Generations in the Making

In some seasons social work can be very disheartening. The ultimate goal is that we will help to not just relieve the effects of poverty for our participants, but eventually help them to completely climb out of it. Eventually, we want them all to be completely empowered, resourced, and self-sufficient. But for so many we know they will never be able to attain that, this side of heaven. It can be for a variety of reasons…age, health conditions…for some their mental health is just too tender, and for others it is a combination of all. For those participants, the acts of kindness, of consistent basic relief, and of knowing that they matter, are all extremely important parts of the work. But a larger picture is to see how the impact of kindness shown, of resources attained, of doors opened, and of understanding reached, has an even larger impact on the coming generations of our participants. We might not be able to completely change the course of one individual’s life. But if that individual feels loved, cared for, and seen, perhaps they will tell their children about what they are learning, and bring them in to get support as well. And maybe if their children come in, and find that they are also seen,  cared for, and loved, and they attain more resources, are shown more kindness, and provided basic relief…perhaps some of the cycle is broken. And maybe the children’s children become involved, see change, and are taught to think differently… and maybe they grow up hearing more often: you can do this, there is opportunity here for you, there are resources available… and maybe more cycles are broken. Maybe it takes generations for a family to completely find themselves released from the clutches of poverty. Maybe it takes generations for mindsets to change. Maybe it takes generations of consistent love to have an impact. That is why, even when there will not be any significant difference made in a single individual’s life, the work is still important. The work still must be done. Sometimes impact is generations in the making.