Last week, Community Advocates staff came together at the Baird Center for an all-staff event centered on reflection, gratitude, and care. The gathering served as a meaningful pause, reminding us that tending to our own well-being is not separate from our mission, but essential to it. 

The event opened with words from Board of Directors President Sharon Jordan, who was in attendance with Vice-President Natasha Dotson, followed by a keynote address from Pastor Kenneth R. Lock II, who grounded the day in the practice of gratitude. His message invited staff to reflect on what it means to acknowledge both the weight of our work and the moments of meaning that show up within it.  

Throughout the day, staff participated in wellness sessions designed to offer tools, space, and perspective. While each session focused on different aspects of wellness, the shared intention was clear: to support the whole person. These sessions created opportunity for staff to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and learn mindfulness practices that can be carried beyond the event and into daily life.  

The day concluded with a powerful poem, Routine Maintenance, performed by Miss Dia – the Poetry Pusher. Her words spoke directly to the reality of working with people who are navigating distress, trauma, and uncertainty. The poem demonstrated the importance of caring for ourselves not as an after-thought, but as an ongoing practice—routine maintenance that allows us to continue showing up with compassion, presence, and integrity.  

One of the most personal moments of the day came through a simple but meaningful gesture: every staff member received a handwritten card from the Community Advocates Board of Directors. These notes of appreciation served as a tangible reminder that the work staff do every day is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.