Support – wayne centrone
I was in Pittsburgh earlier this week speaking at Duquesne University. I spoke about the humble lessons I have learned from working with people living in the experience of economic poverty, homelessness, and marginalization. I talked about the life-changing and affirming opportunities of viewing the world through a different lens of understanding.
Before I jumped on the plane to fly back to Portland, I went for a run. My run took me from the toney streets of the Duquesne University campus – up to the Hill District neighborhoods and around through the University of Pittsburgh and South Oakland.
Even if you have never been to Pittsburgh or traversed a similar path, you know what I am talking about when referencing such diverse neighborhoods. The degree of stark separation that exists in how people make lives is almost unfathomable. In what amounted to nothing more than a few city blocks, the experiences of wealth and privilege – opportunity – merged with the challenges of poorly maintained infrastructure and crumbling dreams.
I am unsure how to contextualize what I am trying to say. The best word I can come up with is support. We all need support. There is no such thing as living independently. We are all interdependent. This need for interdependence is especially true when I think about my own life. I have been continuously blessed with support. Family, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors – I’ve been made whole through the support of others.
Our work, championing children and the communities that care for them, is about supporting the supporters. It is about envisioning a better world for all children in Perú and supporting the caregivers making a difference. This is the “behind the scenes” work of systems change – and I think it is the only effective mechanism we have to truly and sustainably build futures.
We’re kicking off ticket sales for our fall, A Bridge to Change fundraiser. The event will take place on Saturday, October 08; and will be our first in-person fundraiser in over 3-years. We’re excited to bring together the family of HBI – people passionate about ensuring health, hope, home, and purpose for the children of Perú. Join us and learn more about how your generosity is transforming lives.
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