Laura Huxley started this program
in 1978. "The inspiration for this project," she says, "comes out
of my personal experience with a child. Throughout my years as a
therapist, I witness the devastating results of under caring at the dawn
of life. Living with a child is a daily confirmation that we must
initiate the nurturing process at the earliest possibility - it is not
too soon to start before conception."
The inaugural conference for Children:
Our Ultimate Investment was held in Los Angeles in April, 1978. One
of the objectives of C:OUI was to develop Project Caress. That summer,
Mrs. Huxley opened a center as a pilot project of C: OUI. At the
center, mothers left their children for a few hours a day in the care of
seniors and staff members. Seniors over age sixty would hold, caress,
and rock the infants. The media responded with great interest, and
a K.C.E.T. videotape is available for viewing (VHS - 30 min.).
The goals of the program are to
encourage communication between the young and the young at heart.
Project Caressing continues to function under the auspices of Children:
Our Ultimate Investment. Project Caressing invites mothers or fathers
and their young children, to visit seniors in local nursing homes, or other
senior facilities. Caressing rooms are set up with rocking chairs,
toys, and warm loving smiles. The opportunity for these older citizens
to love and caress an infant brings joy and fulfillment to their lives.
Project Caressing will share an important part of life with someone who
has a lot of love to give.
