Notes from our Executive Director

Over the last several weeks, I have encountered several individuals who found themselves in need of a confidence boost. This is a common occurrence here at Lubbock Impact, as many of our visitors come in tired and bruised from the hardships they face. They simply need to be reminded that they have a purpose and that they are loved for just being them. They need to be empowered. Here at Lubbock Impact, we use that word a lot because it reminds us of our purpose. We are here to help others feel stronger and more confident, especially in terms of controlling their own lives. 

I would like to share three different examples that I have recently experienced here at Lubbock Impact, which all highlight the beauty of the empowerment found within our walls. One is of a young teen volunteer that I had the privilege of serving alongside in the kitchen. She shared with me that she had signed up because she had heard friends discuss how enjoyable it was serving at Lubbock Impact. During a particularly hard time at home, she found herself with a few extra hours and decided to use them to serve others with us. She is a volunteer who can relate to others, and instead of feeling bad for herself, she came to find community. 

Another young volunteer is an artist and is working on an eagle scout project for us. As we explored different options, we developed a plan to bring the ideas of the children in Lubbock Impact’s children’s ministry to life through a mural created by college art students. He is so excited to see how everyone can be empowered to create together. 

Lastly, a former participant who came to our Faith and Finance class unsure of her ability to rise above her situation, now wants to volunteer as an ally in the same class. She has taken time to learn and grow, and now she wants to use her experience to walk alongside someone else facing a similar situation. 

Confidence comes through empowering others to believe in themselves and giving them opportunities to build their confidence. This is what makes the community stronger. Each of these individuals’ stories are interwoven into what makes Lubbock Impact a unique gift to our community. Each person becomes stronger by helping others through their own unique gifts. 

As I close, I want to share a quick thought as we enter the summer season. Summer is always a fun time of the year, but it’s also a hard season at Lubbock Impact for two reasons. First, our staff have been working on summer plans and navigating the places that we know will have gaps because our “regular” volunteers will be out for their own summer vacations. If you have some time this summer and have volunteered in the past or have been considering it, please consider my invitation to jump in! Your help would be a refreshment during a time when our staff wear a few extra hats to keep things moving. Secondly, summer means that we will have more participants coming to utilize services because the electricity gets high and kids are at home. That means our resources are a little thinner because giving is typically lower during the summer months.  I realize I do not normally make an appeal in the executive director’s update, but I wanted to make you aware of the needs we are facing as we move into summer.  

The author of Hebrews said it best, “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid'” (13:6). I pray that you and I will both step confidently forward into the act of sharing our gifts with those in need, knowing that the Lord is our helper.