It was a busy evening and as usual I was greeting and welcoming guests into the Collegium. In the process I proceeded towards a gentleman who was who seated for a while doing his work and so I greeted him and welcomed him to the Café. He told me his name was Leo Guitierrez and works for “Immunotec” a company that is geared towards educating people live and practice healthy lifestyles through their wellness-based products.
Soon after Mr. Leo asked me if I work for Center for Sharing. I said “Yes” and asked him how he was able to come to that conclusion. He told me that he saw me greeting everyone walking through the Collegium door and having engaging conversations with them. He further surprised me and asked me if my job was to create a safe and welcoming place for the people who walk into the Collegium. I again nodded in the affirmative and said it was one of my main objectives. I told him about the evening program and what my role was at the CFS. Mr. Leo said that he was highly impressed with the Collegium and with CFS and its activities that were concentrated on uplifting the vulnerable. He added that he felt safe and at peace when he came to the Collegium and therefore has regular meetings at the Collegium.
At the Center for Sharing we encourage anyone walking through our door to come and spend some meaningful and productive time whilst feeling safe and welcomed. It was therefore wonderful to hear Mr. Leo talk about a welcoming and safe facility by merely observing me for a short while. He now meets with his group every Thursday at the Collegium without fail. We feel appreciated and this gives us the impetus to continue to spread love and positive change through the work that we do.