Changed for Good

I have been watching the world mourn Pope Francis. It is always remarkable when a leader of some stature passes, the world will reflect on their legacy. What did the person contribute in their work, in their community, and in the world? I have heard people speak about what he did and what he did not do as if any human being, even in a position of power, can make everything they want to magically happen. I think he was a leader who wanted to leave important messages. If we are willing to listen to them, then we can all appreciate his leadership. He, like all good leaders, wanted us to be changed for good.

Back in 1990s, Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio, Pope Francis, started a movement to bring the Catholic church to the most vulnerable in the marginalized neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. At that time one of KenCrest employees, Dario Bellot, had the honor to take part in this work delivering food, clothes, shoes to families in these neighborhoods. Pope Francis inspired Dario tremendously back then, and during his tenure as Pope.

“There’s no better way of explaining happiness than to make someone happy.” Among the many legacies Pope Francis left with us, the idea of serving others in need is at the top. He led by example, with humbleness, choosing to influence others instead of dictating to them.

Recently, I listened to a remarkable interview Pope Francis gave with Norah O’Donnell His focus was on indifference. He said that there is an outbreak of indifference in the world, that people do not care for the needs of others. By the way he described it, you would have thought it was contagious. However, I do think he was on to something. If we fail to look around us and see the needs of others, we are indifferent. If we don’t deeply appreciate the struggles in life, struggles we have in common, then we are unconcerned for others. If we keep too much for ourselves, we are selfish. If we don’t share our time, our talents and our possessions, we are indifferent.

I feel so fortunate to lead an organization dedicated to helping people achieve their dreams. I feel so grateful that we have a staff who are far from indifferent, staff who are dedicated to seeing what needs to be done and mobilizing what we have to make amazing things happen.

Michelle, a new manager of one of our homes, called to introduce herself to the individuals’ families and support teams. She spoke with one individual’s stepmother who was saddened because she hadn’t been able to visit in a few years. She is in her 90s and has trouble seeing and can no longer get around. Michelle, out of the kindness of her heart, offered to bring her to visit. Many people told Michelle that the individual we supported didn’t want to talk with her stepmother on the phone and wasn’t interested in seeing her. But Michelle wasn’t deterred by that. She spoke directly with the individual to see if she would change her mind, and she did. The Stepmother came for a beautiful visit, and they were thrilled to see each other. They left promising to see one another on a regular basis.

This taught us to always ask questions, to not just accept something because it’s always been this way. People are constantly changing their minds and open to trying new things, and we can help those we support open up to new experiences and find newfound joy and love.

Since that day, the individual and her stepmother have had two visits, and the individual is looking forward to bringing her stepmother flowers on Mother’s Day.

I have hope for this world because we are not indifferent. As long as we sustain our mission, we will all have the legacy of supporting change for good.