by Kim Merrikin
The last two years have certainly been challenging—for the individuals we serve, for our staff, for us as an organization as a whole, and probably you, too. As we enjoy the Thanksgiving and holiday season, we invite you to join us in acknowledging that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, past and present. We honor with gratitude the land itself, and the Duwamish Tribe.
Land acknowledgment is a traditional custom dating back centuries for many Native communities and nations. For non-Indigenous communities, land acknowledgment is a powerful way of showing respect and honor for the Indigenous Peoples of the land on which we live. Acknowledgment is a simple way of resisting the erasure of Indigenous histories, and working towards honoring and inviting the truth.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is Native American Heritage Day, and we encourage you to learn more about the ancestral heritage of the land you live on. A good place to start is the Native Land Map. Take some time to learn who the first peoples of your area are, and grow in your understanding of their history. Ask the question: What does it look like to honor the first people of this land? How can I proceed in understanding my part in history?
We also invite you to join us in giving thanks! Here are some things that REST staff members are thankful for:
“I am thankful to work with a team that cares so much about the work they are doing at REST ❤️! I am inspired by them all.” - Graciela Ortiz, Community Advocate
Shama Shams, Director of Philanthropy & Marketing
“As a survivor, I am thankful to be at a place where I can reciprocate the love and the support that I once received on my journey to a life free from exploitation.” Shama Shams, Director of Philanthropy & Marketing
“I'm thankful for being blessed enough to have successfully graduated, secure a job amid COVID-19, and move to the city of my dreams! I'm thankful for being blessed.” - Lauren Ansell, Digital Marketing Associate
“I'm so thankful for a strong, compassionate team in the shelter—they show up each day, and are dedicated and hard-working for our clients and their co-workers.” - Kaila Demoss, Floating Programs Coordinator
“I am thankful to work with and learn from a team that regularly shows me what it means to lead with love and to honor the dignity and worth in every person.” - Amanda Hightower, Executive Director
“I am thankful for my family, friends, and coworkers. For having the ability to move about as I please, the ability to help others in need, and most importantly, I am thankful for God blessing and watching over me.” - Yukima Tyler, Emergency Receiving Center Support Staff
Photos submitted by Audrey Baedke, Programs Manager
“[I am thankful for] the sun that continues to rise even after the darkness of the day. The human resiliency that our clients, staff, and community show even after the injustice, difficulties, and devastations we experience.” - Audrey Baedke, Programs Manager
“[I am] thankful for ALL our REST team members, volunteers and interns included. Each person and their role contributes a vital piece in the work we do. We couldn't serve our community the way we do without our entire team!” - Davina Lakalaka, Operations Coordinator
“I am especially thankful for the kindness of our donors and volunteers. It fuels our hearts, spirits and minds to feel supported in the community. As we are fueled, we fuel our beneficiaries in the way they need.” - Gina Cittadini, Director of Operations
“I am grateful for program sync week. [A week of training and connection for REST Programs staff] We were able to learn together, unplug from direct services and learn new ways to support our clients at REST. We also learned about each other, and it was magic.” - Gabrielle Ulrich, South King County Community Advocate
Audrey Baedke, Programs Manager, and Lisa O’Dell, Donor Engagement Manager
“I am thankful for the AMAZING people that I get to see, interact with, learn from, and work with everyday—from survivors to co-workers to volunteers to donors. You all give me hope for this world!” - Lisa O’Dell, Donor Engagement Manager
“I am always honored by and thankful for the opportunity to come alongside survivors and help amplify their stories and experiences. I am also thankful for REST's commitment to ethical and honoring storytelling!” Kim Merrikin, Marketing & Communication Manager
And finally, REST is thankful for YOU—our supporters. Whether you support REST as a donor, a volunteer, a committed prayer partner, or a vocal advocate for the cause, we are so, so grateful for you.