9148, Mother Hale... Posted by spiritual_harvest, Fri Feb-01-02 09:15 AM
Clara Hale...a Queen Mother who taught us about love, sacrifice, and commitment to the community. Clara Hale was a rare individual who had left her loving imprint on the lives of thousands. In 1940, Mrs. Clara Hale learned that she could become a foster mother. During the next 25 years, she became known as ‘Mother Hale’ to over 40 children. As problems associated with drug abuse exploded in the Harlem community, Mrs. Hale's family implored her to take action. Within six months, she had 22 babies of heroin-addicted women in her five-room apartment. Soon, she had helped establish a home for infants addicted before birth. It was the first--and only known program--in the U.S. designed to deal with infants born addicted to illegal drugs. In 1975, Hale House became the "Center for the Promotion of Human Potential," a licensed voluntary childcare agency. At that time, it was the only black voluntary agency in the country. She also founded Homeward Bound to help mothers recovering from drug alcohol problems to re-enter society and assume their parental responsibilities. "Mother" Hale had cared for over 500 children at Hale House. She was a nurturing, loving, comforting woman who genuinely cared about the future of these otherwise friendless children. "You can, you know you can--I know you can!" were words spoken by a woman who has proven the endless capacity of the human spirit. Mother Hale died in 1993. Women's International Center dedicated the Living Legacy Awards to the memory of the great Clara Hale in 1993, Lorraine Hale accepted our dedication to her magnificent mother. Clara Hale helped children from everywhere and had love for babies and infants. She set a good influence for the children. In 1992, "Harlem lost and heaven gained an angel" when Mother Hale died.
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