When was the last time you did something for yourself?
Should we even be practicing self-care/self-love while this pandemic is going on?
The answer: Yes. Yes. A million times YES.

It’s the small things that can really help us during these times of uncertainty. Many of us are facing challenges on identifying the best methods to meet our clients’ needs. But what about your needs? Who’s working hard to identify when you need to stop, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders and take a deep breath? - To eat. Drink. Rest.
 
Take this parable from the Bible as an example, Luke 6:39, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”
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As I read this verse today, I got this message, should we not be taking care of ourselves just as much as we’re trying to do for our clients? We want our clients to be well, to have access to resources, to know that they still have the support of their service-providers. But if we’re not taking care of ourselves spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally – how can we expect to deliver quality services to our children? ​

Let’s do a small activity together:

On any piece of paper, write down all the things you love. The things you love listening to. The things you want to do. The things that make you happy.
 
Now, one of these lists may look longer than the other, one may be empty, and that’s okay! It’s important to check-in with ourselves and see where we’re at. The places we want to go may have to stay in the list until further notice, but everything else can help us bring a little joy into our hearts.
 
It’s important to recognize that self-love and self-care is an ongoing process and it looks different for everyone. Reflect on what you need right now. Is it a deep breath? Telling yourself, ‘I love you’?
 
Whatever it is, DO IT.
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Keep going!

​Name: Cecily Duran
Position: Operations Program Assistant
What led you to your current position? After graduating college in Political Science and Ethnic Studies, I was searching for work within grassroots organizations and non-profits that would allow me to help uplift impacted communities in long-lasting and holistic ways. I had heard about Seneca, but did not know much about the agency. When I found they were looking for a Program Assistant, I thought, “great! This is a good start.” When I read more into Seneca and their values, I realized I came across an Agency that really tries to support its staff in mental and financial stability, recognizes and validates social issues, and provides top quality support for their clients. Then I thought, “wow, this agency isn’t just good; this agency is amazing!” There’s a need for every one of our staff here, and we all work towards the same essential goal: providing quality services for our families with genuine honesty and humility.
Fun Quote: Be a warrior, not a worrier!
What does your average day look like? Well, I work administration, so a lot of administrative duties! Coming into work, I usually prepare room reservations for meetings throughout our program, support our school sites with ordering new supplies, manage our inventory for our schools’ therapy teams, help coordinate and plan staff events along with my amazing Program Assistant team, input expense reports, schedule various services for several of our clients, compile social media material for our Unconditional Education media platforms, and (my favorite) aid in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives as both a DEI Advisory Board representative and as a social justice advocate!
Why do you do this work? For the last decade, I knew I wanted a career that could make a lasting difference in people’s lives; to help folks discover root issues, to grow, heal, mature, find solid support and utilize resources they didn’t know could help them. I was able to start that career path here at Seneca Family of Agencies, a non-profit social work organization that genuinely puts quality care and the safety of their kids and families as a priority. What made entering this organization even more crucial and beneficial was the agency’s consciousness of social issues, and the impacts these have on our communities. Social justice is a lifestyle, about grounding ourselves in love for our people and taking whatever measures necessary to give folks strong and steady opportunities for better lives; to push for social equity. That’s why I am here, and I hope to see this agency and our families continue to grow, overcome and persevere, together.