A Transition for the ECH Transitional Living Program by Phil Garrett, Steppingstone TLP Case Manager

What do the following have in common? 

·         An old Nokia “Go” phone

·         $3.32 worth of pennies

·         Shop N Save receipts

Ok, this was a trick question.   These were all items I found in my desk as I prepared to move offices after seven years.

You see, we the staff in the St. Louis Transitional Living Program have undergone a transition ourselves.  After many years dispersed in various offices on the campus we have moved to our new “home”—the Baur Center.   I had loaded box after box of papers, books, and assorted oddities.  It’s amazing, well, even ridiculous, how much stuff had accumulated in those seven years.  Much of it could only be accurately called “junk.”  Hidden beneath some of this junk I found a folder I had labeled “memories.”  My packing process was halted as I was compelled to look through this folder.  I have a wonderful collection of thank you cards from former clients, some photos, and other mementos that remind me why I do what I do.  And sadly, I had covered it with a mess.

I interview many young people who wish to get into our program.  They too have accumulated lots of emotional “junk” that obscures the things in their lives that could inspire them and provide hope.  We know that sometimes we humans are reluctant to discard junk because it is familiar to the point where it has almost become a part of our identity.  We have a sense it is dragging us down, but it’s what we know.  It can bring tremendous discomfort to give up things in our lives that we know are not helping, but at least are safer than tackling the frightening unknown.  This is especially true when experience gives one little reason to have confidence that things can be better.  Our job is to help our young people clear away the emotional clutter and uncover their strengths and the things that ARE working in their lives.   As referred to in our agency’s name, we are in the business of inspiring Hope.

Life’s transitions, such as this move to the Baur Steppingstone Center, are stressful AND full of promise.  We are excited to have the opportunity to continue our important work in this wonderful new setting.  I urge you to contact our agency for more information about our program and our new Baur Center.  To our supporters and all those who strive to make a difference for young people, I say thank you. 

“Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.”-------William James    

Philip Garrett
Steppingstone TLP Care Manager