Why I do what I do...

I get asked this question quite a lot lately. I work in the social services field and each day is full of rewards, challenges and break-downs. I will be very honest that in this field you don't make a ton of money, but to me it's well worth it! Here's why I do what I do...

First, it is my true belief that God has called me to help shape the next generation. I have never had a job where I felt this passion and love for a job or the people I work with. I love each day I see these little children's faces come into my room and know that for 2 hours they are safe and will be taken care of. These kids I work with are ages 5-10, and most come from broken homes, may be in foster care or living with a relative. These kids have had people leave them, abuse them, neglect them, and if I can be that one person that makes their life a little easier, then my job is done. If I can show them what real relationships are, then I feel accomplished. If I can put that trust in them that not all adults will abandon them, then I feel complete.

These children come from nothing, may have no home, no clothes, no love and affection and to see them run into my room, give me a big hug and say they are happy to see me, is worth so much more to me than any paycheck will ever be. I do what I do because these children need someone to be the stability in their life, and I can provide that. I provide a safe place for them to express their anger with their parents, or family....a safe place for them to be kids, and a safe to be who they are. To them my group room may be the only place in their life that they can do that.

Lastly, I do what I do because seeing these children succeed is priceless, to see them become something they never thought would even be possible is a truly a gift that God has given me. That is why I do what I do.