The first level ends of the Yonge Street Mission states that YSM exists so that all the poor and vulnerable in Toronto that we encounter will experience God’s love, peace and justice at a level that represents the highest stewardship of the resources invested. It is a privilege to serve as a Chair of the Board of YSM and to journey with other Board members, staff and clients of YSM. This quote from Albert Schweitzer really says it all for me … “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Serving as a member of the Board of YSM allows me to use my gifts in service to others.
I admire the wonderful staff of YSM who have contributed so much to the lives of others and they inspire me to be so much more than I am. As a Board member I serve as a servant leader in support of all those on the front lines journeying with those in need. This quote by Henry Nouwen really sums up why I wish to be a friend of YSM …“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”
I’d like to end with a quote by Robin and the Muppet Gang, from “It’s Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider” because in very simple terms it speaks to some of the amazing things that happen at YSM every day and the way lives are changed…..
“If just one person believes in you
Deep enough and strong enough
Believes in you hard enough and long enough
Before you knew it, someone else would think “If he can do it, I can do it”
Making it two.
Two whole people who believe in you.
And maybe even you can believe in you too.”
Judy Hunter, PhD
One of our goals at the Mission is to provide emergency help while also fostering long-term trans- formation in the lives of the people in our community. Here, Sathis tells the story of how the Mission helped him change.
