. The impact Janet has had on the lives of over 300 children has been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, including Radiance and Glamour magazines. Janet is remembered in two books written by former foster children, and has received many awards, including Vermont's Foster Parent award in 1992. One of her greatest accomplishments is the degree she earned from Southern Vermont College, which she proudly displays among her photos and memorabilia. Janet believes that Southern Vermont College has impacted her life in much the way it benefits the entire community. Many of the people who are involved with the Bennington-area Foster Care program are alum of Southern Vermont College, and they all work together to make permanent changes in the lives of the children with whom they temporarily work. Janet has used her knowledge of the Criminal Justice System to get herself and many of her foster children through some difficult times. Janet Henry carries out the mission of Southern Vermont College by believing in the potential of every individual who walks through her door. Knowing there is an adult who has faith in you and who will be behind you through thick and thin gives a new self-confidence to children who have been though tremendous ordeals. It is the kind of confidence that allowed one of Janet's "children" to run for-and win-the Miss Teen USA contest. Janet, herself a troubled youth, understands and has an amazing compassion for these children. Her home provides a safe and comfortable place where they can heal and learn to believe in themselves. Living in the Henry group home is no free ride. The children are all expected to respect one another, and to obey the many rules. These rules were highlighted in Charlotte Lopez's book, Lost in the System, and include:
#9. Respect to all members of the household is necessary for a happy and harmonious home; therefore, all complaints must be discussed and worked out through a family meeting whenever someone feels it is necessary. #12. Everyone is expected to be home for the dinner hour (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) unless special arrangements have been made. Kitchen is closed at 7:00 p.m. The list-28 rules in all-contains rules about homework, grades, bedtimes, social arrangements, and chores. Scattered among the rules are constant reminders of the fact the she cares for them (#15. I am always available to talk), and that they are worthwhile human beings, deserving of respect, and expected to behave as such. Janet's list of rules is famous among Bennington residents and police officers; she was once dubbed "The Warden on Silver Street," and she keeps tight reins on the children she cares for. "Children," Janet explained to me, "need to know what the rules are; they need boundaries." It is a rare person who can successfully measure love and discipline in such equal amounts. Janet provides both, with an easy laugh and a great sense of humor. Despite the long hours, unpredictable pay, and lack of benefits, Janet currently has no plans to change careers. She encourages others to learn more about the Foster-care system, and to consider joining the small-but-dedicated group of people who spend their lives improving the lives of others'. Visit The Alumni Profile Archives |
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