Motherhood has often felt like a constant state of overwhelm. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with incredibly beautiful emotions. Gratitude for the gift of raising three little humans with their own unique gifts and talents. Joy in the squishy toes, chubby cheeks, and baby laughter. Immense unconditional love. Sometimes, it is the constant deluge of things that I am responsible for. Thoughts of “Am I doing this right?” “Am I qualified for such important work?” “Will they be okay?”
Lately, the “overwhelm” has felt stifling. While thankful for the technology we are privy to, the onslaught of information has often felt burdensome. I often feel like I have a front row seat to the many atrocities of the world, a world that my kids are a part of, with no power to change it. The more I’ve reflected on this, the more I know that what I feel, though valid, is not real. I do have power. We all have power. There is power in joy and hope. There is power in little ripples. There is power in love and kindness. Powerlessness is a feeling. I can always do something.
Instead of caving, I’ve leaned in even more into service work. Whatever troubled me most — kids being hungry or not feeling safe, people feeling like they don’t belong — I made sure I found an organization doing the work to support. There are so many organizations within our communities that are filling the necessary gaps and that need support.
READ: Giving Back to Our Community: Where to Volunteer with Kids in Jacksonville
The remarkable aspect is that they need all kinds of support. If you don’t have the ability to support with monetary giving, you can use your talents to support in other ways. Being creative and expansive with the “how” is so important. A few examples:
- The lowest level is simply sharing about the work they are doing with others or on social media.
- If you have a few hours, donate your time.
- If you have special skills, be it marketing, communication, planning, financial planning, networking, or branding, to name a few, you can offer your talents to support in those ways.
- You can talk to your employer about where they can lean in. Maybe it is a company-wide day of service or a giving challenge with a matching donation.
I encourage anyone reading this to create a list of what you can do and start researching some organizations that “move you.” Here are a few (not at all exhaustive) of mine, and why they garner my support:
The ScienceSIS Foundation
What they do: “Our foundation is dedicated to breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring that all girls have the opportunity to explore and thrive in STEM disciplines.”
Why I care: The idea of changing the future fabric of this world by exposing young women to fields that they would not typically see themselves in or that others would not recommend them for is a no-brainer. Learn more at thesciencesisfoundation.org.
The Giving Closet Project
What they do: “The Giving Closet Project, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL) provides clothing and hygiene products to students in need, elevating their self-esteem and dignity.”
Why I care: I believe education is one of the most important ways to access more opportunities. If a student’s basic needs aren’t met, it is hard to focus on the work. This organization provides that and more by partnering with other organizations throughout the city. Learn more at givingclosetproject.org.
904ward
What they do: “904WARD creates racial healing and equity through deep conversations and learning, trusting relationships, and collective action.”
Why I care: We are in some divisive times. Relationships can’t be built if we can’t communicate with each other effectively and respectfully. Instead of shying away from the hard conversations, this organization is working hard to help us have them. Learn more at 904ward.org.
National Charity League
What they do: “Fostering the mother-daughter relationship through an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture, and leadership.”
Why I care: Building a heart of service in my children is a top priority. To have the opportunity to be able to connect with my daughter through service is a dream. Learn more at nationalcharityleague.org.
Isaiah 117 House
What they do: “The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold: reduce trauma for children awaiting placement, lighten the load for child welfare services, and ease the transition for foster families.”
Why I care: They are supporting children at one of their most vulnerable points. Learn more at isaiah117house.com.
Dreams Come True Jacksonville
What they do: “Thousands of families are given the news that their child has cancer or other life-threatening illnesses every year. Dreams Come True exists to help these brave children and their families find a momentary reprieve from the stress and struggles associated with battling a serious illness. We do this through the fulfillment of dreams.”
Why I care: Kindness and hope in the darkest hour mean so much to families. Learn more at dreamscometrue.org.
In what ways do you like to give back to your community? Share your ideas with us in the comments!
