Friends of Faith:
Today is giving Tuesday. I thought it would be
appropriate to share what giving looks like from the perspective of those who
work for the agencies that benefit from your generosity. Hopefully we remember
to give to those who truly need support this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
As a tribute I am sharing a “guest” column from one of
our favorite charities—Bridgehaven, pregnancy support center, in Cedar Rapids.
This Christian organization serves mothers, babies, and families with women’s
health, prenatal care, post birth and post abortion support. Some of their
financial support comes from my favorite second hand store, Treasures, located
in downtown Cedar Rapids. Our daughter, Kristy, is on the board of directors.
This column was written by Kylee Pusteoska, Director
of Development and a Traer native. Please look them up at www.bridgehavencr.org
“For most of us, Thanksgiving is a time of
family, food and football. We anticipate a favorite dish, whether it be Aunt
Nancy’s mashed potatoes or Cousin Andi’s Asian salad. Some are concerned about
the outcome of the Cowboys game. Still others worry about cleaning their
bathrooms for the in-laws who will be spending the weekend. But what if you
were the Development Director at a local non-profit? This would mean you were
planning a wonderful Giving Tuesday campaign for your beloved charity.
Giving Tuesday is the
Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber
Monday…November 29th this year. Traditionally, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving
is a day to celebrate philanthropy. Around the globe, social media lights up
with wonderful stories about the valuable work of of non-profits, along with a
call to financially support these great organizations. We, at Bridgehaven,
happen to be pretty proud of the work we do and I can’t wait to share that with
the world.
My Marketing Coordinator and I came up with a
fabulous plan, including photos and videos of our staff and volunteers talking
about our work. I thought it was going to be an easy sell to the staff
members…not so much. Apparently, being videotaped is a phobia-inducing
experience for some. Others were worried about lipstick or hair. Others wanted
to make sure they said exactly the right thing. There were several practice
sessions and videos taped over and over. In the end, I think we are going to
promote the joy and love that radiates from Bridgehaven but the experience got
me thinking.
Doesn’t God ask us to shine our light into the
dark world? Isn’t he asking us to show love to our neighbors and help care for
the least of his people? The staff and volunteers at Bridgehaven do this every
single day. They meet with young women who are often frightened and alone. They
counsel young families facing difficult circumstances and teach classes to men
and women who are trying to make their lives better. The staff is constantly
making connections in the community so that we can offer our clients
information about services we don’t provide. We work with several other
non-profit organizations in Cedar Rapids to make sure our clients get the care
needed by them and their families. Every day, these men and women at
Bridgehaven work hard to do God’s work….to be the hands and feet. And they do
it with a grace I am in awe of. So why was it so hard for them to share that?
I think everyone on
our staff feels called to be here. There is a connection with each other and
with our clients that could not exist outside of this non-profit ministry. The
love that moves through this place is like nothing I have experienced. It is
such an honor to be part of this team. I am pretty sure everyone feels that but
there was a disconnect when it came to saying it out loud on a video. Was it
modesty? Humility? Was it the ol’ Iowa nice kicking
in? It could have been any number of these things…it could have been all of
them. But I think I finally figured it out.
Bridgehaven is a place of acceptance and love.
The people who work here see that as normal and merely answered God’s call to
be here and to serve. They don’t understand that what they do every day is
miraculous. The work that happens at Bridgehaven involves faith and a comfort
in knowing we are changing the future for the better. But the men and women who
work here don’t realize all the gifts and talents they bring to the table. They
don’t understand that I see them all as rock stars in Jesus’ band. They simply
show up every day and love. They love each other and they love the clients and
families who walk through our doors. They solely live the mission of
Bridgehaven “to empower choices for life through Christ-centered education and
support.”
So this Thanksgiving,
I am thankful I work with a team so involved in love they don’t know how to
express that in a promotional video. They come and hold the hands of our
clients and offer them information without judgement. They sort clothes at
Treasures to help raise funds to support the ministry. They teach classes about
parenting to create stronger families. They do ultrasounds and teach classes
about positive life choices. Some of us get to watch all of this and be amazed
by what happens here. So when I tell you that the staff and volunteers here are
exceptional, believe me. Just don’t ask me to show you evidence on video.”
Kylee Pusteoska
Director of
Development
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