Reflections.

February 15, 2004 was my first day at Hopeworks. Just about three years from the day I am writing this reflection. I remember everyone working on the first floor. The day trainees, GIS, Father Jeff , all of us working downstairs. This was such a different environment from the plush office I had worked in King of Prussia. I felt very much at home at Hopeworks but knew that life was going to be different.

At that time, Fr. Jeff,  Marcus Williams, Manthu Tekhna, and Tywana were here at Hopeworks. I will always be grateful to them because they taught me so much those first few months. I can remember going down to the corner store for the first time and watching an altercation over who could be on the corner. I was upset and perplexed by what I saw. Marcus explained to me that a white person would draw attention to the corner and the cops would come around to see what was happening because drugs were being sold on the corner. This was my first exposure to life in Camden. Oh how I have grown since then.

The next week Eileen Cornwall was hired to be the Web Director. By March we were starting to have meetings about the summer programs. We had meetings, more meetings and even more meetings. Then we found out we were going to Colorado and we were having more meetings. I think the meetings scared us more than the actual events.

Colorado was a very special time for the youth and staff of Hopeworks. We did a leadership training program that took us up the Rocky Mountains, 12,000 feet above sea level. When we got to Colorado there were 2 days of training before we started up the mountains. After those two days the guides as well as myself knew that it would be a difficult trip for me but they wanted me to try. I think I walked about 1 mile up the mountain and said I needed to go back. I was so touched by the youth’s concern for me and how much they supported me and encouraged me as I walked down the mountain. Again, I learned that no matter how much we may want to be a part of something it isn’t always the right time or place.

The summer began and the energy and life in the building shouted HOPE. The youth were excited and many of them had jobs and were learning to become responsible employees (all the while building up their confidence and self-esteem).  At the end of the summer Hopeworks has a big celebration called Symantec Days. I was amazed to watch how the small prizes they received for learning something new brought smiles upon smiles to the youth who participated. I was also amazed at how much bigger their eyes were than their stomach at the Hard Rock Café.

Watching our youth prepare for conferences, presentations, client phone calls, client visits, getting ready to go to college, all above and beyond their day to day living has been an inspiration to me. The youth encourage me, through their actions, to see God in all things.

Here I am three years later reflecting on my experience. I have learned so much about myself and my relationship with God at Hopeworks. God thrives at Hopeworks. God’s hope is felt throughout the building. God’s face shines through every youth that comes through the building (even if they are only here a few days). They leave and remember the welcome they receive, the safety they feel, and the smell of bread or cookies throughout the house.  I believe they experience God’s love at Hopeworks.

Fr. Jeff holds a special place in my heart. I will always remember Fr. Jeff asking what is your number on the Enneagram, or encouraging me to “Be Big, Kathleen”.  He has always been supportive of me professionally, spiritually and personally. We disagreed, we cared, and help to create hope together.  I cherish our friendship.

I want to thank all of the people I have worked with at Hopeworks Fr. Jeff, Marcus, Manthu, Tywana, Mark, Eileen, Jim, Vlad, Monica, Jen, Todd, Tarren, Damirez, Leigh Anne, Sean, and Kenny. I have learned something from each of you as you have passed through Hopeworks and some who still remain. My life is richer because of being with you over these years.

I want to especially thank the youth. Your determination, willingness to learn, and ability to hang in when things were tough have given me the greatest experience of my working career. All of you have been a source of strength to me.  Please continue to remember your dream and never stop reaching to attain those dreams.  Always remember that only you can stop your dream from happening.

I leave Hopeworks with a sense of sadness, knowing that I am leaving a place that is in my heart, I also have a sense of excitement for where God is calling me. Over the next two years I will be completing my certification in Spiritual Direction and I am hoping to come back to Camden and start a house of rest somewhere in the City. I dream of a place that young adults can come and spend a day reflecting on their lives in a deeper way and guide them in seeing how God is present in their every day. My hope is to find a place that is easy to get to and affordable. I ask for your prayers as this dream becomes a reality.

To all of you who might be reading this reflection: Let Hopeworks be a reminder to all of us that hope and love thrive in Camden. Keep giving, keep loving, and keep praying for Camden and for Hopeworks.  I will be eternally grateful for the time I have spent at Hopeworks.

Kathleen Deitch