Things that Matter
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Last week, right before the storm hit the southwest coast of Florida, tough decisions were being made and emotions were high. After what was experienced with Helene, I am grateful for the diligence of Charlotte County Emergency Management, and everyone emphasizing the predictions and need for safe decisions.
My family and I were fortunate enough to shelter with some wonderful friends. This isn’t the first time our sweet friends were there for us. I’m grateful for people that open their homes, provide meals and support those who are at risk. Life is precious, reminding us that most things are material. Tears were shed as many of us closed the front doors of our home, not knowing if we would have a home after the hurricane.
At some point, it dawned on me that there was a column to write. For close to four and a half years, not one week has been missed. Most of me knew it would not happen as all my reserves were drained. I knew the best way to calm the nerves of our team was to have them contribute some words for the column on our “WhatsApp” group chat.
As they shared vulnerable thoughts with each other, they reflected on gratitude for family, generosity of friends, coming together with our community, faith and the power of prayer, most importantly, the safety of loved ones. They expressed the value of the work we do in Charlotte County as not just being a job. A core priority for me and our board is that our team has the flexibility to take care of things at home, and to be supportive of co-workers. The team always notes the desire to take the focus off us and to simply be in HELP and HOPE mode for those who need it more.
The column did not happen last week, but we are back. We are here and we will not leave. It will take a long time to process the emotions of this hurricane season, as it seems so incredibly different from Ian and all the others. I am aware there is survivor guilt and additionally there are segments of our community not affected and some devastated. We cannot forget those who have been affected the most.
Just as they always do, quietly serving, with a strong dose of HOPE (and coffee), our team is fielding calls and requests for HELP through the various assistance funds we have available. They won’t be shouting on the rooftop, but they will get up every day and do the next thing to help each person who reaches out. They will listen and get them to the place they need to be. I could not be prouder of the UWCC team. We may not have all the answers, and we certainly are challenged with the capacity to help all those that need help, but our team won’t give up on our community.
Now is the time for us to help our neighbors pick up the pieces of destroyed homes, damaged businesses and shattered lives. Our priorities are to support the workforce, the focus of our United at Work program. We need our workforce back to work as soon as possible for the livelihood of our communities.
Charlotte County – we need each other. If you are interested in volunteering, we emphasize the need to mobilize through the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) at the Family Services Center. For information about donating to ensure families and our workforce has the resources it needs to be resilient, or to volunteer, please visit: www.unitedwayccfl.org/LastWeek
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.