My wife and I voted last night. It was invigorating. Now, perhaps more than ever before – voting feels like the most important civic responsibility we have.
I don’t usually disclose personal information on this Blog; and I very rarely broach politics. This is, however, not a normal time. Everything has changed. The world as we know it (thanks, R.E.M.) is just not the same. We need an alignment. We need a commitment from the highest political offices and most powerful and influential leaders to chart a path to a future grounded in integrity, honesty, and humility. Too much is on the line, and too many people depend on such leadership to survive.
We’re taking alignment very seriously at HBI. Over the past couple of months, we’ve been digging into conversations at many levels of our organization. Deeply considering our vision, mission, and programmatic focus. We’ve asked important and timely questions like, “who will Health Bridges be in the future?” and “what values will we need to demonstrate that commitment?” We’ve reviewed our programs and projects and considered how we’ve demonstrated objective outcomes.
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Forming a Movement
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneMy phone has been buzzing with texts, WhatsApp messages, and calls. So many of you are reaching out to say you are thinking about Perú.
In case you missed it – over the past week Perú has been through a topsy turvy time . . . with a presidential impeachment, political demonstrations and riots (including clashes with police that led to two deaths), an interim presidential government, resignation of the interim president, congressional stalemate and finally a majority vote for a new interim president and administration. Talk about a hectic week.
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We’re Stronger Together
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneWhenever things feel overwhelming, I remember the boys at the Casa Girasoles. They ground me. They call me to do more. They remind me we can do more. And, we must!
It has been a rough couple of weeks.
I don’t think it matters where a person finds themself on the long continuum that is life, the past couple of weeks have been stressful.
This morning brought the sort of closure the U.S. and the world needs. The U.S. presidential election winner has been announced and a new government will take shape over the coming months. There is a palpable exuberance in many places – including our household.
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Seeking Safety
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneIt is Halloween 2020. This is the year we celebrate a Halloween of all treat and no trick. My goodness, nothing feels normal. Nothing feels safe any more.
This morning the two Casa Girasoles homes are preparing for unique celebrations. Neither house celebrates Halloween – the ghosts and ghouls Halloween. Instead, they prepare unique celebrations of the culture and heritage of the local regions. This includes All Saints and All Souls day observations – but more than anything, it includes fun activities for the kids.
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Living in Hope
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneI spoke at First Presbyterian Church of Vancouver yesterday. It was the first time I’ve been in a building, other than an occasional trip to the grocery store, in months.
There were only 10 or so people in the entire sanctuary, but it still felt a bit strange. Every precaution was fastidiously orchestrated and applied. My talk was taped and broadcast to the congregation (if you’re interested, you can watch the talk at [starts at 47:10]: https://youtu.be/zFFvLrS_Kns). The whole production was first class.
I’ve spoke at many churches, civic groups, organizations, and clubs over the years. My talks are usually the same – the who, what, and why of Health Bridges. I talk about the origins of our work and the shift to becoming a 501(c)(3) registered organization. I generally speak about the projects and programs that punctuate our work. I talk about the vision we have for creating better collaboration and partnerships. It’s a pretty standard talk.
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Creating Alignment
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneMy wife and I voted last night. It was invigorating. Now, perhaps more than ever before – voting feels like the most important civic responsibility we have.
I don’t usually disclose personal information on this Blog; and I very rarely broach politics. This is, however, not a normal time. Everything has changed. The world as we know it (thanks, R.E.M.) is just not the same. We need an alignment. We need a commitment from the highest political offices and most powerful and influential leaders to chart a path to a future grounded in integrity, honesty, and humility. Too much is on the line, and too many people depend on such leadership to survive.
We’re taking alignment very seriously at HBI. Over the past couple of months, we’ve been digging into conversations at many levels of our organization. Deeply considering our vision, mission, and programmatic focus. We’ve asked important and timely questions like, “who will Health Bridges be in the future?” and “what values will we need to demonstrate that commitment?” We’ve reviewed our programs and projects and considered how we’ve demonstrated objective outcomes.
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Learning from and Leading with Nico
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneNico (not his real name) was ten years old when he realized he could no longer take care of his little brother. At four years old, his little brother was more than he could handle.
For as long as Nico could recall, he was the sole parent for his little brother. Taking care of him was like taking care of his own son. And, for most of that time – Nico knew what to do. Now, at four years old – Nico didn’t know what to do.
A kind neighbor had always been there for Nico and his brother. She would feed them when his mother left for long periods and did not provide any money for food. She would check-in on them, making sure they were safe and warm in the cold rainy months. Now, she noticed something very different – and she went to the local judiciary to file a report of child endangerment.
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It’s all about the people
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneWe’re in the midst of a fall fundraiser campaign. Believe it or not, that is not the reason for this blog post.
Fundraising campaigns show me something in a very tangible way – how fortunate we are to have a group of people who keep showing up for us and the work we are doing in this complicated world we are living. I can honestly say that every time we have a campaign, event or fundraiser – you all rally to help.
This is such a huge blessing – on a number of levels. Yes, your generosity helps us to do the work we are called to do in the world; but beyond that – your commitment and belief in our work is such a blessing. Time and time again, the many people who support HBI show me that we are a big family.
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That Train a Comin’
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneThere is a strange feeling in the air. It’s more than just the change of seasons. It feels ominous – like a train barreling down the tracks.
Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a dramatization. Perhaps. However, we are looking toward a change in seasons that will bring change on a number of levels, not just the global pandemic. For many underserved and under-resourced communities, this change will bring more challenges.
All of this means we have gone into planning mode. We’re planning for several scenarios and considering a variety of options. In Perú, spring has arrived and summer is not far in the future – and with the government moving into Phase IV of the reopening, more people will be out and about.
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Day of Peace
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne Centrone“Poverty is the worst form of violence.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Today is the United Nations International Day of Peace. Strangely enough, the world doesn’t feel very peaceful. It feels upended and disrupted.
Just four days ago, UNICEF and Save the Children published a report. It is the first of what will be many reports analyzing the economic and social impacts of the global pandemic. The report noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed 150 million children into the experience of multidimensional poverty. This multidimensional poverty is about not having access to adequate water, food, education, healthcare, housing, and sanitation. The 150 million represents a 15% increase in the number of children living in a deep experience of poverty. The UNICEF report is a call to action. It is a clarion to everyone.
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A Deep Breath
/0 Comments/in Blog /by Wayne CentroneOverstating the obvious a bit here – things have been stressful lately. No one is immune to that stress. Some are just better at working with, and through, the stressful events that mark our day-to-day life in the time of COVID.
We’ve been receiving messages from around the world asking how we are doing in the Portland area? Thank you for your kind consideration. As I am sure you are now aware, things are otherworldly in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The wildfires are creating pure havoc. We, the HBI staff that live in the Portland-area, live in the downtown area of the city – so we are pretty safe. However, so many people in our area are suffering. The thick sepia-toned smoke that fills the sky frames an eerily end-of-times feeling.
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