As JFCS, like most organizations and the world, transitioned in early March to work remotely, there came some challenges. One of the challenges being distanced from co-workers and isolation of working from home. Although as an organization, JFCS has implemented a plethora of ideas to help in bridging the gap to aid everyone in staying connected to one another; there can still feel like a void at the end of the day by not having the physical, playful interactions amongst coworkers and friends.
From my perspective coming into JFCS as a new employee halfway through the shutdown, I was amazed at the inclusivity of the agency. Encouraged by the kindness and transparency of Dana Gold (JFCS COO) and Jordan Golin (JFCS President and CEO). Jordan’s bi-weekly virtual meetings to update the staff as a whole. Each email sent by Dana gives me something to look forward to each day. My direct Supervisor Stefanie Small (JFCS Clinical Director), has been terrific to check in with me daily in the beginning to make sure I didn’t feel alone in the abyss. I spent many hours on video calls with members of the staff getting to know each other, it was lovely and exciting. However, as time goes on, many of our hearts still reach for more connections because humans are often built to connect with each other.
Thus, the thought came to me, to create an Art Therapy group that invites our co-workers to join together as a time to care for ourselves on multiple levels. We take an hour out of our work day to rest, and focus back on ourselves. We work in a non-profit to serve other people for 40 hours a week. We can offer one of those hours back to ourselves. To slow down. To join together as coworkers. Not for talking business, work related topics, or caseloads. But, to have some fun, playfulness, curiosity, introspection, relaxation, and/or a time to just be in each other’s presence.
So I took my idea to Stef, who was elated. Passing the idea onto Dana. Again, met with great joy. I’m noticing that JFCS is made up of leadership that appreciates their staff and those who want to engage and create ideas. To my great pleasure, last week was the first staff Art Therapy Group exploration together. There was lots of laughter and joy over the video chat. People were engaged in meaningful ways together with gratitude. This group will continue to meet together and hopefully continue to grow as more staff become aware of its possible benefit to them if they are open and able to join! It is my hope to give our staff support and care in this time as it is difficult continuing to manage through. We must continue to take care of ourselves as well, as we persist in serving JFCS clients and our community in these times.
To learn more about JFCS’s counseling programs, please visit jfcspgh.org/services/counseling-services.
**The following post was written by JFCS Counselor Kelly Moore.