Empowerment at Lubbock Impact is often in reference to the ways we work to empower the working poor to make decisions that will help them get back on their feet. Through each resource and connection, our goal is to provide the tools to break generational poverty and build a stronger future. This empowerment also extends to the next generation of those who want to serve and help others, often through Social Work. Each semester Lubbock Impact hosts students at the undergraduate and graduate level who need to complete intern hours for their degrees. This real-world experience often proves invaluable and not only helps prepare them for the ways they will go on to impact the world around them but also gives them the confidence to effect real change.
Kirsten has been one of our interns since last August, completing her hours for her master’s in social work through Texas Tech University. February’s Community Event, Canvases and Cupcakes, was Kirsten’s project; from deciding the activities, promoting the event, managing the day-of itinerary, she did it all! Canvases and Cupcakes was a huge hit and a true representation of the joy of community! Kids of every age (young and old) came to eat dinner, decorate cupcakes, and let their artistic talents shine through. Whether participants did a self-guided color by number or followed along with our live canvas painter, Nancy, they all got to experience a night of fun without needing to worry about the finances associated with an activity like this. The dining hall was strangely quiet at times because of how focused each person was on their paintings!
As the event was wrapping up, Kirsten laughed as she said, “It’s so much easier than you think it is to bring people together”. From the Chick-fil-a on Slide and 69th that donated dinner, Tree of Restoration Church that volunteered their time and almost 50 participants that attended the event, so many different groups from this community came together to support and enjoy this event. Through some canvas painting and cupcake decorating, participants were reminded of how their community cares for them, their well-being and even the opportunity for them to have some fun. Kirsten has been an incredible asset to Lubbock Impact over the last few months and gained even more confidence in her ability to impact her community through this event!
Empowerment at Lubbock Impact extends past participants who come seeking help and guidance in their situations; it’s a culture that is cultivated. The reality is that each person that enters this building has the opportunity to dip into the pool of empowerment. A volunteer gains confidence that their time makes a difference; donors providing resources strengthen their ties to their community; interns gain the skills to go on and elicit change; participants have hope and feel empowered to build a strong future, knowing their community has their back. It’s more than just canvas painting and cupcake decorating!