In my third week at At Home By High, I had various tasks, from weekly services to preparing for and conducting interviews with the replacement second permanent staff. The theme of all the activities I did was connection. I observed connections in unusual and organic places and sought relationships with people and organizations to strengthen the organization and its presence in the community.

Through the organization, I observed the clients connecting from organically to unusually. The clients are from different buildings and different backgrounds. A couple of ladies became fast friends and inseparable after one member introduced her to the organization and its activities. At Home By High often has outings around to local businesses and restaurants. Now these are places they frequent together, like going to the North Market together weekly. Their connection was organic, and they fit together naturally. And on the other side, at the weekly craft meeting, the members talked about reconciling a relationship after 27 years of not speaking. So that showed me that forgiveness and understanding are other ways to reconnect. Lastly, I was tasked with contacting local organizations to connect and possibly partner or collaborate, which has been more challenging than expected. Professional connections take a lot of follow-ups, persistence, and taking advantage of lucky chance meetings. You never know who you will meet and how you will connect.

As someone who has never met a stranger, it is easy to connect with someone initially, but making meaningful and impactful connections is more challenging. Also, as I got older and busier, staying connected can be more difficult with everyone’s busy schedules and family commitments. I know I make it a point to intentionally reach out to my more active family and friends, say hi, and ask how you are doing. It does not seem like much, but like one member said, “I look forward to morning texts or calls. It makes my day.” So connection can be different things to people, something as simple as a good morning to making plans regularly to spend time with each other.