Unexpected Gifts

     "I made this for you."
     The youth held out a piece of art. He transformed a well-worn skateboard, one he'd spent many hours riding, into a unique artwork. The piece was emblazoned with a "thank you" in artistic script emulating a skilled tagger. Urban art is art, too.
     He was expressing gratitude for a grant received to replace his old---and cracking apart---skateboard for a new one. The money came from a unique fund set up by St. John's in the Mountains Episcopal Church which provides grants of up to $75 for youths' basic and recreational needs. The fund has paid for snow boots and kitchen items for young adults starting out on their own. It's also paid for skateboards---a plethora of skateboards---for youth who find the athletic activity a great way to focus and, sometimes, just let off steam. Skateboards are serving a genuine therapeutic purpose at Laraway, promoting physical and emotional well-being while fostering positive social skills. Teaching is happening on our playground as older youth teach younger youth how to ride---supported by Laraway staff.
     One doesn't work at a place like Laraway anticipating "presents" from the youth we serve. It's actually the "presence" of the youth in our lives that is the "gift" of working in human services. We see their struggles. We also see their strides. We are there to help them dust themselves off and move forward when they take a tumble or life sends them a curve ball.
     I was delighted to share this piece of art on a recent visit to St. John's in the Mountains to thank congregants for their support of our work with at-risk children and youth. I was humbled by the expression of generosity from a Lararway youth who is juggling so much on his plate, and yet, he recognizes the importance of a simple---yet beautiful---thank you.