“Child Care Assistance
provides services to Dallas County parents enabling families working toward
self-sufficiency to access child care. Parents who are employed, in job
training, or in an educational program may be eligible to receive funding.” -- ChildCareGroup
There I sat, staring at lit
computer screen and researching my audience for an after-hours presentation. I
was asked by a representative of ChildCareGroup to facilitate a short
presentation about Reading Partners and early literacy intervention techniques
for parents. With only a background in public relations and journalism to guide
me, I felt a little shaky about the task at hand. My pitch for volunteers has
been honed to near perfection. I could recite the mission of Reading Partners
and the drop of a hat and immediately identify avenues for engagement for any
given audience. This presentation, however, was exceedingly different than ones
past. With my head in my hands, I contemplated whether this was an appropriate
setting to ask for a time commitment of 1 hour a week to work with children not
ones own.
As I arrived at the
ChildCareGroup center, I greeted the parents as they approached -- babies on
hips and little ones toddling behind. Mothers and fathers wanting the most for
their children and seeking help from the limited resources provided to them. I
decided not to mention our desperate need for volunteers and how they could
give to the mission of Reading Partners. I was allotted 15 minutes and so I devoted
my limited time to sharing best practices and encouraging them to read to their
children every night at bedtime. I thanked them for their time and indicated I
was finished sharing, but before I could, someone raised their hand to ask a
final question. “How can I help and become a volunteer with Reading Partners?”
a mother asked while bouncing her little one on her lap. With an eagerness I
have yet to encounter, my small audience reminded me that I had not yet shared
how they could give to the mission of Reading Partners. I was struck by the
moment and touched by their willingness to give all they could to a cause dear
to us all.
Isn't He amazing? I am so small-minded when it comes to sharing with those who appear different from me. Our God is at work in a great big wide world of his people who are called by His very great name. And his image is stamped on each face I see through my day. Thank you for reminding me of that with your own transparency.
ReplyDeleteLove you.
"His image is stamped on each face I see . . . " this is beautiful, dear Suzanne. Thank you for always listening to me with the utmost care -- it is a rare gift you possess. Whether over coffee and breakfast rolls or via social media, your encouragement and calming presence can be felt. Sending my love. - Kels
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