The Knack Insider

November is recognized nationally as National Gratitude Month. Reflecting on things big and small that we have to be grateful for is a powerful exercise that supports emotional well-being and mental health, reorients our perspectives on the positive, and thereby reducing stress and improving relationships with the important people in each of our lives. 

When the world feels heavy, it is more important than ever to find time to do small exercises that help focus on the positive, such as: 

• Creating a Gratitude List with three things you are thankful for each day
• Taking a Gratitude Walk, pausing to notice everything around you that creates joy 
• Write Thank You Letters, acknowledging and expressing appreciation for the people who make a difference in your life   

When we at Family and Community Resources take time to do these gratitude practices, we are amazed and truly honored by everything that our community has done this year to support our work on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and their families. While our Gratitude List could go on and on, three highlights include: 

• The hundreds of pantry staples to our food pantry for individuals displaced by domestic violence, along with diapers, clothing, household goods, and toys to bring comfort to those in need
• Dozens of hours volunteers spent painting, cleaning, and organizing visitation rooms to help create a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages healing
• Supporters who came out in droves to our special events, raising over $160,000 together for our life-saving services

Because of your support, we could help over 3,000 individuals start their journey to a happy, healthy, and safe future, including one young mom, Briana, who said 

“I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me and my son – it means the world to me.”

We want to send a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have supported Family and Community Resources this year. We are beyond grateful for everything and cannot wait to see what will be on our gratitude list this time next year. 

If you would like to support Family and Community Resources, but are not sure how, please visit our website here: https://www.fcr-ma.org/donate