BRATTLEBORO — Simply put: things happen. Funding does not come through, people have opinions and reactions, and organizations have their stance that seems intractable. Parties become adversaries instead of partners. The lessons learned from this can spread a wide net, if we let it, if we tend to it.
I am concerned for the people who will need shelter for the coming winter and hope a new place is found.
I wanted Groundworks to be able to establish its programs here. I saw a tremendous potential for the neighborhood and the wider community to create a model of health, service, and inclusiveness so that the broken hoop of our culture - which negates and disenfranchises so many and creates class dichotomy - might begin to heal.
A new paradigm was waiting to show itself. It would have taken immense energy and commitment, but it could happen.
There was consternation and trepidation surrounding the project for some neighbors, and I can't say living a few doors down from 39 Frost St. that I didn't share a few.
I was willing, as were others, to become part of the solution and partner with Groundworks to mitigate these considerations. I never thought it would be easy.
Groundworks holds its mission close. But while a mission is the masthead and a vision the spearhead; policy is what gives an organization's mission its bones, and some of those bones were going to need to be adjusted. Whether it would be a large or small adjustment, I suppose, would depend on where you stood.
This was going to be tough. It was going to be harsh at times and compassionate at others.
Simply put: this is how big issues run. But I wanted to run with it. I wanted to believe it would work.
I will miss my own vision and mission to restore and nurture growth and healing that I so wanted to share with Groundworks clients, staff, our neighborhood, and our wider community. I wanted to be part of creating this.
I believe in Groundworks' mission. I believe those of us who have, should help those who don't. Showing gratitude for what you have and concern for those who do not by offering yourself - be it by direct client interaction, money, or behind-the-scenes help - is true creation of community, heart, and justice.
Groundworks' client demographic is varied and complex. Yes, some clients have issues that might affect the wider community negatively, but so many of the individuals, the families who come for the shelter and other programs, are what is now way-too-easily called “the working poor.”
They have jobs, they have homes, they have responsibilities that they fulfill brilliantly; but their hard work still does not afford them the “luxury” of being able to buy the food they and their families need. They are stressed beyond their tether to balance, and so they need support services as well.
Make no mistake: this could be any of us.
Simply put: Whether Groundworks find a new place or by chance comes back to 39 Frost, I will continue my run and invite you to join me.