Written By: Kathleen Dooley, Senior Director of Human Resources

With Thanksgiving approaching, I’m reminded of how immensely thankful I am to work for New Friends New Life as the Senior Director of Human Resources.

I spent a great deal of my career in the corporate world, but transitioning to the nonprofit sector years ago was the best decision I ever made. Working alongside others who share the same level of commitment and passion for a mission is life changing in the best ways imaginable. I’m very thankful for having the privilege of working with our amazing staff. Our organization’s success is a direct reflection of the dedication and commitment of our staff , including our leadership team, who relentlessly work to ensure our members receive exceptional care and services.

I’m thankful for any opportunity I get to spend one-on-one time with our members. Whether I am simply walking them down the hall, chatting with them about TV shows, or making them a cup of microwavable noodles, the most cherished moments of my days are these. One way I’ve been able to connect more deeply with our members is by sharing my love of art with them. It began with rock painting sessions last year. Rock painting may sound absurd; however, there is something so rewarding about turning a plain, old rock into something beautiful. In fact, research has found that creating art can have a positive impact on the brain! Studies show that people who participate in arts and crafts demonstrate notable improvements in cognitive function, problem solving skills, stress relief, emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, psychological resilience, and memory processing. These activities also provide an outlet for self-expression, create a sense of achievement, and help to boost self-esteem and confidence.

Art is not only beneficial for the brain, but it is also good for the soul. I love watching how relaxed our members become as they paint. Some of the women like to talk a lot while they’re working on their masterpiece. They share their daily struggles, their life stories, and provide encouragement to one another. Other women remain completely laser focused and silent. A member once told me: “I love this class because my mind goes blank, and I don’t think about anything else but painting this rock.”

Last holiday season we painted Christmas ornaments together. It was heartwarming to hear the members talk about who they planned to gift each ornament to—friends, family members and their children. Due to financial restraints, gift giving is not something many members are able to do very often, if at all, but it clearly brings them an incredible amount of pride and joy. One member exclaimed how excited she was to give her young son an ornament for Christmas. She told me it would be the first Christmas gift she would ever give him. Another member painted ornaments for her sister whom she recently reunited with after many years of estrangement.

Those painted ornaments served as little bridges to building deeper connections with their loved ones.

Our members are the strongest, most courageous women I will ever know. Hearing their stories and being witness to their remarkable transformations clarifies my perspective on life. I am forever changed because of them. I’m also constantly reminded of how important it is to the human experience to have a network of loving, supportive people in your life. It is such a blessing to work for an organization that provides that kind of support to teens and women who need it most. Although our members’ life experiences may look vastly different from our own, as women we all want and deserve the same basic things in life—unconditional love, acceptance, respect, compassion, equal opportunities, and personal freedom.

On behalf of the NFNL team, thank you to our generous supporters, partners, volunteers, as well as to the members of our Board of Directors, Men’s Advocacy Group, and Circle of Friends. Our community of support makes it possible for us to do what we do. Your time and generosity are helping to change the lives of teens, women, and their children every day. We will forever be thankful for each of you.

I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a joyful start to the holiday season ahead!

If you’re interested in facilitating an arts and crafts workshop for our members, please visit our volunteers page.

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”

— Steve Maraboli