A holiday wish for peace and mercy

By: Marisa Geitner, President and C.E.O.

Fear and conflict have such a significant way of overshadowing the values that should define us. In the wake of the attacks in Paris, San Bernardino and elsewhere I found myself wanting to abandon all logic and act out by attacking those who threaten us. In those moments, acting on fear alone, I lost my bearings.

Thankfully, it was my faith community that swiftly brought me back into focus and reminded me that peace begins with me and how I treat people. I heard the reminder loud and clear – that I chose a faith defined by peace and mercy. Peace was the gift given to me.

Peace does not mean passive. My heart hurts from all of the violence, and I need to do something. Seeking peace is very active, a vision, a choice, a way to approach each interaction, each day. In the weeks since the attacks I have kept peace and mercy my vision. No matter the conflict that arises, large or small, I center myself on the vision of peaceful resolution.  

It has helped me to be thoughtful and honest with my words and to seek to understand others’ perspectives in order to find common ground in our solutions. Most importantly it has helped me identify when fear and anxiety rises in me and clouds my vision and threatens my values.

As we continue through this season of thanksgiving, celebration and renewal, I wish you a vision for peace and a passion for demonstrating mercy to all. 

How are you building community?

Photo credit: Shawn Dowd, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

By: Marisa Geitner, President and C.E.O.

The work of Heritage Christian is about community, community as a place and community as a relationship.  It is about empowerment, acceptance, personal growth and responsibility to one another.  It is about the reciprocity that comes through relationships and shared experiences.  This commitment to one another defines us. 

This commitment was illustrated symbolically when we unveiled Stronger Together on June 24, 2009 in front of the Pieters Family Life Center.  As the artist’s statement illustrates, "The columns do not stand alone but rather exist symbiotically – in a relationship where the two depend upon and receive reinforcement from each other." The artist Juan Carlos Caballero- Perez then goes on to reference the importance of his very own citizenship and relationships.

It is our passion for community that drives us to ensure that everyone – including children, older adults and people with developmental disabilities – feels valued and respected and has opportunities to do what matters most in life.

What are you doing to help build community?

Celebrating ethics

By: Marisa Geitner, President and C.E.O.

On Sept. 28, Heritage Christian Services was awarded the 2015 Ethie Award in the large company division. What a nice recognition for the love and dedication that goes into each and every day of support to our mission.

A show of confidence for those who choose our supports and services. Trusting us as a guide as they lead the way to the outcomes that are most important in their lives.

A testament to our families and their patient support from the time of our founding. Welcoming others into a trusting relationship and supporting them as they navigate the way alongside their beloved family member. 

An honor for our employees who choose every day to serve with excellence. Approaching each interaction with an openness and creativity. Differentiating themselves by the relationships they achieve with those they support.

Demonstrating social responsibility is important for any company but it is essential for a company who supports people. Ethical behavior can't simply be well laid out on paper or achieved through steadfast policy, it must be lived out through every interaction.

The journey to do what is right is also just that, a journey. We haven't arrived, there is much more to be done. We continue to learn how all people can be more present within their communities, have their own voice and exercise greater authority over their own lives – and we continue to see community as a place and as a relationship.

Thank you to all who are on this journey with us.