Newspaper Article - Teamwork!

What brought that to mind, you ask? The view from my office is full of examples of great team work. Let me tell you about how I have seen teams at work just in the last few weeks.

 

Every night this week I have watched someone jumpstart her car before she could drive home. Last night the car needed to be pushed around the parking lot before it could start. She needed a team. Three of us were able to push that car until it started and cheer her on her way home.

 

This community is full of team players. Someone had a loved one get in an accident. There was a need for moral support, pet watching, and childcare. There was a need for some team support. Many stepped in to be that team. Another lost a loved one, and needed friends to come along to listen and to be there. A marriage was troubled. That person needed to get perspective, to gain confidence and purpose. Another was overwhelmed with work and family and life responsibilities. Someone listened and then suggested they go home and get a good night’s sleep with the cell phone turned off. A single parent received some much-needed support and encouragement. Someone in the job search got help figuring out how to find a job, how to put together a resume that explains their background and skills well, and most of all, got some moral support. That person left with a smile and newfound energy.

 

One of the most amazing teams I’ve seen is our free tax preparation program at The River Center. For the past month we have been getting calls from individuals wanting to make appointments to get their taxes done. I see the excitement build as the volunteer tax preparers get ready for this program. Many of them return year after year to do this because it is so satisfying to help others in this way. They are taking tests to be certified by the IRS. They are making schedules, lining up the technology needed for the program, and putting flyers up all around our towns. The tax volunteer team is in training. Last year 570 tax returns were prepared at The River Center for free. $970,000 in refunds came back into the community. That’s an effective team! That is neighbors helping neighbors in a very concrete way.

 

It’s not just individuals and families that need team support. Organizations need help as well. The River Center cannot exist without its support team--the help of volunteers, the support and collaboration of other organizations, churches, and businesses, and financial help from everyone. A number of churches are helping by offering space for our programs. Other nonprofit organizations help us by collaborating to bring programs to the public, raising money for our support, and referring people to our programs.

 

But good teams don’t just happen—it takes time and awareness to reach out to give and receive help. A place like The River Center is a good place to start. Why go it alone? Life’s a team sport!