We asked RESPOND staff members to tell us why they do the work they do. Their answers reminded us that behind every program, every call, and every shelter stay, are people who care deeply, and who bring heart, skill, and dedication to every survivor they support.
“I do this work because I love seeing our community members’ reasons for giving, sometimes on a check there will be a short reason for their gift in the memo. I’ve seen ‘I am a survivor,’ I’ve seen a favorite Bible verse, I’ve seen ‘thank you for the work that’s been done.’ Those notes truly keep me going. If my community is continuously willing to give to help strangers, I can too.” – Development Specialist
Other staff members shared their motivations too:
“I do this work for the survivors and the children. They are so brave. Helping a survivor see their strength, seeing a child refer to the shelter as their “home”, or knowing a family is safe for the night…those moments keep me going – Domestic Violence Counselor
“I do this work because I want to be the person that I would need. I want survivors to know they are not alone, and that someone can meet them exactly where they are, with empathy, care, and understanding. I strive to be an advocate for those who sometimes feel they have none. – Domestic Violence Counselor
Thank you to our RESPOND staff and partners, whose dedication keeps this work moving forward every day. And thank you to our supporters and the survivors we serve; your courage, generosity, and resilience inspire everything we do at its core.
