As we near the season of Thanksgiving, I pause to give thanks for the many blessings that have come our way and honor what makes our Tucson community so great.
When a community not only sees the need at its doorstep, but is moved to act to make a difference, it is then that it shows its very best. It shows its best when it reaches out, without judgment, to share what it has with those who are less fortunate. It shows its best when people of all faiths and all walks of life look beyond their differences and form a bridge to cross together and serve those in need.
For many months, Sister Jose Womenβs Center struggled to find a place in a welcoming neighborhood where we could serve the adult homeless women in the city of Tucson. After several setbacks, we finally found our new home. In retrospect, our journey was always meant to lead us to the ideal place for our center. Now that we have arrived, I am in awe of the response of the Tucson community, which has journeyed with us every step of the way.
At the Sr. Jose Womenβs Center, volunteers young and old come together to form community with the homeless women we serve. Organizations, large and small, offer to help and encourage their members to volunteer. Agencies within the community collaborate to enhance the services provided to the women. It truly is not about living in silos, but learning how to come together to share and care for the homeless women in Tucson.
We are now in the process of renovating our new home. There is so much to be done that at times it can seem overwhelming. It is in those moments that I am reminded of this wonderful community that has come together to lessen the load and share in the task at hand. I think about Steve Tofel, of Tofel Construction, who is giving of his time and talent to move our project forward. I am reminded of the many subcontractors and volunteers who are offering their services to repurpose our building. When the renovation is complete, the additional space in our new center will allow us to provide expanded programs. Participation in these programs will empower the women to pursue a path to a sustainable existence.
I am looking forward to February and the grand opening of our center. We will be opening the doors to the community that helped make it happen, sharing in the joy of the realization that together we are making a difference. I will embrace the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with a grateful heart for what we have already received and with a deeper understanding of what makes our Tucson community so special.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
