After years of teaching and directing theater in our community I have come to know and care about a lot of folks. It has been a great pleasure in my life to watch students and adults grow in what they discover is possible. United Way has introduced me to many new people and introduced me to the work that they so quietly perform. These worlds seem vastly different but they are not. The common threat is passion – a passion for service, a passion for blossoming and being all you can be, a passion for creating a better world and caring about our neighbors.
I am inspired by those I work with, volunteers, companies, and board members, who sincerely want to improve the quality of life in our community. United Way chooses to do that by focusing on education, financial stability, and health. They must be balanced. While addressing the needs that are a part of life today, we must build a tomorrow that is improved by investing in education and the health of our community.
What I love about a small town is that you can make a difference. There are not masses of people to make you feel invisible and powerless. Everyone is related, if not by blood, by our story and interdependence. We can make a difference. I am constantly impressed by the people I encounter that are quietly helping others – provided needed items and services, gas cards, lawn work, delivering meals, etc. The spirit of volunteerism is strong and inspirational. Nothing makes you feel better about yourself than to be of service for someone else. I am proud to be a Crawford County resident.
This marks the first in a series of articles written by folks in our community.