The Power in a Name

The power of a name. One of the core principles of the PARC is that everyone is called by their name. We greet them when they come in and we tell them 'good-bye' when they leave. It is important and it is powerful.

Kahleel lives outside. Every day he would come in and go to the restroom and grab a cup of coffee. Then he would leave. Every day we would say, "Hello Kahleel. Bye Kahleel." In the beginning, he didn't speak. As time went on he might respond with a low mumble, but he kept coming. Some days we would invite him to stay, but he always left. Then there was the day that Kahleel came and stayed. He didn't stay long, but he sat down. As time went on his stays at the PARC became longer. There were days we would have short conversations with him, and we continued to greet him and tell him 'goodbye' every time.

Now Kahleel; comes every day. He joins the classes, has discovered that he makes beautiful things and visits with us and our volunteers. We learned that he is a HUGE helper. Unprompted he will pick up after classes and put things away. He will bring staff forgotten phones and coffee cups, take out the trash, carry things in from the car, and set up for lunch. He likes spaghetti, Snickers, and hot chips. He is creative but self-conscious. We have watched him be generous with every single thing he has. He enjoys when little kids are brought in, and shows acts of kindness to them in his quiet and unassuming way..

This story isn't over. It is just beginning. I always say that we can watch people change right before our eyes. That is what is happening. Kahleel is changing. He feels valued. He is acknowledged. He is SEEN! I think the best part of this story is that it isn't over. It is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless. I can't wait to see what God does in this young man's life. And it all started because we called him by his name.