Last summer, I stood in a room that reminded of my values.
Lego buildings lined the shelves along with books and puzzles. Drawers were stuffed with art supplies and kid’s artwork decorated the walls. There was even a list of song requests on a sheet of paper by the door.
These might seem like simple worldly possessions, but to me they represent much more. They reminded me of what I value: belonging, authenticity, and wholeness.
The only difference between my home and this room was that it is at our Caminos program. If you walk into any other building at KyUMH you will see more spaces guided by our belief that every person is an individual of worth, entitled to God's gift of wholeness of life.
Our therapists' offices are filled with things that interest the kids we serve. The teens in our residential programs decorate their rooms with the things that matter to them. Staff working with kids across the commonwealth get to know them and their interests. All these things promote our values of individual worth and God’s gift of wholeness of life.
Our actions today, guided by our values, can shape the future long after we are gone.
For over 150 years, everyday people have lived into their values by including KyUMH in their will. They wanted to ensure that KyUMH youth know their worth. They knew the importance of providing the chance to experience God's gift of wholeness of life.
I invite you to consider including KyUMH in your will too! It is a way to show the world what you value and what values you want to continue on in the world.
If you have already included KyUMH in your will, please let us know so that we can say thank you!
If you would like to receive information on including the youth of KyUMH in your will, please reach out to Melinda Smith, Vice President for Development, at 859-523-3001 or melinda@kyumh.org.
