What Does Kindness Look Like to You?

November 13 is World Kindness Day, an international holiday formed in 1998 as part of the World Kindness Movement. World Kindness Day is about promoting kindness to yourself, to each other and to the world.

Kindness is at the heart of why we do what we do here at the WCA. Our vision as a community-based resource is to foster a community where individuals thrive in safe, healthy relationships. Kindness manifests itself in many different ways. Some at the WCA serve out of a desire to prevent harm from happening in our community. Some practice kindness in the way they help others in their journey to safety, healing and freedom.

Here is what we heard around the WCA about “what kindness looks like”:

“Kindness is showing up for yourself and others rooted in authenticity, care, and love. Kindness is wanting the best for all and acting accordingly.”  -Megan Raimondi, Clinical Services Manager

“Doing something that’s right, even though it’s not the easiest decision.” -Sarah Loebes, Crisis Case Manager

“The generosity of our community—a physical manifestation of our kindness.” -Bea Black, CEO

“Accepting others just as they are. Accepting others just the way they are allows you to set healthy boundaries.” -Amelia Rogers, Outreach Volunteer

“Kindness is extending to yourself the same care and concern you would give to others.” -Emily Dehmer, Jesuit Volunteer

“Kindness is a precious commodity that is at the disposal of any individual regardless of socio-economic status, age or ability. When I think about kindness, it represents the moments when one person gives to another with the intention to make things better for them. These gestures of kindness have the potential for great impact on the person receiving it and can cause a ripple effect, impacting those around them. 

During my time at the WCA, I have seen time and time again how kindness permeates our services and programs. I have seen how survivors and their children selflessly give to others around them. In visiting the shelter, I see kindness in the way residents engage with one another. Kindness looks like a welcoming smile when a person first arrives at the shelter. It also sounds like the laughter and giggles of children in the safety of the shelter. Kindness is also represented in the many ways staff engage with residents to help them feel at home. Lastly, kindness also represents communities that are willing to lean in to help residents even when they might not witness the joy their gifts bring to families. Kindness is potent—so, give it liberally.” -Dr. Beronica Salazar, Program Director