Dear friends,

When I think about the concept of “giving back,” the first images that usually come to mind are the more traditional ones: volunteering at a homeless shelter, donating money to someone holding a cardboard sign on the side of the road, or handing out food to someone who is hungry. These are the visible, tangible acts of kindness that society often associated with charity and goodwill. They’re the actions that make us feel good in the moment, that allow us to say, “I did something today,” and check off the mental box labeled “helped someone.”

But working at a transitional housing non-profit has completely reshaped my understanding of what it means to give. It has challenged and deepened my view, revealing that true giving goes far beyond spare change in your cup holder or a few hours of scheduled volunteer time.

While those acts are meaningful, I’ve come to see that real giving is often quiet, humble, and relational. It requires more than just showing up—it demands presence, openness, and the willingness to connect on a human level.

In this space, giving is not just about charity—it’s about empathy. It’s not just about what I can offer someone in need, but also about recognizing that the person in front of me has something to offer me, too. It’s about leveling the playing field and realizing that everyone—regardless of their circumstances—has wisdom, dignity, and worth.

Working with individuals who are in transition, whether from homelessness, addiction, or domestic violence, I’ve learned that these are people who carry stories, strength, and perspectives that can teach me far more than any textbook or training manual ever could.

There’s something incredibly humbling about walking alongside someone in their most vulnerable season of life and being allowed into that space. That kind of access is sacred. It’s not something that should be taken lightly or treated as a project. These aren’t just “clients” or “cases.” These are people—mothers, fathers, sons, daughters—who have dreams, regrets, hopes, and heartbreak. They are not defined by their current situation, and they don’t need my pity; they need partnership, authenticity, and respect.

Giving back, I’ve realized, is really about being willing to say, “Hey, I’ve been there too—maybe not in the exact same way, but I know what it’s like to struggle, to question your worth, to feel unseen.” It’s about standing beside someone and saying, “You’re not alone, and I believe in your ability to rise.” And even more importantly, it’s about asking, “What can I learn from you? What do you want me to understand about your journey so that I can serve you better?”

This posture changes everything. It turns charity into a relationship. It transforms the giver and the receiver, often in ways that are beautifully unexpected. I’ve come to understand that people don’t just need resources—they need to be heard, seen, and valued. Sometimes, what makes the biggest difference isn’t a meal or a bus pass—it’s a conversation, a moment of eye contact, a genuine compliment, or a space where someone feels safe enough to be honest.

Through my work, I’ve witnessed the strength and resilience of people who have faced immense adversity. I’ve learned that giving back is as much about listening as it is about doing. It’s about showing up consistently, even when there’s no applause or recognition. It’s about being patient, knowing that progress isn’t always linear. And it’s about having the humility to admit that I don’t have all the answers—but I’m willing to learn.

This new understanding of giving back has impacted how I approach every area of my life. It’s changed the way I interact with people in my community, how I respond to need, and even how I view success. I no longer see giving as a duty or a checkbox—it’s a lifestyle, a mindset. It’s not about swooping in to save someone, but rather walking beside them and honoring their humanity.

In the end, giving back is not just about generosity—it’s about solidarity. It’s about breaking down the walls that separate us and recognizing that we are all interconnected. When I give from that place—not just from my wallet or calendar, but from my heart—I find that I’m the one who receives the most. I receive perspective, compassion, gratitude, and an ever-growing understanding of what it means to truly serve.

—Brisa Bejarano, Accounting Clerk