Resources Unite

The struggle doesn't slow down when it's this hot. If anything, the heat makes things move even faster in our world. I'm taking a minute to write this and as I look out my window, four different women have stopped by our outside Red Basket bin (feminine hygiene products) to get some help.

We filled the truck this morning with all kinds of furniture. While we were out loading the truck, five people stopped by needing the very things we were packing. The messages piled up on my desk while we were out this morning. So much need.

While chatting with a few different people this afternoon, another person stopped by needing assistance. When we asked them to wait in their car while we caught up, they became very upset. I get it. It's hot and it's hard out there right now.

Everyone needs a break.

The food, the diapers, the bus passes, the shampoo, the soap, the toilet paper, the rent, the new job and peace.

So many women seek peace...praying for peace. Domestic violence, sexual violence, words and everything else. And the shelters from here to Platteville to Clinton and even down to Davenport are all full. Seemingly, all the time.

Another young man is hoping to get into inpatient treatment tonight or very soon. He needs to get in before he uses again and risks his life one more time.

Take it slow if you can. Drink some cool water. We're hoping for better days for everyone.

Thank you to the Sisters of the Presentation for your incredible support of our mission. Your sponsorship of our Outstanding Volunteer & Achievement Awards means everything to us and to the people we serve. Your unwavering commitment to serving others inspires our work every single day.

Please join us this Thursday night at Steeple Square at 6pm. Tickets are $50 and you can pay at the door or at www.resourcesunite.com

See you there!

For three days we partnered with the youth at Grand View Methodist Church. They distributed more than 10,000 pounds of food to people in need, gave out hundreds of box fans to people worried about staying cool during the summer and assembled and delivered more than 300 cleaning supply bags filled with toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, multipurpose spray and sponges. This same youth group spent a day picking up donated furniture and organizing our furniture warehouse. The following day they delivered beds, couches, dining tables and much more to everyone waiting on our list.

They also spent three days learning about themselves and how just one person can make a difference in someone's life. We asked them to smile, introduce themselves to people they didn't know, ask open ended questions that might lead to additional support for people and listen.

Really listen.

The kind of active listening where your cell phone stays in your pocket, you make eye contact, and you thoughtfully respond to what is being shared. This is where people feel heard; where people feel seen.

We witnessed young women and men realize in the moment their leadership abilities. Frankly, what we witnessed for three days was a reminder that our future is in really good hands.