WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF CARE
“the ideal of care is an activity of relationship, of seeing and responding to need, taking care of the world by sustaining the web of connection that no one is left alone”. -- Carol Gilligan
​
-
Our intention is to support a culture of care in our community by mobilizing the resources present in Western New to create a circle of support for people with disabilities, their families,
-
and caregivers.
-
We need a community of people who hold a vision of care and a voice of influence in the broader culture to spark a commitment to a Culture of Care.
-
We see that vision and voice of influence coming from faith communities and local colleges.
-
The root of the word religion is to re-connect. Religion’s potential is to restore our relationships with each other.
-
Partnering with educational institutions will provide inclusive experiences and support for people who need care, and their families and care caregivers. Students will gain awareness of the need for inclusive home-based care. Opportunities to experience the value of authentic care giving relationships for both the care giver and care receiver through service learning-volunteering and internships will inspire future generations to develop a commitment to care.
OUR VALUES
Compassion
To be with, to walk with, to stand with and to appreciate our sameness rather than our differences. Compassion asks us to embrace one another.
​
Connection
We believe in the centrality of connection-that we can be our best selves by serving each other and appreciating the sacredness in all of us. While isolation is at the core of human suffering, connection is at the core of human growth. Connectedness asks us to attend to and respond to each other.
​
Community
We believe that the formation of small intentional communities of care will produce a culture change so that when we experience life's inevitable vulnerabilities, we will all have a place in the center rather than the margins of our shared awareness. Community asks us to unite with one another and "be there" when needed.
OUR KEY CONCEPTS
CARING COMMUNITIES
INCLUSIVENESS
MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP SUPPORT
COMMITMENT
​​
The unique element of Spirituality underpins each of these endeavors.
We welcome people of all faiths along with people of no faith. We believe that it is important for people to have a way of expressing their spirituality in ways that are meaningful to them.
​
“The spiritual life does not remove us from the world but leads us deeper into it.” ― Nouwen Henri J. M.
​