Because She Sees Wellspring at the End of the Poem

In the past few months I have been highlighting some incredible people in our community who were gracious enough to work with us in our Purple Purse Leaders campaign.  Now that October is almost over and the campaign is winding down, I wanted to highlight one group that holds a special place in my heart. 

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County is an organization by women, for women.  Their mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.  I’m proud to have been a member for 11 years  and am constantly amazed by all of the things my sisters do.  Let me introduce you to Marie Buckley Hoffman, the current President of our chapter.  For 35 years she has been working as a teacher for hearing impaired children.  Yesterday, she shared a poem with me because she believed it related to our work. Click here to hear why she cares and how the  poem below inspires her commitment to Wellspring's work.

Children Learn What They LiveBy Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. 

 

If children live in homes with domestic violence, they learn unhealthy habits that will follow them through life.  But Marie told me the other day she sees Wellspring at the end of the poem.  Wellspring shows children and victims of domestic violence compassion, acceptance and kindness.  Because of this, they learn so many important skills that will serve them throughout their life. 

 

All of my Soroptimist sisters have found their reasons for supporting Wellspring. I’ve been  showing the reasons so many of our community leaders care as well.  I've truly been moved hearing people talking from the heart about why they care.  But what about you?  Why do you care about Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and the work Wellspring does to end these issues?  Please let me know, either in the comments below or just if you see me in the community.

 

Do you want to help us make this world a nice place? Give today to the Purple Purse Challenge at

wellspringcares.org/purse

 

We've got just until 1:59 in the afternoon on October 31st to reach our goal in the Challenge, raising more funds for prevention so that all children live with honesty, security, friendliness, and kindness.