08/17/2026
Mission Moment Monday: The People Who Bring Out the Best in Me
“Sometimes, the people who bring you out of your shell don’t even realize they’re doing it.
Before I started working at Empowering Abilities, I was quiet. I was comfortable staying in my own little world. Then I met the participants—and quickly learned that being quiet wasn’t really an option.
Someone is always ready with a high five, a fist bump, a hug, a story, or a joke. They pull you into their world, and before you know it, you’re laughing, talking, and wondering when exactly you stopped being the quiet one.
But they gave me more than a reason to be social. They taught me to speak up, advocate, stay open-minded, and think outside the box. Around here, you never know what the day is going to bring, and you certainly can't assume everyone needs the same thing.
Sometimes, what someone needs is care. Sometimes it’s a listening ear. Sometimes it’s a best friend for the afternoon—or just someone willing to laugh with them.
And then there are the moments that make you stop and think, this is why I do this.
For me, those moments happen often at participant birthday parties.
You walk into a room and see everyone together—sharing food, swapping stories, laughing, and celebrating. You see the friendships they’ve built and the way they genuinely enjoy being around one another.
No one is worried about putting on a show.
They’re just being themselves.
And somehow, the whole room lights up.
Standing there, watching those relationships unfold, it’s hard not to feel grateful. Because making a difference doesn’t always have to be something huge. Sometimes it’s being the person someone can count on. Sometimes it’s making someone laugh after a hard day. Sometimes it’s simply creating a space where people feel comfortable enough to be exactly who they are.
Those moments remind me that this work is about so much more than providing care.
It’s about connection.
And somewhere along the way, the people I came here to care for became some of the very people who taught me how to open up, speak up, and become a better version of myself.
I came here thinking I would make a difference in someone else’s life.
I never expected they would make such a difference in mine.”
