Ever have one of those moments when you want to just stand up and scream “I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!” Boy, I did. Just the other day a group of us went to our 2-1-1 hotline facility, where people in need can make one call (simply dial the three digits, 2-1-1) and be connected to services and agencies who can provide assistance. The hotline is available 24/7/365.
While there, we were able to listen in on a few of the calls. So there we were, all sitting around a conference table, all silent, all listening raptly as caller after caller described her/his difficulty. “Just lost my job.” “Rent is two months overdue.” “Hours reduced at work, no more benefits, need healthcare.”
And then this young voice came on the line. In the background you could hear the tiny sound of a newborn who was hungry. And the young voice said, “I don’t have any more formula for my baby.”
I pulled on every ounce of self-control I could muster. I did not wanted to embarrass nor scare my coworkers. I gripped the arms of my chair. I did all that so I wouldn’t stand up and scream, ”I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE.”
While I’ve worked for nonprofits pretty much my whole life, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really cut out for it. There are nights I go home with such deep sorrow. I can’t fix it. I can’t save everyone. I can’t figure out a solution. I need to remind myself of the Mother Teresa quote, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
What’s your “I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE” moment? Is it something United Way is working on or should be working on? Could you put $5/week towards it to help us fix it? Could you text United Way $10 right now at 50555 using the word TRIANGLE? Could you fill out your pledge form when your company runs their workplace campaign?
Thank you.
Image courtesy of memykidandlife.com