Authored by FCS CEO, Delly Beekman

Here at Family & Children’s Service, our full Staff gets together formally once a month and included in the agenda is a celebration of birthdays, recognition of work anniversaries and an opportunity to publicly express gratitude to each other for efforts over the past month. It is a ritual that reminds us that “each of us affects all of us,” a phrase that we took to heart during a team-building workshop this year.

Gratitude is very important to me. A quick search on the internet finds a simple definition: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. On the advice of a wise Jesuit, I spend time each night reflecting on the day and especially everything for which I am grateful. This shifts my focus from myself to others, to their impact on my life and to the gifts and blessings, some simple and some momentous, I receive each day. Expressing thanks is always meaningful and frequently fun as we can surprise others with those unexpected words. Stories abound of how frequently people have no idea that a seemingly small gesture or act on their part means so much to another person. Studies show that it also creates a happier, more rewarding and healthier life.

Here at FCS, I am grateful for the opportunity to live in such a wonderful part of our country, the Jersey Shore. I used to love to visit my grandmothers and other relatives who spent the summers in Monmouth Beach when I was growing up. It never ceases to amaze me when I cross bridge into Sea Bright that I married someone from this area and have now lived here for 40+ years. We can just jump in the car whenever we want and be at the ocean in minutes when so many vacationers travel hundreds of miles to see it. I relish the opportunities to get out in our community at this time of year. Recently I had the pleasure of being a guest on the 94.3 The Point morning show with Liz and Lou. NJ Natural Gas, which is a strong supporter of nonprofits in our community, sponsors their broadcast on the Asbury Park boardwalk every Friday and invites non-profits to be guests. What a stunning place to talk about issues so critical to our community! Similarly, I was invited this month to speak with members of the Red Bank Rotary Club about the mission and work of FCS. Increasing awareness of the agency is one of the strategic goals our Board of Directors set for FCS and we are working diligently to pursue additional opportunities and partnerships.

I am also grateful for the support of so many dedicated volunteers, including our Board of Directors, and those who made our recent FCS Golf Classic such a success. I was delighted that two of my brothers even came down from Morris County to participate. The outing at Rumson Country Club raised more than $40,000 for essential programs and services. Our 2015 Gala Committee is also hard at work this summer. They have been out in force generating support for our October 24 party “E Komo o Hawaii” (Welcome to Hawaii). It is not easy to solicit underwriting and sponsorships from friends and neighbors but they have been sending out hundreds of letters and following up with phone calls. What enthusiasm and commitment! Following the exciting Haskell Race this weekend, FCS will be hosting its own fun Day at the Races on August 23 spearheaded by former FCS President, the indomitable Arlene Lospinoso. September will see the annual afternoon of lunch and bridge hosted by the loyal and energetic members of our Navarumsumk Auxiliary, a wonderful group of supporters, some of whom have been devoted to the agency for more than 50 years. We are most appreciative of these efforts by so many people who dedicate significant time, talent and resources to improving our community.

I am grateful for the funders, donors and partners who demonstrate confidence in our agency, enabling us to grow and expand to meet the changing needs of our community. This year we have introduced two new programs, MAAP (Medicaid Application Assistance Program) and JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving) which solidly align with our Vision – to strengthen, protect and preserve the dignity and independence of people in need   Both programs enable people to access services to remain in their homes instead of being placed in nursing homes and to provide relief for caregivers. Our Reading Buddies and Healthy Buddies programs are each moving into new schools this fall. Expanding these programs means we are reaching more people with important services that can change their lives.

Most especially, I am grateful for our Staff. I repeatedly tell people that I wake up each morning eager to come to work because of the help we offer our neighbors and the caring hearts that the people here bring to their work every day. This month two members of our Home Care Services Staff, one of them on her day off, responded to the emergency needs of a different program by driving their client to emergency medical treatment early the next day. Last month both Staff and Board members rallied their resources to completely furnish a small studio apartment for a client who had nothing due to her prior living conditions. These are not unusual stories at FCS. The Staff is not just a group of professionals carrying out the work of the agency. Individually, each one of them is a kindhearted person with a personal story and viewpoint. Together we are also a powerful, motivated and compassionate team.

In total, I am grateful for the efforts of so many people – our volunteers, donors, funders, partners, and Staff – who fulfill our mission and create a profound impact on the lives of our vulnerable neighbors in Monmouth County. This quotation from the poet John Milton summarizes the amazing effect that gratitude can have in our lives if we make time for it   “gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

Delly Beekman is CEO of family & Children’s Service