The Power Of Being Seen

We all have a need to be seen. There are significant diferences in developmental outcomes between children who are seen and those who are unseen. Statistics paint an ugly picture for the fate of foster children: about 40-50 percent of "aged-out" children become homeless within 18 months; almost 50 percent of prison inmates have been in foster homes; and foster children suffer six times the rate of PTSD found in the general population. Author Roger Saillant was a product of the foster care system in the 1950s. In this poignant memoir, he describes his journey with no shortage of emotional baggage, constantly doubting himself and wondering why he is being moved from place to place. Why doesn't anybody want him? Did he do something wrong? What's the matter with him? He lives life on a farm where the only thing that matters to his foster father is whether his work gets done - with no regard for the typical nurturing and experiences of a growing child. In The Power of Being Seen, Roger Saillant describes acutely his feelings of abandonment, helplessness, anger, resentment, and hopelessness to the point of contemplating suicide, but the values instilled by many caring adults make this a story of optimism, vision, creativity, courage, sensitivity, and, most of all, inspiration.

About the Author :
Roger Saillant has had exceptional lived experiences. He graduated from Bowdoin College, obtained a PhD in chemistry from Indiana University, held a postdoctoral position at UCLA, and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by SUNY Cobleskill. He worked at the Ford Motor Company for thirty years serving in many international senior management roles, was CEO of Plug Power for seven years, was an adjunct professor at Marlboro College, and was an Executive Director and adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University. He has served on the boards of an array of non-profit organizations including the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education which he continues to chair. Roger co-authored the environmental thriller, Vapor Trails, with the late RP Siegel and was one of several co-authors of the book The Flourishing Enterprise. Although he was raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, he currently lives in Saratoga Springs, New York with his wife Mary Lou, where he writes, consults, and raises wildflowers.

Review :
The emotional power of this story, the inner turmoil, the rich detail - emotional, sensory, and dialogic - beckons us to see marginalized children and assist in their development. Judy Sorum Brown PhD, White House Fellow, author. "Saillant has a gift in being able to tell his story calmly, succinctly and convincingly while allowing readers to effectively feel his pain, anguish and uncertainty." BookTrib "A cold narrative; allows readers to digest the story and develop their own emotional responses. Was he successful in school and work because of his harsh childhood or despite it?" Lawrence Furman This powerful book is a reminder that society has been failing marginalized children for too long. It teaches us that micro-support reveals possibilities and creates pathways otherwise unseen by the child. Jennifer Madden PhD, Dean, School of Business, Linfield University The Power of Being Seen is hard to put down since the stories are written with such vivid imagery and descriptive language. Each chapter holds a lesson about life and living that will be sure to stick with you. Katherine Gullett, Executive Director, Case Western Reserve University This is a powerful memoir. The author relates his experiences as a foster child and young adult. He not only captures the environment in which he is immersed but also the psychological impact on him. It teaches us all to pay attention to all whom we meet. Dr. Bruce L. Gibb, Organizational Psychologist, Ann Arbor, Mich. This book is a must read for all social workers in contact with children who could benefit from the message that they are worthy and valuedas individuals. Robin Carlson, MSW, retired after forty years of practice.