Reflection on 2020 - Dorothy's Place

Reflection on 2020

By Jill Allen, Executive Director.

Our Kitchen Program Director, Nic Bianchi, inspires us to offer love, respect, and compassion for our guests at Dorothy’s Place.  Nic has been with us in good times and through the tough times like this past year.  She shares her ability to focus on the hope and the goodness in the services we provide in the following reflection.

Reflection on 2020

By Nic Bianchi, Kitchen Program Director, Dorothy’s Place

I think we can all agree, this has been quite a year!  It’s certainly unlike anything I’ve seen; and I’ve been alive a good long time now! 😊

Political unrest combined with the fires and this unprecedented pandemic that brought with it so much fear, loss of life, economic distress and pain; I welcome 2021 with all the Hope of a new orange blossom!
This orange blossom tree in my yard is about 130 years old. She blooms in the spring usually around Easter, but NEVER in the dead of winter!!
However, this year a beautiful and delicate message of Hope blossomed from our best teacher: Nature!

Yes, hope that 2021 will bring the Peace and Joy we all long for, but also a reminder for me that Hope is what we are all about here in Chinatown!
In the midst of the encampments, the trash, the drug dealing, the broken hearts and broken lives, there is beauty, love and joy! Here, in this dichotomy, exists the unexpected opportunity for renewal! Renewal through case management and the Hope it provides for independent living, health care, safety, good food, counseling, and most important of all, friendship.
Personally, my work here at Dorothy’s Kitchen has fostered some valuable friendships and taken me beyond myself to a larger focus:

“Being There for Others”, thus enriching my life! As our patron St. Francis is famous for saying: “It is in giving that we receive.”
We are all orange blossoms here in Chinatown, bringing hope to each other through friendship and programs where we serve with love and compassion.
So: in 2021 when the going gets tough, (and in the first few days, it already has!!) I will try to remember the beautiful little orange blossom out there in my very cold yard, reminding me that in the aftermath of great, sometimes painful struggles and long journeys:
The Resurrection always follows the Crucifixion.

With love, respect and compassion, Dorothy’s Place provides essential services, transitional support and housing assistance to people experiencing the injustice of homelessness and extreme poverty.

Without your financial support, our work doesn’t happen. Join us! Stand with us as we assist people from street life to home life. Your solidarity is humbly and gratefully received.