We Have a Choice

I recently walked through the kitchen and noticed a resident named Maggie (not her real name) who was hunched over her Chromebook. I could tell she was frustrated, so I walked over to say hello.

I learned she had a virtual appointment with her support group that was mandatory, but due to technical difficulties, she was ready to walk away and forget about the whole process. I had the opportunity to ask her if that was in line with the goals she had been working to achieve. Was she truly ready to give up? Or was this more about momentary, technical frustrations?

Maggie thought for a moment and admitted she was just frustrated. So, we agreed to reclaim her long-term goals and we worked together to get her logged in and she participated with her group.

Fast forward a few hours.

I dialed into a phone call with two of our board members that afternoon. I warned them, “I’m going to get to the purpose of our meeting in a minute. But I first need to process a few things.” I then shared a disjointed slew of stress that had been building. It had been taking a toll and distracting me from more important things.

Does that sound familiar? I had switched roles with Maggie. After I encouraged her to remain on-course, I had to lean on two members of my board. Thankfully, we brainstormed solutions and they provided encouragement.

It is so easy for us to lose focus on the most important things when obstacles and interruptions occur. It’s true for our residents. It’s true for me. I suspect it’s true for you. And, it can be true for organizations like Sheltering Wings.

Now that most schools are closed to guests, workers are working remotely, churches are meeting virtually and fairs and parades are canceled, we’ve had to adjust our prevention and education efforts.

Yet, we have a choice.

We could allow ourselves to get worked up by the circumstances and throw in the towel. Or, we could get creative, roll up our sleeves and find alternative ways to keep our potentially life-saving prevention messages in front of the community. While the former was tempting. We’ve chosen the latter.

If you’ve been to our website or social media platforms lately, you’ll notice a growing collection of prevention and education materials designed for friends and relatives, church leaders, employers, neighbors, and youth workers. We’ll continue releasing educational materials, blog posts and more.

Our mission is too important to allow frustrations to sidetrack us.

We are determined to continue being a voice of hope and healing, dealing with today’s frustrations while pressing on toward our long-term goals.

Through your prayerful, consistent, generous support, you are helping us do just that. Thank you.

With gratitude,

Cassie Mecklenburg, Ed.D.
Executive Director

P.S. October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. You can help us amplify our message by attending October events, wearing purple, talking to friends and relatives, and engaging with us on social media. Thank you for helping us raise awareness and prevent violence.