(CBS 5) There are few things as typical in suburbia as kids riding bikes, a grandfather walking a dog, and a welcome mat at the front door. But one quiet North Bay neighborhood isn't really typical at all. It's the creation of Lia Rowley, a social work consultant moved to action after horrendous crime.
"She was a 12-year-old girl who was murdered and her body was found in Petaluma," says Lia of foster child Georgia Moses. Georgia's murder in 1998 affected Lia deeply.
"I was just very moved by her death. She was someone I knew and I thought it was time for me to start doing something about it, and started the village," Lia explains.
Lia envisioned a quiet cul-de-sac where foster children could live in real family homes, a place where siblings could be placed together, a place where kids could feel the security of permanence.
"Definitely the fact that there's a whole village to support them is going to maybe really create a very positive, a much more positive outcome," she says.
It took nine years and a lot of volunteers to make Lia's dream a reality. And last year, the Children's Village officially opened its doors.
"I have a whole new family of ten children," this mother of five laughs. "And pretty soon it will be 15, and pretty soon it will be 24!"
Six children will live in each home. Across the street: a surprise.
Lia says, "We have been extremely fortunate having three wonderful grandparents who live here on site and are exactly what they're supposed to be to these children and that's being a grandparent."
Foster grandparent Hank Mattimore says living in the Village has been a wonderful change in his own life.
"There are older people who would say, this is their idea of hell, you know, what? You're going into a village of little kids? What are you doing?" Hank says with a laugh. "But I've always liked it. I just do. Kids bring an energy and enthusiasm to life, a sense of wonder that's beautiful to see."
Hank pitches in like any dedicated grandfather.
"I'll take kids to doctors' appointments and to school. Sometimes I'll do some tutoring in the afternoons. Sometimes it's just as simple as going out for an ice cream with a kid who's struggling," he says.
Lia is still working hard to make sure more children get to be part of this supportive community. A new community center is already under construction. And when all the building is finished, the Village will be home to 48 children and their foster parents, and six grandparents.
"When I think about foster kids, it hurts me a lot to think of what happens to some of them, and how totally unnecessary it is," says Lia. "So it inspires me to see a different vision for these children."
So for building her own vision for a Children's Village to create a more permanent, secure home for children, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Lia Rowley.
By Kate Kelly
Related Links:
The Children's Village of Sonoma County
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