Social safety net gratitude

I’ve been thinking a lot about our social safety net this week as my youngest son, who has intellectual disabilities, is in the final days of his public-school experience and is about to launch into the “real world.” I’ve also been dwelling on our public infrastructure having had an unforeseen underground electrical fire on our block which caused loss of power and loss of sleep!

Rather than dwell on the latter inconvenience, I am filled with gratitude for the benefits we experience in a country rich in resources and social services. The PUD worked round-the-clock to get us back up and running. We just learned my son has a summer job (!!!). We all have our vaccines (and our health). And I’m proud of Koné Consulting’s role in helping ensure such services are available to all who need them.

Knowing there are people living every day without the services I often take for granted is a good reminder to thank those who work tirelessly to change our world for the better.

As I reflect on the past 21 years, I see a long line of people who have impacted my son’s life – and my own – helping shape who he is today: able to speak and read, poised for a living-wage job, and a future living independently as a valued member of the community. All things that we were told may not be possible when we first received his diagnosis. From the parents who advocated for their children in the past – on whose shoulders we stand today – to the many teachers, therapists, doctors, and friends who saw my son for more than his disabilities, I thank you. To the youth of today, who seek to be their authentic selves and celebrate others for their whole being-ness, I thank you. To the elders who are awakening to new understandings and beliefs which challenge the old, thank you.

To those of you in social services, supporting those in social services, and/or simply speaking and showing up for the unheard and unseen, thank you. Please know that you are valued and your work matters, regardless of where you are in the process, every single one of you makes a difference. This past year, especially, you are what held the fabric of our communities together, gave us hope and are the key to our future.

You matter. You make a difference.

Take good care,

- Erika

Koné Consulting
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS INSPIRING CHANGE
AND LASTING IMPROVEMENTS

Isaac KoneJune 23, 20211 Comment