The Give and Take of Gratitude

Written by Tim Buckley, May 2025

Kennedy Elementary Teacher & Staff Appreciation

While a life of independence offers strength and freedom, it also can distract us from our need for connection. As Mother Teresa said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness.”

Recent events organized and funded by CBEL’s five neighborhood family councils (NFC) have proven to promote self-reliance and connection. Designed primarily to acknowledge some of our unsung heroes – Teachers, School Staff, and Mothers - the events provided an opportunity to relax, break bread together, be entertained, and build friendships. The experience of togetherness reminds us that we can be strong and connected.

Eliza Moreno is a mother of three school-aged children, and a member of the Kennedy NFC. She also works full time as a Social & Emotional Behavioral Support staffer at Kennedy Elementary. “I felt so loved,” she said of the recent Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day at her school, organized and hosted by the NFC staff, led by Maribel Mora-Martinez, CBEL’s lead neighborhood connector.

When teachers came in that morning to the staff break room, it was decorated with signs of gratitude. Tables of yummy breakfast pastries, bagels and fruit were spread out and fresh hot coffee was plentiful. “There were drawings for gift cards, too,” Maribel said, “but the biggest gift was the recognition of their value to students and the community.”

Eliza’s work with students is both challenging and rewarding. Her support helps them find personal resources needed for their social and emotional health. The school has a Wellness Room where she works one-on-one to help students make shifts out of the red zone, or blue zone, into the green zone before returning to classes.

She said that the work CBEL and the NFCs are doing is equivalent to what she does with students. “We’re building trust in the neighborhood, building and maintaining close relationships, and that’s what I do with students in the Wellness Room. All these events throughout the year are, in a sense, helping to bring neighborhoods into the green zone.”

“Schools are also in need of community support, and we’re so grateful to CBEL and the NFC for being a reliable partner. There hasn’t been a time when we’ve asked the NFC for support that they haven’t stepped up with a positive response. They rise to every occasion, whether with gift cards, snacks, family supports, school supplies and more. It has made a big difference in how parents view the school when they see the tangible support they and their children are receiving. It all says, like in big letters: WE CARE ABOUT YOU!”

Moms and Volunteer Appreciation Day

Mother’s Day was another occasion on which gratitude was on full display, according to Darian Owens, a Neighborhood Connector for CBEL. “Members of all five Councils were invited. Many of them who are moms also brought their husbands and children to the celebration.”

Amador Aguilar’s Ballet Folklorico provided lively and colorful dances for the dozens of people who came, and before long, people joined in the dancing. There was a bounty of food and hot beverages to share. Families posed in a photo booth decorated with a dozen roses. There were lots of prizes for kids and a self-care gift bag for each of the moms. And kids checked out a treasure trove of books donated by the Marion-Polk Early Learning Hub.

“We also wanted to recognize frequent volunteers that are always helping our Councils at events,” said Darian, “so we made special announcements to thank Hedi, Jacquelina and Maricela.” During the celebration, a slide show projected the faces and events organized by the Councils throughout the year.

“It was wonderful to see people relax and socialize,” she added. “It gave everyone opportunity to bond with other Council members and their families.”

Christine Potter, a Washington Council member said she brought her husband, their daughter, and her fiancé. “I loved the food and the entertainment,” she said, “and it was fun to join in the dancing.”

“Volunteering is a sacrifice of time and sometimes resources. And while I do not volunteer with any hope of recognition or reward, it is encouraging to be seen and appreciated,” she added.

Veronica Carlos, a co-founder of the Hallman-Northgate NFC, said it was particularly nice to spend time with other council members and their families. “It helps us to socialize and come together. It helps us visualize and see the bigger picture – that we all serve the same purpose. We also get to reflect on the things we achieved throughout the year, coming together to help the community.”

“Finally,” she added, “it is very important because, as Latinas, we like to pass down our traditions to our kids. Celebrating Mother’s Day is very important to us.”