Connecting with Service Organizations at the Family Services Center
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
For many years now, I have been an advocate for self-care, always looking for ways to incorporate a bit of fun and relaxation in the office whether it be with movies, power walks, coloring or playing some of our favorite music.
This past Monday, twenty organizations from the Family Services Center, all dedicated to serving the community came together for a De-Stress Day. As evidenced by the attendees at the end of the day, it was a wonderful day of collaboration and connection. Some stated they loved the art, the kindness room, the chair massages. One person stated they simply loved being with the others in a happy setting. Most of my team was there, sharing simple, enjoyable ways to unwind - karaoke, pottery, a hydration station, games, and rock-painting. It was truly a fun experience.
If you’re not familiar with the Family Services Center, you should check it out. It’s a wonderful resource operated by Charlotte County Government. Although the main United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) office is not in the same building, we are part of this goodness. We have a satellite office there along with the operation of our VITA program. There are many wonderful organizations serving veterans, families and children that have their offices in this building.
Carrie Walsh, Human Services Director-Charlotte County Government, began the morning by welcoming everyone and stated, ”There are extraordinary people in this room that have showed up for three major hurricanes with relentless care and compassion for others in our community. We need care too. Breathe a little deeper today.” I do believe that I heard a huge sigh in the room. We were given permission to relax.
Carrie also shared her heart for the people at the Emergency Operations Center who lost everything during these hurricanes but still showed up to serve. This is truth for our whole community. Many have a heart to serve and will do so at any length, even if it means at the sacrifice of themselves or their families.
“There is a lot more work to be done,” said Hector Flores, Charlotte County Administrator, “but somehow along the way, we need to slow down and take a breath.”
The sentiment overwhelmingly was how refreshing it is to see agencies taking time to relax as they are always advocating for others. Perhaps the most fun.jpg)
for me (and our team) and a highly entertaining moment of the day was the ‘Chopped’ competition between UWCC and the Boys & Girls Club.
This was a rematch as Lynn Dorler, Boys & Girls Club won the first competition a few years back. At that time, he and I wanted to demonstrate to the Kids Thrive moms how to use the Family Services kitchen and vegetables from Worden Farm to make an easy and healthy meal.
He won hands down and I was eager to come back from that loss. Melissa Nelson from Big Brothers Big Sister led the top-secret coordination of secret ingredients. The UWCC team strategized and with our team’s name – Choppin Like it’s Hot! – we were ready. The scores were so close at 82-77 but UWCC was victorious! So fun and so much laughter. Perhaps we will see a tie breaker in the future.
On Tuesday, everyone returned to what they do best, serving our community. For more information about Mental Health tips or the Family Services Center, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/DeStress
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.