Why Us Kids?

03/26/2026

Dear Gracie,

As I celebrate this milestone moment, I want to extend a joyous happy 13th birthday wish to my extraordinary granddaughter, Gracie Parker. Time may have flown by, but the memory of your arrival into this world remains vivid, and I'm reminded that you're Oma's precious first grandchild. From the moment you were born, you captured my heart, and your presence in my life has been a treasured blessing, filling my world with love and purpose alongside your Opa. Your passion to create positive change for your generation and those to come is a beacon of hope and inspiration. You've blossomed into a remarkable young woman, radiating compassion, beauty, and resilience, and we're beaming with pride over the incredible accomplishments you've achieved by overcoming childhood adversities. As you embark on this new chapter of your teenage years, I eagerly anticipate witnessing the amazing feats you'll accomplish and the impact you'll make. Happy birthday, Gracie, may your life be filled with love, and know that my love for you reaches from here to the moon and back, always.

Elke Aka Oma

12/25/2025

We want to extend our warmest wishes to everyone for a joyous Christmas and a New Year that is filled with promise, health, and success from all of us at Whyuskids. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your unwavering support throughout this year and look forward to continuing to raise awareness of the ever-growing youth mental health crisis. When will we recognize that this new young generation is facing unprecedented challenges and trauma, far exceeding what our parents endured? It is time for us to take proactive measures to empower this generation, my generation, by investing in prevention, such as providing trauma counselors in all elementary schools. By focusing on prevention rather than intervention, we can create a brighter future - one that is filled with hope and promise.
Love Gracie

12/13/2025

I got over 10 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

12/08/2025

On Thursday December 4th we united at the Community Center in Highlands NC for a Bingo Fundraiser sponsored by the Highland’s Rotary Club to empower our organization Whyuskids! We had an incredible turnout with approximately 90 people attending and had a blast playing bingo, bidding on fantastic prizes in our silent auction and Raffle. We were blessed with generous donations from local businesses and friends and supporters. We had a triumphant event and are grateful to everyone who came out to support us. Special thanks to the Highland Rotary Club for sponsoring the event and all our amazing volunteers and supporters.

Remember: Prevention not Intervention for the future of my generation.
Love Gracie

05/23/2025

I got 20 reactions and comments on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

05/11/2025

Gracie presented a powerful speech at the Fentanyl and Mental Health Awareness event in Chesapeake Virginia which will be remembered by all.
This also gave her an opportunity to sell some of her book “Shattered - life’s broken by substance sure and how we put the pieces back together” whose proceeds all go right to her 501C3 nonprofit organization Whyuskids.
Thank you to all who purchased a book today and got Gracie to sign your book.
To anyone who wasn’t able to get a book and would like to get one, you can go to our website www.whyuskids.org or go directly to amazon to get yours today!
Thank you for all your help and support for Gracie to continue her mission/ calling to get those trauma counselors into all schools , especially in elementary schools
to allow all of these kids from this next generation to become healthy and productive adults!
Opa and I are so proud of you, Gracie . We love you so much! You and your generation can and will change the world!!!❤️

05/10/2025

05/10/2025

We are currently at Mount Pleasant Farms in Chesapeake, VA, attending a Fentanyl and mental health awareness event. The day is going well and the event is successful. We have met many new people, but our shared objective is to address the crisis and provide essential support to children and young adults immediately. Gracie's message resonated strongly with the audience once more.

02/08/2025

Please send msg and share post , this is our last hope ❤️‍🩹🙏❤️‍🩹


https://www.facebook.com/100081526954876/posts/618047157589511/?app=fbl

11/17/2024

Gracie’s message at todays “Musicians for Hope” benefits concerts for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

11/06/2024

Our friend is doing a birthday fundraiser to help me and WHYUSKIDS spread the word about the need for trauma councelors in elementary schools

Thank you in advance

https://www.facebook.com/share/187fGidpSo/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Thank you

Gracie