Terry Miller
As a school social worker, part of what I do is to connect families to community resources. It is in my area of expertise to know where resources may be found, or who to work with to develop new resources.
As such, I frequently hear, but more frequently say, Hancock County is a generous place to live.
While this statement is true throughout the entire year, it rings particularly true during the holiday season. While our unemployment rate may be low, there are still many families who need extra support. Their paychecks just do not go far enough for holiday extras. The four county school corporations, along with several agencies and groups, all work together to help families in need provide Christmas magic for their children. In doing so, we have the opportunity to interact with many different groups.
The churches in our community certainly share the love of Christ as they assist families throughout the year. They are always there to ask “What can we do?” Basic needs, such as food and clothing, are provided for, as are Christmas gifts to those in need.They are receptive to specific requests for assistance. Memorial services are offered for those experiencing grief. Specific ministries are offered by some via working through Love INC.
The businesses of our communities are generous and willing to share. Employees step forward to help purchase gifts, food, hygiene products, and school supplies for those who need them. If other needs arise, they are willing to assist with advice, goods, and time. The things they provide often go unnoticed to many in the community.
In addition to the ongoing resources of the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen, the Hancock County Food Pantry, and the Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry, there are school food drives that assist families. At Thanksgiving time, the Lisa Muegge Thanksgiving Dinner provided 4,500 meals across 7 counties.
And I do not want to forget to mention the individuals of our community. There are those who will sponsor families for Christmas, those that donate their time, talent, and treasures to organizations of importance to them, those that contribute food to the blessing boxes located throughout the county, those that pay outstanding bills for others, those that offer support and prayer for those who struggle, and those who say “just tell me what the need is.” School staff members are counted among these individuals.
Our social service system is uniquely positioned to help individuals of all ages and economic levels. These agencies in Hancock County are some of the best in their individual areas, and also work extremely well together to help individuals and families with things that are needed to help with contributing to a healthy, safe, and happy life. Thank you to Systems of Care for providing the opportunity for those of us working with families to learn from each other.
Imagine the strength of our community when all of these individuals and groups work together. Great things are accomplished for those living and working here. We take care of one another each and every day. Yes…we do live in a generous county and are truly blessed by the presence of one another.
I am fortunate to be able to see what many of these individuals and groups do throughout the entire year and would be remiss if I let the end of the year go by without saying “thank you.”
Each of you care about the people of your community and for that we are blessed. As you go through your own day, ask yourself “Who can I be a blessing to today?”
Terry Miller, a licensed clinical social worker, is a school social worker at Weston Elementary School in Greenfield.
