2020 Gratitude List

by Shaelina Holmes

January 14, 2021

At Harvest House, we see hopelessness quite often, and we know that underneath all of the mess that a person might be carrying, there is peace, stability, and hope that is just waiting to blossom.

We all learned many lessons last year – experiencing many ‘firsts’ (and hopefully ‘lasts’) – but when we look closer, we can still find the peace and hope underneath all of the… mess. This year, we’ll hold our loved ones closer, surrender to the joy in the smallest moments, and keep saying ‘thank you’ a whole lot.

We want to intentionally celebrate the upsides of 2020 to help prepare us for many more blessings (and lessons) to come – in 2021 and beyond. To do this, we asked some of our staff and clients to share some things from their 2020 Gratitude Lists, and here are their answers:

2020 Gratitude List

As I've met new clients and listened to their stories, read books by authors different from me, taken the time to look deep into social issues instead of just staying at the surface, thought about humanity as a global community and not specific to the US, I've gained new perspectives. This has produced an even greater desire in me to ‘see’ people - their humanity, their brilliance, their courage, their quirks and talents - and truly appreciate and connect with a beautiful human race.

Erin Minor

CEO

We got a huge playground right in our backyard and it’s so awesome! I am so thankful!

Tiana (8)

Home Again client

I’m grateful that Harvest House is always putting people first, especially when a crisis hits.

Michael

Marketing Manager

I’m really grateful for community agencies working hard and working together to make a real difference in the lives of people in crisis. I’ve seen how this teamwork plays out and it means the world.

Dayna

Young Adult Services Manager

For the family and friends that help us cultivate a community on all of our campuses to wrap around people with all the love that we have. That love is able to ignite hope in so many that feel like they’ve lost it all.

Shaelina

Director of Development & Marketing

That we didn’t lose our passion or effectiveness during a difficult year.

Jon

Director of Addiction and Veteran Operations

I'm really, really thankful for the opportunity to finally have a stable place to live with my kids. This opportunity means everything.

Elizabeth

Family Services client

My favorite thing about this past year is the fun and privilege it has been to train and lead 3 VERY great managers. They inspire me and give me hope for the upcoming generation that serves well and really cares about people while fighting for change in the world. They make my heart smile.

Cheryl

Director of Family & Young Adult Services

I realized how enriched my life truly is by being connected. I’m so grateful to Harvest House for always having my back, in good and bad times.

Kim

Volunteer & In-Kind Donation Coordinator

I'm just so happy to be here. I actually want to come to classes and do the right thing now. You can tell that people here genuinely care. Thank you so much.

Sarai

Home Again client

I’m super grateful for our team’s cohesion; we are focused on our purpose of helping the sick and suffering in light of the global pandemic, its barriers, and restrictions. I’m super grateful for my wife and children; strong family love helps us bring joy to those we have contact with. I’m grateful for health, faith, and the hunger to make each day a blessing. I’m grateful for maintaining hope, knowing that even when we question what tomorrow may bring, we’re always hopeful it will be the best day we have ever had!