Most people think that my job at Huck House, as development director, is about asking. Asking for money, asking for things, asking for support, asking for volunteers.
I look at my role differently.
I see it as inviting. I invite people to participate in the great work of Huck House. I invite them to be a part of solving youth homelessness. I invite them to help families find their strengths to fix what is wrong. I invite them to support young people who are working to create better lives for themselves.
The best part of my week is when I pause to say thank you to those of you who have supported Huck House. Development directors write letters, send emails, and make phone calls to let donors know how much their contributions mean to the mission of an organization.
Saying “thank you” is obviously an outward expression. For me, though, saying “thank you” inspires deep gratitude. I am struck by an awareness of incredible kindness, hope for our future, and goodness in our community. When I say “Thank you for your gift of money,” there is a deeper meaning. It would be more accurate to say “Thank you for not giving up on our youth. Your donation represents hope and compassion. The youth of our community are blessed to have people like you rooting for them.”
I have a co-worker who comes to my office regularly to say “I love my job” or “I woke up so happy to come to work today.” I feel the same way. I am thankful every day that I get to see the kindness of our supporters and the difference their compassion makes for the youth we serve.
When my sons were in fourth and fifth grade, our family created a thankfulness scrapbook during the month of November. I remember great conversations while we thought about what we were thankful for.
If you and I were to share a cup of tea this month and talk about what makes us grateful, at some point, you would hear me say I am thankful for the generosity —-of treasure and spirit —- that I get to experience every day.
Written by: Sonya Thesing, Development Director
