By Rebecca Harris, MS, LPC, CEAP Solutions EAP Coordinator

As the employment climate continues to change in Connecticut, many people are finding that what we used to take for granted has changed due to budget cuts, lack of funding from grant monies, and private donations for services. Obviously, this has had an impact on almost all of us who use all sorts of community resources, and enjoyed the recreational opportunities our state has to offer.

Last week I referred to June’s Etip about cultivating happiness. Even in trying times, it’s possible to focus on some of the wonderful examples of people working together. As employee assistance counselors, we often work with individuals who are most significantly affected by the current economic climate and are struggling. One thing that continues to bring joy and meaning into some of these individual’s lives, is the outpouring of support, the willingness of their work communities to “share the sacrifice” of their struggle with amazing willingness to give of themselves. For many of them, just knowing that their co-workers and communities care can help turn around difficult circumstances. The very knowledge that others care, can provide both support for those who may need it, and the sense of fulfillment or satisfaction for those who give of themselves.

Recently I read a story of a town in central CT that was going to be unable to fund a summer school learning program for students due to the budget cuts. Quite amazingly, the teachers, and parent organizations decided that it would be a very significant loss to the children and families who had been counting on this program, so they decided to run it this summer with volunteers! The teachers were concerned that without the program, students would lose valuable learning time which is needed during the summer. Many parents who were able, came forth to run the recreational and food service portion of the program. This was an effort to offer their community and its youth something that they just felt was too important to lose.

This is just one example of what “shared sacrifice” means. All the individuals working in the program are volunteers this summer. The families involved have genuinely been overwhelmed with the gift of time these people have given. For me, it’s a reminder that many people, when given an opportunity, are happy to sacrifice their time and energy for the benefit of others.

Next week will focus on other inspiring measures that you and your co-workers take to help “share the sacrifice”. Please pass along any stories you may have heard and want to share.

Call Solutions EAP at 1-800-526-3485 for assistance for all of life's challenges.
It’s free, confidential and open to your family members.
Check us out on-line at
http://www.solutions-eap.com


George "Bud" Wassell, MS, LPC, CEAP
Director, Solutions EAP
213 Court Street
Middletown, CT 06457
800-526-3485
fax: 860-704-6221
www.solutions-eap.com