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It was 14 years ago when I was first introduced to Mother Kennedy, and soon after, to Kitty Cancilla. At the time, I didn't know much about the agency or how it affected thousands of Erie residents' lives, but I could tell that Community Shelter Services touched the heart and core of our homeless population. I was - and still am - truly moved by the agency's mission and its true belief in all people of every Faith.
Growing up, I had never been exposed to individuals or families whose lives were met with so much grief, adversity, and hardship - yet so much hope and love. And why would I? I was a raised in a middle class family in the mid-west, sheltered by my small, isolated world. For me, Christmas was about opening presents, eating a fancy dinner and spending an hour at church.
My eyes were opened when I interviewed my first shelter family during the holidays. Their concerns weren't about what to wear to church or what present to open first. They were worried about feeding themselves, and their loved ones, and whether or not they'd have clean clothes to wear. For them, Christmas was just another day...but not for the staff and volunteers at the Shelter. They were busy packing wall-to-wall holiday boxes for hundreds of homeless children - each one filled to the top with hats, gloves, boots, and a winter coat - plus each child received one fun gift, like a bike or sled. I was hooked.
I started my tenure at Shelter Services by getting the word out about the agency, and the sharing success stories on the great deeds being accomplished not just on a daily basis, but year round. At work, our news team reported stories that show how we made a difference in people's lives while raising community awareness. In 2002, I was hooked again, by Kitty that is.... If you know Kitty, you know you can never tell her "no." She asked me to join the Board of Directors, and I can honestly say this experience has been one of the most rewarding in my life. I am fortunate to have been exposed to so many amazing people from all walks of life. Today, I have an even greater appreciation for my children, my life, my career - and an enormous appreciation for the Erie community and the amazing people who Erie home.
Thanks to Community Shelter Services, I no longer live in a sheltered world, and I strive to teach my children not to live in one, either. We are all put on this earth in a random fashion. People don't set out, planning to be homeless, hungry, or in need of medical attention - but sometimes you just need a little extra help.
I will never forget my very first Christmas at the shelter. Not just the sight of hundreds of boxed toys and necessities, but the faces of every very dedicated Shelter Services workers and volunteer striving to make that holiday season joyous and memorable for hundreds of Erie's less fortunate - but very deserving - individuals and families.
Thank you, Community Shelter Services for educating, and opening my eyes and heart.
John Christianson |
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