A Philanthropic Appeal

[not_a_wonder]

Vanessa Kapatelis is not a woman to give up easily.

Perhaps that's what the people at the Wayne Foundation were hoping for, when they informed her in no uncertain terms that their donations budget was set and none of them had the authority to increase the amounts. Perhaps that's what the secretaries at Wayne Enterprises were hoping for, as she worked her way up the corporate ladder in an elaborate game of phone tag, looking for someone to speak to regarding the Wayne Foundation and the shortfall that social services would be dealing with this year.

When an Amazon fights, she identifies the best place to strike, and goes for that first. When slaying a monster, you don't hack at its feet -- you aim for the head.

This wasn't a monster or a physical fight, but the principles could still apply. Aim for the head -- that's why Nessie drove out of the city proper on her day off, looking as put together and professional as she could, and headed up to the most exclusive neighborhood still considered part of Gotham. Her destination -- Wayne Manor, ancestral home of the Wayne Family, currently housing (most of) the children of Bruce Wayne. It wasn't very likely that she'd get a chance to speak with the acting head of Wayne Enterprises, but she had a presentation to give, or at least the materials to drop off.



Vanessa spent what remained of her downtime, after all those calls, to put the presentation together. It was a collection of the financial data for her department and information on the ongoing opioid crisis -- she even used the color printer in her own apartment and put it together in a slim, sturdy binder with plastic sleeves for the pages. And if she could make a good impression on whoever she spoke with, it could get passed on to Timothy Drake-Wayne with a good word for the social services department.

(She hadn't forgotten her initial reason for wanting a way into Wayne Manor. But her visit had to look legitimate, and the looming trouble of ongoing fallout from the widespread malpractice of the nineties was definitely real. She had to treat it with all the seriousness it deserved, for its own sake as well as making sure that she appeared to have no ulterior motives for entering the manor.)

Nessie parked her car a short distance from the drive leading up to the manor. It was out of the way enough that she wouldn't block anyone else trying to get in, and shaded by a tree. She picked up her handbag and tucked her presentation binder under one arm, then locked up the car and walked away.

The walk up the drive was pretty long -- the rich enjoy their privacy -- but she'd walked further and in worse conditions while wearing heels before. She was determined. Finally, she made it to the main gate and pushed the button that would alert the house beyond that a visitor had arrived.

The low, grating buzz set her nerves going, and in the silence that followed, Nessie allowed herself a moment to worry about a bad outcome to this visit.

Comments

[soldier_on_undaunted]

"You are very welcome, Ms. Kapatelis," he says.

"Now, what is it you wish to discuss?"

[not_a_wonder]

Nessie takes a moment to consider how to approach the issue, and decides that 'going for the head of the monster' will serve her purposes again.

"The budget for Gotham City's social services has been slashed for the upcoming year," she replies. "There's pressure from the county and the state to reduce the number of heroin overdose deaths within the city -- which we are all for, naturally. But the mayor and city council have decided to pay for these extra healthcare measures by reorganizing the budget, and gutting our ability to offer counseling and intervention for at-risk foster children."

She takes another drink of tea and ventures, "It's a fairly new approach, but the kids have responded well to it. They adjust to their new homes much better when they -- and their parents -- have access to mental healthcare."

[soldier_on_undaunted]

As she brings up mental healthcare, Alfred looks somewhat more conflicted.

"In truth... I've often wondered how much good such things do," Alfred says. "It is important for children to have family, and those who care about them. What can a stranger who sees dozens of children for an hour a week do that a family cannot?"

[not_a_wonder]

"A family often comes with pressures and expectations. A parent rightfully keeps adult worries like work and finances from their children. A child may keep fears and problems to themself out of a desire not to cause trouble, or to please a parent."

She looks into Alfred's face and says seriously, "In both cases, they still need someone to help them discuss and confront those problems. A therapist is a neutral outside party. It can feel 'safer' to address issues when you're not worried about hurting the person listening to you."

[soldier_on_undaunted]

Alfred frowns slightly, stirring his tea.

"But doesn't that discourage communication with the family? To say nothing to the ones who love you?"

[not_a_wonder]

"Not in my experience. The problems need to be addressed, not only discussed. The therapist will encourage communication with friends and family when the patient feels ready."

She rubs her thumb against the handle of her teacup, and finds that she can't quite look at him when she says, "Counselors are also mandated reporters. If someone is in danger of hurting themselves or others, it will be reported so that the proper intervention can take place."

[soldier_on_undaunted]

He nods slightly. "I see. But then..."

"I apologize, Miss Kapatelis. I know I am being quite negative. But I must ask... doesn't that seem contradictory? If a therapist is supposed to be easier to talk to, but also may -- indeed, *must* -- report on what you tell them?"

[not_a_wonder]

"It may seem that way, but do keep in mind that there are many reasons why a person may seek out therapy. And there are many reasons why a child is placed in foster care, so there are different approaches to meeting their needs."

Her smile is a little shaky. "Every child is unique, and every child deserves to be taken care of. Some of them adjust well, and don't need quite as much help. Others have... gone through traumatic circumstances. But no matter what -- even if they're angry, even if they lash out, even if they're difficult to handle -- they deserve all the help that we can give them."

[soldier_on_undaunted]

At her last line, Alfred's composure seems to break for a moment.

"... I can see that you truly care about these children," he says after a moment. "I am old, and sometimes old-fashioned, but... I suppose I don't always know best. On occasion, I..."

He sighs, then smiles wryly.

"You make a compelling case, Miss Kapatelis. I believe Master Tim would at least hear you out."

[not_a_wonder]

"On occasion..?" she prompts gently. Perhaps she should leave well enough alone, but he seems so in need of a sympathetic ear.

At his mention of Tim being willing to listen, Nessie brightens up. "Then I can count on you to put in a good word with him?" She touches the binder, pushes it toward Alfred slightly. "I can leave this with you, to look over with Mr. Drake-Wayne..."

[soldier_on_undaunted]

He shakes his head, closing himself off again. "Forgive me. I should not have spoken out of turn."

"But yes, of course you may," he says, accepting the binder. "I will ensure he sees it."

[not_a_wonder]

Nessie is glad that he's accepted the binder. And if she is called up to the Manor for another meeting, that's another chance to search for this mysterious box of Jason's things.

"Perhaps I'm a little too 'new-fashioned', because I don't see any need for you to apologize. You've been very kind, sir."

[soldier_on_undaunted]

He smiles slightly. "It is my calling to be as proper as I am able at all times," he says. "Sometimes, I am able to throw 'kind' in there, too."

[not_a_wonder]

She smiles back, and quotes, "'Manners are the basic building blocks of civil society,' yes?"

[[OOC: a quote from Alexander McCall Smith, it sounded good and also simple.]]

[soldier_on_undaunted]

Alfred smiles warmly. "Indeed they are, Miss Kapatelis. Indeed they are."