5 Weeks of Giving

Christine Miller shares what compassion looks like in her work at Volunteers of America Chesapeake:

When I think of the meaning of the word compassion and how it applies to my work at VOAC and my daily life, I am often reminded of a famous quote by Maya Angelou.

“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

So much of our work at the Alexandria Community Shelter is rooted in the principle of compassion. It involves meeting clients where they are, without judgement, and trying to get to the root cause of what led them to their homelessness. It is about moving client’s forward and supporting them in their journey to end their homelessness. So much of that work lies in our ability to take in the client’s perspective and remain in the mindset that we will do whatever possible to help move clients forward, regardless of their circumstances. In our work, compassion involves the idea that sometimes it takes a first chance, a second chance, and even a third chance for someone to move forward in the direction that will land them on the path to self-sufficiency. I remind myself every day that life can change for anyone at any given moment. Everyone desires compassion in life.

Please consider giving to an organization committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our community by donating below.

Christine Miller, MSW
Executive Director
Alexandria Community Shelter