Stories of Hope!

It has now been just a little over a year since the Corona-Virus was declared as a global health emergency. In February, we asked you all to share your greatest transformation/adaptation in the last year along with any positive stories & messages of hope, faith, or aspiration that we could share with our community. Thank you everyone for sharing! Now it is time for us to share these messages and stories with you. We are all in this together and we rise by lifting one another.

How have you stayed busy (safely) during the last year of the pandemic?

·     “Tennis, hiking, and reading. Ok - some mindless TV as well.”

·     “I've kept busy by writing and phone calls sharing an encouraging message of hope…” 

·     “Be a light to others, be encouraging and helpful. Doing good things and enjoying the gift of life.”

·     “I have stayed busy with my kids keeping me busy mostly. I have been dealing with many health issues including stage 3 kidney failure but i continue to hold my head up and fight until I can get a transplant from the list or find a living donor.”

 

Did you gain any new hobbies during the last year of the pandemic? (If yes, then what?)

·     “Hiking has become a new hobby and love during the COVID time. We started hiking on the Palmetto Trail here in Charleston along the coast and have hiked into a new area of the state. Additionally, the "dream" of hiking the Appalachian Trail started in August with one weekend a month and I am so looking forward to the weather changing and the next section in late March.”

·     “I have learned more and have tried new ways of cooking things as I want to expand my culinary horizon.”

 

Did you learn something new or try something new during the last year of the pandemic? (If yes, then what?)

·     “I have always loved the outdoors and sports but having the time and opportunity to hike has enriched my life and given me a new perspective for nature. Keeping safe and distancing from my more regular hobbies allowed me the chance to go for a walk in the woods. This has made me sane, happy, healthier, and more optimistic about life.”

 

We want to hear what was your greatest adaptation/transformation/ adjustment/modification during the pandemic:

·     “Work has been a large adaptation as we as recreation professionals have learned how to navigate new protocols in bringing people together but in a safe way. I have enjoyed my job more in the last 12 months than I have in a long time just trying to become more essential to the people we serve.”

·     “Having looked up the information that was given me, I've been uplifted and encouraged to look forward to better times ahead with confidence all the Bible says will come to be.”

·     “Taking care of myself quickly became a priority as much as I take care of others. I had to learn how to put myself first and that that was ok.”

·     “My biggest change would have to be the schooling from home as I had to go back and relearn some things myself. It is definitely not the same as the way I learned it years ago."

 

Do you have a positive story to come out of the last year of the pandemic? (If so, please share below)

·     “Everything has been positive but I have become closer to family and gained friends from this pandemic as we are all in this together. Life is too short to let many things get us down.”

 

Meet the Staff Bio - Elizabeth Wincenciak

MEET THE STAFF: Elizabeth Wincenciak

Title:  Fiduciary Services Case Manager 

Years Working for Origin: 9

 1.     What drew you to Origin SC originally? And how has the organization changed since? 

A good friend of mine began working at Origin SC before me and it sounded like an interesting position. I came on 9 years ago as a Representative Payee Counselor and since then I have watched all the programs that Origin SC offers grow and do a great job with serving our community.

 

2.     What has surprised you the most about working at Origin SC? 

 

What has surprised me most by working at Origin SC is how important the programs we offer are to our clients and our community. Without these programs, a lot of individuals would be in unfortunate situations. We work hard to ensure that our clients have the best services that we can offer.

 

3.     What is an experience that has really shaped who you are? 

 

The past 9 years working as Origin SC has shaped who I am by making me more empathetic and patient. You never know what other individuals are going through and I believe that it is so important to always be kind and understanding.

 

4.      How has Origin SC helped you in your career development?

 

Origin SC has always given me the opportunities and tools to grow my career within the organization. I work with a lot of wonderful people who have always supported me and pushed me to be the best that I can be.

 

 

5.      What is one thing that you are most proud of?  

I am proud of how far I have come over the past 10 years. I have grown to become a better mother, friend, and colleague. I look forward to becoming even better over the next 10 years.