A love letter to those who serve our community.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
This verse is often heard at weddings. But this Valentine’s Day, I suggest it as a representation of the work of hundreds of local nonprofit organizations to help us all get through the past year.
The House of Mercy, RAIHN (the Rochester Interfaith Hospitality Network), REACH Advocacy, Person Centered Housing Options and their colleagues in the field never stopped the challenging work of serving people who lack stable housing. The volunteers and professional staff at these organizations put their own health at risk every day, providing patience and kindness to those who need it most.
Villa of Hope, the NAMI Rochester, Delphi Rise, Father Tracy Advocacy Center and their mental health colleagues have met the increasing need for services among residents young and old who are experiencing trauma, loss and the effects of increased rates of abuse resulting from the pandemic. They keep no record of wrongs, always protecting those they serve, always ensuring they find reason for hope.
Baden Street Settlement, St. Peter’s Kitchen, Beyond the Sanctuary, Cameron Community Ministries, Jewish Family Services and so many other organizations, large and small, feed and clothe those who struggle to meet the basic needs of their families. The people in these organizations do not dishonor those they serve, nor boast of their role in this work.
The Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, The Children’s Institute, The Housing Council at PathStone, the Judicial Process Commission, Common Ground Health, Connected Communities and many other organizations are doing the behind-the-scenes work of transforming systems to make them work better for people. They rejoice in the replacement of past evils with systems based in truth and trust.
Amidst the loss, fear, and trauma of the past 12 months, we can take advice from Mister Rogers, and look to the helpers when we need to see that love surrounds us. The nonprofit organization I serve has been privileged to work with each of those mentioned here, and 200 more, so I have a view into not only their service, but also their needs.
I can tell you that these humble heroes are weary. Not broken, but very tired. While it has been a long, draining year for all, the men and women of the nonprofit sector have willingly, bravely risen to the challenge, every day. Today, I suggest you celebrate love by supporting the good in your neighborhood. Donate to your favorite nonprofit. Volunteer your time. And say thanks to those who persevere, and embody love for our community, every day.
Todd Butler