We know too well the hardships of not having a loving family or enough food to eat throughout the year and especially during the holidays.  Indeed, we work to build and strengthen families and to make sure children are safe, nurtured, and nourished.  On Thanksgiving, as I do every day, I give thanks for my colleagues.  A special and sincere expression of gratitude to those working on campus and those on call — thank you and your loved ones for your sacrifice!

I am also grateful for our clients and all the hard work they do to persevere through tremendous obstacles. Last week, I was touring campus with some donors, and we met with Alex M., a 17-year-old PCS resident who blew the donors away with his intelligence and dedication to improving his life.  He spoke of his good fortune and how he is striving to be a role model for his younger siblings and for the younger kids on the campus.  I am proud of Alex, as I am of all our clients. Their resilience is humbling and is the reason I do this work.

One of the most poignant aspects of this holiday is its inclusivity.  All of us may benefit from pausing and reflecting upon what we have to be thankful for.  I am thankful that JCCA reflects diversity, connecting, supporting, transforming and giving.  I am hopeful that you know how much joy you bring into our clients’ lives each day and how you are indeed repairing the world, child by child, when you come to work at JCCA.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Ronald E. Richter