No Matter What

There are Core Principles of the PARC for which every decision that we make is based upon. Believe me, there are many, many decisions that are made throughout every day. Our Core Principles are not rules nor a program. They are principles on which we stand. Some of these Core Principles are 'no judgement, acceptance, you never run out of chances and respect'. Every person is not treated the same, because none of us are the same. We take each person where they are and help them to move to their 'next'. Everyone's next is different and we work hard to accept that and treat them in such a way.

As I said earlier, it is our mission that we help each person move to their 'next', so there are expectations for every person that comes. They are expected to be productive through projects and activities and to attend classes. Again, each person is treated as individuals and 'productivity' looks different for every person, but it is important. Knowing these things is often difficult and leads to many choices about what is the best decision for each individual as well as for the PARC. It is not an easy task, but it is one that we take very seriously.

When it becomes especially hard is when we make these decisions, trusting God, and those who are coming seem to go backwards, relapse or just not move forward. It causes us to question ourselves and our choices at times. What does success look like? Are we making any difference? Should we waver just this one time? There are 2 members that we have particularly 'struggled' with recently. As I was praying about it this weekend I felt like the Lord reminded me that love and acceptance are never wasted. They plant seeds that will last for eternity. They never return void. NEVER! So, as we hold our members to the expectations, they sometimes are not able to stay. They are always welcome to come back when they are ready, and these two individuals come back every day. Each day we have the same discussion over and over and many times they have to leave. I will continue to remind myself, I HAVE to remember that love and acceptance are NEVER wasted and NEVER return void. We will keep loving and accepting day by day, decision by decision and trust God for the results. I must also remember that we have seen miracle after miracle as we continue to decide to stand firm on these Core Principles.