“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” Maya Angelou
Life can sometimes bring hardships and challenges. In those moments when you feel that you are losing hope, how do you stop yourself from standing still, throwing your hands up and giving up. I find myself at times looking out into the wilderness and wondering how I move forward. It is much easier to sit on the couch and watch as life passes you by because often when we make a commitment to change, life will surely present roadblocks to slow your process to success and will often have you back on that couch wondering “What happened?”
One of the true blessings I have in my role as the Diversity Officer for Berkshire Health System is that I get to work with amazing organizations and people from across Berkshire County. They all have the same hopes and dreams of making Berkshire County a stronger community and a place where people want to call home. This is not going to be an easy task, but we are dedicated to this because we want to impact the present and future of this county on all the people who live here.
This community does not quit. The commitment to revitalizing this county is strong. This week I attended a Westside Neighborhood Revitalization Idea Jam. The focus was to address the challenges people face who live on the Westside of the City of Pittsfield. There were current residents, past residents, and businesses in a room together looking to address the social and economic challenges as well as the health and safety concerns expressed by those who live there. These conversations were not just about the challenges but the solutions. We want to change the path and direction of a proud community who only wants the same opportunities to be successful.
That gives me hope.
I see the amazing work that Northern Berkshire Community Coalition does in North County, especially with the youth. We are only as strong as the next generation and their commitment to not just talk at young people but to let them know they have a voice in the future of the community they live in. I have seen firsthand what these young people are capable of doing. Their voices are loud and proud, and their mission is to continue to make North County strong.
That gives me hope.
The Southern Berkshire Rural Health Network serves the people of South County. Their commitment to support and serve the community is unwavering. They serve one of the oldest counties in Massachusetts. They are also a rural county, and isolation, loneliness, and transportation are some of their biggest challenges. Working with the local hospital (Fairview) they serve monthly meals which has help connect the seniors in the county and through a grant they have the South County Connector that provides transportation for seniors and people with disabilities.
That gives me hope.
These are just a few examples of the many I could share. In the moments when I am sitting alone and I get discouraged by what is happening. I remember all those who I have the blessing of being side by side where we have the opportunity to make everyone’s lives better.
As Maya Angelou said, “You feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.”
That gives me strength.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 