Imagine that it’s 9:00 PM on a Friday night and you just got home after a long week. Most of us would be looking forward to a relaxing weekend, but the past few days of the COVID-19 crisis has ushered in a “new normal” for many—especially in the hardest-hit areas like New York City.
That’s why last Friday, Reyes Claudio, Brilla’s senior director of operations and a mother of four, wasn’t about to sit back and relax. A Bronx native herself (with proud Dominican roots), Reyes returned home late after a long day at Seton’s flagship charter school in the South Bronx, where she had been one of dozens of people passing out computers and books to 650+ families.
Reyes wanted to make sure everyone had what they needed, and she knew she would be back at Brilla early the following morning to distribute bags of non-perishable food and essentials like diapers and soap—after staying up to feed her four-week old child through the night. In spite of all this, Reyes, along with her school-based operations team, served with a deep sense of joy. She was where she was meant to be, where she was needed—comforting others during a time of great fear.
It’s no wonder the Mott Haven community considers Reyes Claudio their “secret weapon.”
During such a difficult time for so many, I cannot tell you what tremendous hope this story gave me, and how it reminded me of the ways we are all capable of serving our communities.
Now, more than ever, each of us is called to live the virtue of hope.
As our faith reveals, during times of darkness, we are called to be light to the world—through prayer, yes, and also through sacrifices both large and small for the good of others. We are already seeing so many people Living Hope in the midst of this crisis.
Over the coming weeks, we want to share their stories with you through a new campaign called #LivingHope.
We know you are also witnessing stories of #LivingHope, right where you are, so please join us in this campaign. Here’s how:
First, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.This is where we will highlight stories of #LivingHope, and we would greatly appreciate it if you helped us spread the word about everyday “lights in the darkness” like Reyes Claudio.
Then, please share inspirations of hope in your own lives and communities using our new hashtag, #LivingHope.
We can’t wait to hear from you, as we want to share the many small kindnesses of #LivingHope that you witness in your own life and community. As our Catholic tradition teaches, hope is the “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”
We pray you’ll join us in #LivingHope.
