by Kim Merrikin
We asked the entire staff team at REST what they were thankful for in terms of the last year at REST—and this is what they said:
“I am so grateful for our team, especially the direct services team, for their hard work day in and day out to serve victims and survivors and not skip a beat even during the pandemic. I am glad that REST truly embodies the belief that everyone deserves to be loved, including me!”
Christina R., Impact Manager
“I am grateful for my co-workers and our ability to support each other during this difficult time. I appreciate the teamwork and unity in our organization. I am grateful that we have a safe space for clients to come to.”
Gabby U., Survivor Engagement Specialist
“I am especially thankful for the technology that allowed us to gather virtually for this year's A Night of REST! I felt a profound sense of community and connectedness with our incredible supporters who make this work possible—so beautiful to experience.”
Carolyn E., Events Manager
“I'm thankful for our dedicated staff whose tenacity, love, and resilience enables us to continue to treat our clients with dignity. I'm grateful for the love shown by our REST community which sustains and fuels our hearts to continue great work.”
Gina C., Director of Operations
“I am thankful for being hired as a new [Emergency Receiving Center] ERC shelter support staff last month! And thankful to work with some amazing, loving, and hard-working women!”
Makda S., ERC Shelter Support Staff
“I am grateful for how God has continued to show up for our clients at REST. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, God is still working to help provide our shelter guests with safe and stable permanent housing. Every human being deserves that much and to be a small piece in helping that happen reminds me of how blessed we all truly are.”
Kasey M., Housing Specialist
”I am thankful for the REST Development Team who have been tirelessly working to continue bringing in funds during a year full of challenges that have tested every one of us in different ways.”
Leslie C., Grant Writer
“I am thankful for the amazing people I work with. I have never felt so welcomed and loved and cared for as a person in my workplace. I feel so blessed to be working in this job every single day.”
Felicia W., Emergency Receiving Center Support Staff
“This year I am most thankful to REST for allowing me the time to care for my sister who fell ill. They showed such care and support and reminded me it's ok to care for myself as I am caring for her. REST reminds us to do this with our clients as well. Taking care of ourselves as we take care of others.”
Vickie T., Emergency Receiving Center Supervisor
“I am thankful for the technology we have access to that allows us to continue to serve individuals who have experienced the sex trade throughout a pandemic—and our direct service team who continues to show up every day for clients.”
Kim M., Media & Communication Manager
“I am humbled and grateful to work alongside people who are both passionate and purposeful in making the world more beautiful—staff, volunteers, and donors included! Thank you for being a part of our team—there is nowhere I would rather be!”
Lisa O., Volunteer Coordinator & Development Associate
“I am thankful to witness the enduring presence of hope, courage, and motivation in our clients.”
Lane M., Employment Specialist
“I am thankful for our generous supporters who have blessed REST with their gifts this year, and especially during the pandemic. What a huge encouragement to see people respond so generously to survivors’ increased needs during these difficult times!”
Julie M., Director of Engagement
“I am thankful for the electronics advocates have. These devices make it easier to meet survivors in the community. 👩🏽💻 💻 📱”
Graciela O., WARN Community Advocate
“I am thankful that Jesus relentlessly advocates for me, and for the way that both staff and guests at REST have taken on this unconditional love to advocate for themselves and others! I am thankful for the way that all guests in the ERC have so much to teach about grace, humor, and tenacity!”
Sara W., Emergency Receiving Center Support Staff
“Throughout the hardships of 2020, I am grateful for the resiliency, laughter, and deep breaths that our staff, volunteers, and clients have shared together to lighten the load and remember our core truth, "We deserve to be loved.”
Audrey B., Programs Manager
Even in this chaotic year, we have much to be thankful for! We hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.