My summer 2014 fellowship with United Way of LaPorte County has drawn to a close this week. In a way, however, it has continued on. For although I have officially ended, my unofficial involvement has just begun. That will be the message for this blog and that certainly seems to be a subtle goal within the CAPS Fellowship program.

There are currently three full-time employees at United Way of LaPorte County. Three people serve a community of 70,000+. It would be foolish to believe that these individuals, although highly talented, can accomplish that much without assistance. In fact it would be paradoxical to the very title of their organization. A community must LIVE UNITED, and while the staff at United Way might facilitate or lead the way, the community must be committed to its own betterment.

In my time at United Way I have seen the community do exactly that. I have seen board members dedicate countless hours for United Way without any compensation. They take these positions to help the community. Other community members volunteer or give their time to help United Way achieve success.

I’ve worried that Americans are sometimes to callous to help out their neighbors, but my experience at United Way has taught me to be more optimistic. Many citizens truly care about the less fortunate and want to lift them out of their situation. The involvement doesn’t have to be extensive to make a difference.

I myself hope to be involved in non-profit work at some point in the future. I could very well see myself as a board member of volunteer. I am thankful for my CAPS Fellowship for showing me the inner workings of a non-profit. I hope I can use that knowledge for the good of the community. God Bless.