New Year’s Wishes For 2009

It is the dawn of a new year and 2009 will be a whole lot different in many ways. Our country is filled with mixed emotions. There is a lot of pessimism about the economy and there is significant optimism about a change in leadership. There are many New Year’s wishes to be offered. Here are a few that I would like to share with you. I wish for:

• Jobs and opportunity for every person who wants one.

• A steadily improving economy that will bring people out of the panic mode.

• A country full of people who are more willing than ever to give back to their fellow man. After all, I believe we are a society of humanitarians.

• The realization that we buy far more than we need and if we could re-direct some of that self indulgence to help others less fortunate, we would be better served (my self included).

• Living for and enjoying today and not worrying so much about tomorrow or what we did or did not do yesterday.

• Exercise and breathe fresh air. It makes you feel better.

• Do something you have never done before in your life. Encounter a new experience this year.

• Make someone feel better by renewing an old friendship, calling someone when they are sick or just saying something kind to somebody. It does not cost a thing.

• Have a positive attitude every day.

• Do something fun every day and laugh.

• Give freely of your time, talent and resources. Your extra change can make a difference you would not believe.

• Take a road you have never taken before. It might provide you with a different perspective on things.

It is my hope that each and every one of you has a magnificent and prosperous 2009. So don’t follow the old adage of wait until next year because next year is this year and the time is now to make the most of it.

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Ten Years of Fatherhood

It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since the beginning of the Fatherhood Initiative by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. Back in December of 1998, little was being done around this issue, but the need was great.

The plight of low-income fathers in South Carolina has been an overwhelming problem in many different ways. It is pervasive throughout the state in both rural and urban areas. From the onset, one of the biggest challenges was earning the trust of fathers. Their sense of hopelessness and despair and the magnitude of their problems were almost too big to handle. However, one by one, thousands of fathers have come forward and participated in a fatherhood program. They have learned how to deal with anger management issues, how to find a job, how to deal with legal problems and how to be more responsible fathers and contributing members of society.

While there hasn’t been a 100% success rate, there have been a huge number of accomplishments. It has not only contributed in a positive fashion to our economy, but has also reduced the traffic in our courts and jails. These programs are far from perfect and some fathers just can’t get things turned around, but many of them do, and these fathers make the Initiative worthwhile.

The exciting and rewarding part of all of this is that thousands of children now have an active father in their lives. Dads are there for their kids at school events, sporting events, church activities and, of course, birthdays. Living in poverty is bad enough but living in poverty without your father or without your children is much worse. So, congratulations to everyone involved in ten years of success with the Fatherhood Initiative in South Carolina. The journey has been complex but the rewards have been great.

Tom Keith is the executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Reflections from Last Month's Election

The recent Presidential election was a transformational moment for me. Regardless of who you voted for, it is, without question, an amazing time in American History. I was really struck by the energy, enthusiasm and passion of the electorate across the nation. It was representative of who we have become as a nation. This country represents a diverse group of individuals of all ages, races and persuasions that care deeply about our country – the good and the bad.

I found the engagement of young people in the election process quite refreshing. The many first- time voters of all ethnicities that stood in line, many waiting four or five hours to participate in the process, impressive.

There is no easy solution to the problems this country faces no matter who is occupying the White House or Congress. As was said by many different people over the last few months, government cannot and should not solve or try to solve all of our problems. Each of us has a responsibility to become engaged in community and non-profit service, to support others in need, whenever possible, and to do our part to be fiscally disciplined. But, I must admit that I feel a sense of hope in these weeks after the election. I feel that things can get better, and that we can lift ourselves out of the depths of despair, even if we personally did not contribute to the problem.

My father lived through the Great Depression. He never wanted to throw anything away for fear that it might serve some use or purpose at a later time. He saved money and worked hard everyday. He took care of his family and saw that his children received a college education. My dad died 11 months ago. I can tell you that he would have been proud of America today. He would have felt the same hope and optimism many of us feels right now.

So, no matter how you voted, or what gender you are or what race you are or what age you are or what ideology you support: feel proud. Feel proud to be an American, proud that the process of democracy works and proud that we have the energy and involvement of a lot of people we had never before engaged.

Yes, it is a transformational time for me and one for the history books. I am just thankful that I have experienced it live and in person. It is great to be an American, just like the rest of you. Remember, through thick and thin, we are in this together. Isn’t that just the way it should be?

Tom Keith is the executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.