Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder is a program created by Potato Sprout 501(c)(3) to provide toys, learning tools and other fun products to children in the foster care system. There are an estimated half a million children in foster care, with that number growing every year. Crime, drugs, poverty, neglect and abuse have destroyed many American families, forcing frightened children into often strange and unfamiliar homes.

The inspiration for this program is a seven year old African-American boy named Jacob that I met while working at the Children's Institute in Los Angeles. Children's Institute specializes in providing treatment for children traumatized by neglect and abuse.

Jacob, and his four siblings, were removed from their mother in Texas after a tragic house fire that killed his nine year old sister. Upon investigation, The Department of Child and Family Services discovered Jacob and his siblings had been severely neglected and abused.

Although now in a loving home, Jacob still struggles with the residual effects of his abuse: post traumatic stress, flashbacks, nightmares, explosive rages and a difficulty trusting healthy attachment figures. Like other boys his age, he loves cartoons, playstation games, superheroes and basketball.

While a new toy on his birthday or Christmas will not cure Jacob or other foster children of their pain, it will serve to alleviate their suffering for that moment in time. If even one day in a foster child's life is filled with joy, then the mission of Jacob's Ladder has been successful.

To give toys or learning products to Jacob's Ladder, please call George Sachs at 646.418.5035. All in-kind donations are tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your kindness.