One Circle Foundation: Gratitude

“The common understanding of the word “gratitude” simply does not convey the magnitude of gratefulness and all that it offers as a way of being in the world.” 

• Kristi Nelson, Wake Up Grateful 

At the end of each year, we pause to reflect on our work, connections, learnings, and accomplishments and consider our hopes and dreams for the year ahead. We, as staff at One Circle Foundation, are profoundly grateful for this community and mission, so we’d like to take a moment to share some of that gratitude with you. 

Moorea Dickson, Chief Operating Officer 

This year, my heart is bursting with gratitude for the stellar team at One Circle Foundation. As I transitioned from my previous outreach role, which primarily involved interacting with organizations working with youth, to the position of Chief Operating Officer, my focus has shifted almost entirely to our incredible team at OCF. Over the past six months, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion of every staff member, trainer, board member, contractor, and vendor involved in this organization. 

2023 was a year of transitions, developing support systems, professional growth, and a sharp focus on our core values and mission. Throughout my 15 years at this organization, I have realized that finding a team so deeply connected to a mission, truly supportive of each other and the community they serve, and highly effective is a true rarity and blessing. 

With excitement and optimism, I raise three cheers to the promising year ahead in 2024. I have no doubt that our team will continue to achieve incredible milestones and make a profound impact on our mission. 

Doreen Thompson, Business Support Coordinator & Trainer 

This year has been a busy year. I am most grateful for the amazing commitment of the individuals attending our trainings and the Facilitator Support groups. At each training event, our trainers acknowledge the group, stating, “We don’t know what it took for you to be here today.” Indeed, we cannot know. Yet, they show up, and they are present. This past year, we have had participants attend under exceptionally stressful circumstances. One attended during an active hurricane, relying on battery-operated lights for visibility. Another participated from her hospital room, attending the first two days of training before giving birth and concluding day three post-delivery (she didn’t want to miss the Circle with her group!). One person was grieving the recent suicide of a young person in their community. There were those mourning the recent suicide of a young person in their community, navigating the recent death of a family member, and even someone joining us from inside their car because their facility was destroyed in a hurricane the week prior. These are just a few examples. I am so grateful for the dedication of these humans who put the needs of the youth above their own. As we end this year, I want to thank all our participants who go above and beyond to provide our youth with the support, compassion, and commitment they need. We at One Circle know it’s not always easy, but we thank you for showing up and all you do for the youth you serve. 

Victoria Mahand, Director of Trainers 

“What’s meant to come into your life will come.  Everything will work out sooner or later.  And it will work out in the most magnificent ways that you didn’t even see coming.  Let go of your worries and overthinking, surrender to the infinite positive possibilities.  Put your focus into abundant energies of gratitude, joy, love daily and watch magic unfold before your eyes.” Lukas Notes 

Danielle Sutherland, Manager of Outreach and Engagement & Trainer 

"Gratitude can transform any situation. It alters your vibration, moving you from negative energy to positive. It's the quickest, easiest, most powerful way to effect change in your life—this I know for sure." Oprah 

I love this quote because it reminds me of how powerful our minds are. I have been practicing acknowledging something I’m grateful for while I enjoy my morning coffee, and sometimes all I can think of is being grateful for the warm beverage that’s in my hand.  But I gotta tell ya, since I’ve been practicing gratitude, amazing things have happened. 

• Joined the OCF team in January 
• Training! I love training the Girls Cricle Model. I have the privilege to share this amazing model with adults who are passionate about supporting the youth in their communities. 
• My son who is neurodivergent has settled into his new school and continues to amaze me as he navigates a world that is not made for him. 

I believe that in the midst of adversity finding gratitude can help... it helps me, and the more we practice it, the easier it becomes. That’s why I try to remember to be grateful for the things we may think are small, like my warm cup of coffee. 

Jazlyn Surell, Administrative Assistant 

Gratitude passes through you 
like the clouds of mood, 
like rain turning to sleet 
or gray skies breaking into blue. 
It is only gratefulness that stays, 
holding your trembling hand 
beneath the hospital sheet 
as you count each breath, 
or jumping up and down 
when you hear good news. 
It is the faithful companion 
we have always been seeking, 
this feeling of fullness 
that follows us everywhere  
we go, less like a shadow  
trailing the body, and more  
like a glimmer held in the heart 
that promises never to leave. 

                                                                                                                         - James Crews                                                                                       

Pat Greenwell, Office Manager  

In this time in our world where there is so much important work to be done, we are fortunate to be in company with SO many caring adults who step up to the plate to do the “important Good Work”! Our community of facilitators and advocates make a positive difference supporting the youth in their care and community every day! 

I am inspired and grateful to be connected to you ALL!  

Nancy Roldán Johnson, Interim Executive Director 

2023 was a year that I will always remember. Although I experienced the heartbreaking loss of loved ones this past year, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage with One Circle Foundation in ways I could witness its heart work up close as Interim ED. I call it "heart work" because if you have been following OCF and ever wondered what the people behind the scenes are like—the staff, trainers, vendors, partners, and Board of Directors—they are exceptional human beings driven by the heart of OCF. They are a collective of compassionate people who envision a world where all youth and adults are secure and living their authentic lives.  

I am grateful for the chance to apply my 25 years of experience in leadership roles in non-profit and for-profit organizations to help execute our ambitious three-year strategic plan centered around this heart work. I am also grateful to the facilitators and partnering organizations who deliver One Circle programs through our training and curricula, which drive our efforts and commitment to the highest quality standards of excellence. And I'm grateful for our generous donors who contribute to our Scholarship Fund. Their gift and trust allow individuals and smaller organizations to engage in our services so the youth in their communities can experience our transformational Circles.  

I am in awe of our team and humbled to be part of an organization that honors the individuality of every person, knowing we are all worthy. We are all connected.  

May you have a safe, loved, and healthy 2024.