Deepening Relationships: Finding the silver lining in Covid-19's cloud
“Teaching is a RELATIONSHIP, NOT a TRANSACTION, and Gustafson (principal of Ware Elementary School) believed relationships could be built on a foundation of COLLABORATION and MUTUAL RESPECT.” Jim Collins- Turning the Flywheel
Relationships over programs has been, and will always be, the most important thing to GUM. When we started GUM in 2010, we believed that Relationships were the key to transformation and that Empowerment works. Ten years later, I’m absolutely convinced!
In this time of change, uncertainty, and a “new normal,” I’ve been so impressed with how the GUM team has rallied, engaged, pursued, and LOVED our community. And, our community has loved us back.
Here are two comments from our staff:
“I have been trying to figure out how to be there to love and support our neighbors as we transition into our new normal. The world has been turned upside down and everyone is feeling it no matter if you are good with change or not. I didn't realize how much I was being affected until out of the blue I had two different neighbors reach out to me. They just wanted to check on me to see how I was doing and if there was anything they could do for me. Talk about being ‘in this together!’
This is what it feels like to be in deep relationships of mutual respect. Everyone has something to give and we all need each other. I was so honored to be cared for and it was exactly the type of encouragement that I needed to get through the day. This is the GUM Family!” Candis, Community Director
“Yesterday I got a surprise. Two of my high schoolers, Anthony and Toby, stopped by my house while they were out walking to say ‘hi’ and check on TJ and I. Apparently the boys were out taking pictures for the Art Collective even though the Art Show has been postponed. Not only was it awesome to see them taking initiative with photography but it made me feel super loved that they would walk all the way to my house on the other side of the island to say ‘hey.’“ Brandon, Student Ministries Director
I want to share with you what GUM is doing for our community in these uncertain times. I hope this bit of good news brings you some peace that we are using our time and resources wisely to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are seen, heard and helped.
After the mayor closed Galveston schools, our Student Ministries team connected with each of our children via phone, text and/or internet. We have a core group of 60 kindergarten to post 12th graders who interact with GUM on a weekly basis and they all have individual needs. Our staff helped create plans with each child to help them stay focused and productive during this time. Even though schools are shuttered, students are expected to complete schoolwork, so our staff have been busy tutoring and coaching by phone. They’ve even created fun ways to engage our children and their families remotely. Each week, GUM hosts a Family Games & Trivia Night on Facebook; the web-based events are a big hit, with lots of fun and prizes.
Before the stay-at-home order was issued, GUM partnered with Galveston’s Own Farmers Market to distribute fresh vegetables to 10 of our families. The produce was raised by students at Galveston elementary schools and was ready to harvest, yet with schools closed there was no way to distribute. Because of our partnerships with GISD and the Farmers Market, GUM got the call to help. Our families were thrilled to receive the bags of fresh veggies.
Even though GUM classes and community gatherings are on hiatus, this hasn’t stopped Candis our Community Director from working via phone & text with our adults. When the stay-at-home order was announced, GUM immediately conducted a needs assessment of our families; because they lack personal transportation, many were unable to get necessary supplies quickly. Staff discovered a need for diapers and food, and worked with our families to meet those needs. Now, Candis is in daily contact with families and has empowered the adults to become a support network for each other. The adults are even checking-in on each other and sharing resources!
To meet the spiritual, emotional, mental, physical and social needs of our children and adults as they wait out the virus, GUM staff created the #Keepin’ItHealthy 30Day Challenge. Each day, our community is challenged to do something rewarding and productive, like read a scripture, check in with a friend, write a thank you note and complete a brain game. Anyone can participate so check out the challenge on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/galveston.urbanministries
This is just a snapshot of what GUM has been doing in the past four weeks. We are leveraging our relationships with adults, children, families, and the community to help wherever needed.
Thank you for making it possible for us to do this work even in uncertain times. As we’ve always promised, GUM will continue to “build holistic relationships to transform the community.”
I am so proud of the investment from our team who literally pours themselves out on behalf of others! And, for our partners like you who make it all possible!
Josh