Why should I care?

Rachel fidgeted slightly in her chair as I rushed by, unable to stop and chat. She smiled politely, and I continued on through the chapel doors to set up for the following day’s Women’s Auxiliary meeting.

The next day, I was thrilled when I saw Rachel before the meeting. Hiding my enthusiasm, I inquired how she was doing. Her face lit up, “My practicum will be in a battered women’s shelter. Because of my background, it will be a perfect fit. I feel so useful!” My heart leapt with joy! For Rachel to open up to me (we both recognize each other but haven’t had much conversation) was an honor. I rejoiced with her.

Rachel is a resident of the UGM Center for Women and Children here in Coeur d’Alene. She joined the program 15 months ago. Seeing her joy is one of the reasons why I care.

Having a childhood fraught with abuse, loss, neglect and heartache, her story is unfortunately common. Too many women find themselves in similar positions to Rachel, and as a community, we have an opportunity to care for them.

The Center houses up to 50 women and their children in a life changing program that takes the residents from broken and homeless, to whole productive members of society.

I joined the board for the Women’s Auxiliary before there were residents at the Center. The board is instrumental in organizing the Women’s Auxiliary.

The Women’s Auxiliary convenes five times a year to help meet some of the needs of the residents and to inform the community about the programs at the Center. Our projects have included supplying study Bibles, summer fun, furniture, feminine products and hosting a shower once a year where we collect new housewares for the residents to use when they transition from the Center to their own homes.

When the residents see the tables filled with brand new bedding, kitchen appliances, and even vacuums, they feel valued and I feel humbled. So many of the things I take for granted are life-changing to these women — another reason I care.

Our next meeting is Nov. 17, 2016. We will be giving out mini trees named Christmas Trees of Sharing with paper ornaments to help collect gift cards for the

residents this holiday season and throughout the year. I love this meeting because it is a time for us ladies to give thanks for all of the blessings we currently enjoy, coupled with a chance to give back to our community.

The Center is always looking for volunteers, not just with Women’s Auxiliary. There are various volunteer positions for men and women, adults and teens alike.

I am a life-change partner with UGM. You can be too. So I challenge you to ask yourself, “Why should I care?”