2020 has been an interesting year. As I sit to write this, our administrative offices in Montgomery are closed due to a lack of power from Hurricane Zeta. In September, we had to move Ranch RoundUp to an online event at the last moment because of Hurricane Sally. In March, our offices were closed due to the coronavirus for several weeks, while victim services continued via telecounseling.
Even with significant precautions, we have had staff members fall ill with coronavirus; some of our staff have lost family members or loved ones to COVID 19. We have watched our community struggle with increased racial tensions and an economy that has suffered due to the COVID 19 outbreak and necessary shutdowns.
But in spite (or because) of all this, I am thankful for this year. With every set back, with every closing, with every challenge, our team has risen to the task. How do we continue to provide services that our community needs in a pandemic? In the midst of the shutdown, our staff worked diligently from home making sure our crisis response, counseling, and advocacy services were maintained. We made sure our shelters were open and had the necessary precautions in place to limit exposure to COVID 19. We moved our prevention training online and found an additional audience for our prevention and education sessions.
I am thankful for a supportive and engaged Board of Directors. We could not have made it through this year without the board members who have freely given of their time to help FSC achieve its mission.
I am thankful for our volunteers who have given their time to FSC this year. From those who made masks for our clients to those who have volunteered in our office and at events, we could not have made it through this year without you.
I am thankful for our donors, both large and small, who make it possible for us to help educate, equip, and restore those impacted by all forms of abuse. Every donation, every gift you give helps us foster hope and healing.
I am also thankful and excited to see what 2021 has in store. No doubt there will be additional challenges, but there will also be great accomplishments. Over this month, our social media and blog posts will focus on who and what, we at Family Sunshine Center are thankful for. If you aren’t following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, please do so. We encourage you to get involved in our Giving Tuesday campaign and share our posts on Giving Tuesday. Thank you in advance for your support!
Tay
