I spend a lot of  time at work thinking about  problems. Problems from funding changes, to regulatory changes, to juggling the budget, to trying to hire good staff in the midst of a statewide workforce shortage, to making sure our agency is on the forefront of meeting the housing, trauma recovery, and mental health needs of our community. There are many times it feels overwhelming. Today though, on Thanksgiving, I want to take the time to share the specific blessings I experienced this year.

• After more than a year of looking for a full time  psychiatrist God provided a great one. He is a wonderful team player and his patients love him.
• One of our key administrators moved and we were able to find a highly qualified replacement who is a great problem solver.
• This week two experienced social workers walked in and applied for jobs we had openings for.
• This week a great employee who had taken another job came back.
• We had an opening for a cleaning position and were able to fill it with a real go-getter who had just lost hours at another job.
• After looking for a support staff for several weeks we just hired a really dynamic candidate.
• Our clinical director has created a tight-knit  team of counselors and case managers that work together and get great results.
• Our HR manager  has developed a fantastic orientation for new employees and is putting together a great recruitment and retention plan.

• Our domestic violence shelter has started several new support groups.
• A state and local grant allowed us to expand services to our county jail.
• After a major local tragedy our agency was able to provide critical incident stress support to several local groups.
• We have opportunities to expand our equine therapy program.
• This year we partnered with our local schools to start a kindergarten readiness program.
• We’ve identified several other partnerships we can develop to have an even greater impact in our community.
• Our financial statements look solid.

• Our shelter director had gotten new grants and strengthened funding for all its programs.
• We have purchased new billing software which will strengthen our accounts receivable.
• We’ve been nominated for social service agency of  the year through our local chamber of commerce.

So many blessings. So many answers to prayer.

Personally I’m blessed with an amazing wife and soulmate. I have three amazing daughters. I’m blessed with friends, a great church and opportunities  to use the gifts God has given me.

May all if you have a peaceful Thanksgiving. Let’s also try to count our blessings a lot more often.