Creating meaningful connections with nonprofit partners is essential for fostering impactful collaborations. Lindsey Bressi, a Nonprofit Relationship Manager, recently spent a week visiting nonprofit organizations in California. Her experience highlighted the critical role these organizations play in supporting ReEmployAbility Transition2Work participants and underscored the power of purposeful work in recovery.
Fostering Purposeful Recovery
During her visit, Lindsey witnessed the profound ways nonprofit partners host and support Transition2Work participants. These organizations provide consistent, light-duty work opportunities that align with participants’ physical capabilities while offering a purposeful environment for recovery. For many participants, these assignments are more than tasks – they are daily motivations. “For a lot of our participants, reporting to these assignments is something they look forward to each day,” Lindsey observed.
A Morning at the Catholic Charities Center
One morning, Lindsey visited a Catholic Charities Center. As she approached the building, she was greeted by the sound of collective laughter – big, hearty laughter that spoke to the welcoming atmosphere within. The scene was vibrant: individuals waiting in line for assistance while volunteers worked seamlessly in the pantry, sharing smiles and laughter.
Nicole and Sister Jenny, who oversee participants at this site, and two others in Los Angeles County, shared insights into the program’s impact. “We wouldn’t be able to operate without our volunteers. They’re so vital to our mission, to our every day. With as many folks as we feed here, we couldn’t serve them, couldn’t do it without your volunteers,” Nicole said.
The Center serves up to 600 people weekly, providing family bags with nonperishable staples and fresh fruits and vegetables. Participants, in turn, find meaning in their contributions. Oscar, a participant, expressed, “This is a great place. I think this is a good thing, that we get to help people out.”
Joe shared his personal journey: “I used to be homeless for a long time. I changed my life around, got a good job, traveled around the country in my truck. Then I got hurt. But I like that I’m helping others, especially knowing what it feels like.” These charities function as vital community resources and a bedrock for their community.
Another participant, Paul, spoke about his experience: “I actually look forward to the commute in the mornings. The traffic doesn’t bother me as much knowing I’m going somewhere where I feel like a part of the team, where it’s obvious that what I’m doing is helping others.” Nicole further reflected on Paul’s contributions: “Paul is such a character. He brings a lot of life and lightness to our Pomona Center, especially since we have many challenges there and serve a very sensitive population.” This is a testament to the resounding good work that Catholic Charities does for Transition2Work participants as they recover and individuals in need. This partnership is built on a dedicated focus on helping uplift others.
The Bonds Formed Through Service
Lindsey’s visit also highlighted the lasting impact of these partnerships. Carlos, a former participant, continued to visit the Center even after his assignment ended. Sister Jenny noted with a smile, “Oh, he’s not a participant anymore. His assignment ended weeks ago. But he visits us. He was happy here.” Carlos agreed, saying, “This place became my happy place. My friends are here.”
Nicole added, “We’ve got a great group of people here. They bring in treats to share, sometimes Sister will coordinate a lunch. You can definitely see the bond they form with one another, and with the mission. They care. It makes all the difference.” Transition2Work participants gain more than recovery support – the program enhances their well-being by fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The Power of Connection Through Purpose
Lindsey’s journey through California underscored the importance of fostering strong relationships with nonprofit partners. These partnerships not only provide light-duty work opportunities but also create environments where participants can heal, connect, and thrive. Purposeful work has the power to transform lives, offering hope and a sense of belonging.
Nonprofit partnerships are vital in this journey of recovery. To support this mission, consider collaborating with ReEmployAbility to extend the reach of these impactful programs. Together, we can create meaningful change, one connection at a time.
About Catholic Charities Center:
The San Gabriel Region of Catholic Charities serves a vast area stretching from East Los Angeles to the Pomona Valley, near the San Bernardino County line. Its three community service centers—Brownson House, Pomona, and San Juan Diego—are located in highly vulnerable areas, providing essential resources such as food, clothing, temporary shelter, and assistance with CalFresh applications. Through case management, the centers empower individuals and families to address challenges, achieve self-sufficiency, and access educational programs like parenting classes, life skills training, and mental health workshops. These services are complemented by support groups, youth programs, and community events, fostering resilience and well-being.
For more information and volunteering opportunities, visit CatholicCharitiesLA.org.