Parent to Parent: An Unspoken Bond

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There is something magical when parents who share a similar circumstance get together.

Ensemble hosted it's first "Parent Empowerment" dinner last night to about 15 parents. I watched as each person arrived and I couldn't help but smile at what I saw. People who had never met immediately began to talk...as if they've known each other for many years.

It's amazing how a similar life experience can bond even complete strangers.

Jackie and I were so pleased to hear the chatter, the laughter and a few tears.

While we did a small workshop, the more important outcome were the relationships established that night and the sharing of ideas that I know will lead to some great things!

Good news helps all of us to feel good

I just spoke with a mom who has been working very hard with her son to find a job. Last year they had started a business together, only to find out that it can be extremely exhausting, not to mention that it wasn't necessarily the best situation for mom and son to spend so much time together.

I encouraged them to get connected to someone who could assist with employment support and help with making community connections. After a couple of months of determination and persistence, a job was found!

I have known this mom and her son for about a year now and when I heard the good news, I felt really good too.

I think there are two messages in this story. The first is to get connected with someone who can help so that you don't have to do it all by yourself. The other is that the more connected we are to our community, the more opportunities there are.