During this time of pause, we are taking a pause on our current messaging now to recognize all the women heroes, front liners and first responders and scientists and that are quietly saving our lives. Everyday.
Women lead from wherever they are, and that’s never been more true than during the COVID-19 crisis. Women are on the front lines. They are
the majority of critical healthcare workers
, nurses, and aides. They are our unsung heroes. Women are leading the communal response. The stories of resilience are countless: the little free libraries
turned into
little free grocery stores. The women and girls
crafting
thousands upon thousands of last-line-of-defense face masks. The female bakers and chefs, caterers and florists, small business owners, and teachers offering resources to in-need neighbors, even if it impacts their ability to sustain beyond the crisis.
Millions of health care workers—physicians, nurses, technicians, other health care professionals, and hospital support staff, as well as first responders including emergency rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and others who provide essential services and products—around the world have faced the challenge of providing care for patients with COVID-19, while often ill-equipped and poorly prepared, risking their own lives to save the lives of others. They honor us all with their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.
We want you to know that we appreciate every moment of expertise and compassion that you have to give.
Let’s celebrate these women and many more to come over the next few weeks. Stay safe and healthy and peace to all.
T
his is # 1 in the series that will inspire.
JACQUELINE JOHNSON
Our first unsung hero is
Jacqueline Johnson who is uprooting her life to help Chicago's disabled community around-the-clock.
Johnson works for El Valor, an organization that helps hundreds of men and women with disabilities and their families. El Valor operates six homes for the disabled, housing about 50 people.
"This is my heart. I love what I'm doing. I love making sure the individuals have a smile on their face," said Jacqueline Johnson, a house supervisor for El Valor. "All of our individuals are healthy, safe, and their priorities come first."
The homes are located in Pilsen, Little Village, Berwyn and Cicero.
"If we just walk away and abandon them, they are not going to have anybody," said Jillian Gonzalez, El Valor's senior vice president.
Instead, El Valor has doubled-down on its commitment to serving people with disabilities.
During Governor JB Pritzker's "stay-at-home" order, some of El Valor's staff members have agreed to move into the homes serving the disabled 24/7 for the next 30 days. Rather than just work their 8-hour shift and leave, they are sleeping and living at the homes, ensuring the residents' safety and health.
Workers, like Jacqueline Johnson, are unsung heroes in the midst of a crisis. It's a mutual bond.
The workers are earning just above minimum wages, including a dollar or two more for the extra duty. But for them, it's not about the money.
"I just like to see the smile on their face," Johnson emphasized. "So it so important to me to be part of the team."
PINKK on POINT: "Being part of community and giving back, loving what you are doing, even in the midst of chaos, can fill ones soul. Smiling is an essential business now too!"
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We do know we need inspiration of all sorts, and we always need to celebrate so stay tuned as we may be back to music soon or other inspirational sources as we need to celebrate together. We get it.
If there is someone you want to celebrate here and now during this crisis, or a team you want to acknowledge send a note to
info@pinkknow.com
. We are committed to supporting you.