Sometimes the most meaningful and humbling human encounters we have with each other is when we pause and step away from the distractions of emails, smart phones and our “to do” list, to listen to the heartfelt concerns of others that can only be experienced in conversations together. In 2011, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina hosted four Listening Sessions across the state with over 200 community members representing nearly 100 organizations participating. Each person present lent their unique voice and perspective to the challenges and opportunities families experiencing poverty currently face.
In April, Foundation board and staff listened first-hand to more than 20 college students from Claflin University in Orangeburg, some of whom were first generation college students and participants in the federal TRIO program. These students shared some of the struggles they faced in completing high school, their dreams for their future, the importance of positive role models and the many steps of faith they took in order to pursue higher education. One young adult shared, “It’s not how much you have; it’s what you do with what you have.” We also met with committed community advocates and leaders working each day to address poverty in their community.
In celebration of Father’s Day, the Foundation partnered with the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, in June, to hear the perspectives of fathers from each of the six fatherhood programs throughout the state. Becoming a father was transformational, as one father expressed the sentiments of all the fathers in the room, “My kids inspire, uplift and motivate me to be a better man and father.” The fathers shared from their heart life circumstances before joining the fatherhood program, how they were able to move forward with the support of fatherhood program staff and the many ways hope has been rebirthed in their lives.
In July, Foundation representatives met with community service providers and homeless individuals and families to hear from those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Greenville. The Foundation heard multiple stories of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, as one individual shared, “There is more to me than my present circumstances.” All of the families desired to keep their family unit together, were working to overcome the multiple barriers faced in order to move ahead and relayed how having people who truly cared about their well-being made the biggest difference in their life.
In October, Women Religious in South Carolina gathered for a Listening Session, as part of the Foundation’s Collaboration for Ministry Initiative, which assists and supports Sisters in their efforts to meet the needs of the poor and underserved members of society. The Sisters reflected upon their journeys, past and present, and the future dreams they hold for their ministries. One Sister emphasized, “Start with a dream and worry about the money later. God always gives you what you need.” Their stories illustrated the many ways they acted in faith, serving as bridge builders and anchors of faith to community members.
Given the high levels of poverty in South Carolina, there is a lot of work ahead for the Foundation to achieve its vision for all families in South Carolina to have the resources they need to live out of poverty. Throughout each Listening Sessions, we are reminded of the importance of continuing our work by listening to the voices individuals of directly impacted by the issues we care deeply about. They know what is most needed to support their journey. When we stop to listen, we often hear the answers to some of our most pressing challenges today. Let us continue to listen, their voices matter.
Read the full summary of the 2011 Listening Sessions.
In April, Foundation board and staff listened first-hand to more than 20 college students from Claflin University in Orangeburg, some of whom were first generation college students and participants in the federal TRIO program. These students shared some of the struggles they faced in completing high school, their dreams for their future, the importance of positive role models and the many steps of faith they took in order to pursue higher education. One young adult shared, “It’s not how much you have; it’s what you do with what you have.” We also met with committed community advocates and leaders working each day to address poverty in their community.
In celebration of Father’s Day, the Foundation partnered with the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, in June, to hear the perspectives of fathers from each of the six fatherhood programs throughout the state. Becoming a father was transformational, as one father expressed the sentiments of all the fathers in the room, “My kids inspire, uplift and motivate me to be a better man and father.” The fathers shared from their heart life circumstances before joining the fatherhood program, how they were able to move forward with the support of fatherhood program staff and the many ways hope has been rebirthed in their lives.
In July, Foundation representatives met with community service providers and homeless individuals and families to hear from those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Greenville. The Foundation heard multiple stories of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, as one individual shared, “There is more to me than my present circumstances.” All of the families desired to keep their family unit together, were working to overcome the multiple barriers faced in order to move ahead and relayed how having people who truly cared about their well-being made the biggest difference in their life.
In October, Women Religious in South Carolina gathered for a Listening Session, as part of the Foundation’s Collaboration for Ministry Initiative, which assists and supports Sisters in their efforts to meet the needs of the poor and underserved members of society. The Sisters reflected upon their journeys, past and present, and the future dreams they hold for their ministries. One Sister emphasized, “Start with a dream and worry about the money later. God always gives you what you need.” Their stories illustrated the many ways they acted in faith, serving as bridge builders and anchors of faith to community members.
Given the high levels of poverty in South Carolina, there is a lot of work ahead for the Foundation to achieve its vision for all families in South Carolina to have the resources they need to live out of poverty. Throughout each Listening Sessions, we are reminded of the importance of continuing our work by listening to the voices individuals of directly impacted by the issues we care deeply about. They know what is most needed to support their journey. When we stop to listen, we often hear the answers to some of our most pressing challenges today. Let us continue to listen, their voices matter.
Read the full summary of the 2011 Listening Sessions.
Stephanie Cooper-Lewter is the senior director of research for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
