News Detail

News

The warmth of unexpected gratitude

  • Oct 01, 2021
  • Reggie Dogan
Moreno Court became one of the first Area Housing sites to get an early learning playground on its campus Moreno Court became one of the first Area Housing sites to get an early learning playground on its campus
It was a seasonably warm but overcast Wednesday when I showed up for my weekly parenting class at Moreno Court.

I began the weekly sessions in 2017, with the goal of helping parents build the skills they need to be good first teachers for their children to help prepare them for kindergarten and for life. 

But this typical September afternoon turned out to an atypical experience I’ll remember for a lifetime.

This day after my birthday, I walked inside the community room to a chorus of voices singing “happy birthday.” Balloons stretched to the ceiling above a cake, ice cream and a birthday card stuffed with a gift card.

Not often am I surprised but this moment of gratitude caught me completely off guard. These women showed me that the time we’ve spent together, talking and laughing, sharing and learning, has made more of an impact than I had ever imagined.

One longtime participant said: “Mr. Reggie, I don’t think you realize how important you have been in my life. You have given me so much knowledge and confidence and belief in myself and my children. I am so glad that you came into my life. I love you so much for what you are doing for us here.”

From the beginning, I’ve been working to build good relationships and a modicum of trust and respect among a group of mostly underserved, single mothers whose lives haven’t always been a bed of roses.

I often say that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

I’ve given them my time, talent and hopefully some helpful tips to improve their lives and the lives of their young children.

All I really expected from them in return was their regular attendance and undivided attention during the weekly sessions, and ultimately for them to become better people and parents.

Gratitude has been a popular topic of discussion and practice at SFOC in recent months, with numerous newspaper columns, symposiums and podcasts on the subject.

At Moreno Court on this day in September, I witnessed firsthand the warm feeling of unexpected gratitude and it brought to mind an old Malayan proverb that says: “One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind.”



More News

Another VMS Success Story Blossoming

  • Feb 24, 2023
  • Steve Nissim, SCI Chief Storyteller
VMS mentees Stelios and Cristin Peterson get advice from mentors Buddy Cummings, Nikki Cummings, and Jessica Griffen.

SCI Featured on ''Connecting The Community'' Broadcast

  • Nov 28, 2022
  • Steve Nissim
The episode of ''Connecting The Community'' featured SCI President Rachael Gillette along with team members Frency Moore and Donte Sheppard.

Reading with children is critical to success in school and life

  • Mar 15, 2022
  • Reggie Dogan
Hiapatia Holley reads to her son during a break at Montclair Elementary's Muffins with Moms event

Ex-athlete uses his books and life story to encourage kids to read

  • Mar 03, 2022
  • Reggie Dogan
Former football standout and educator reminds students at Montclair Elementary that reading, studying and working hard can lead to success in school and life.

Donuts with Dads connect families and schools

  • Feb 07, 2022
  • Reggie Dogan
Dads and father figures showed up in large numbers at Montclair Elementary's Donuts with Dads event.
Your items have been added to the shopping cart. The shopping cart modal has opened and here you can review items in your cart before going to checkout