One Circle Foundation Staff Retreat

In the hustle of our modern lives, where the digital world often overshadows the real one, it's easy to overlook the fundamental elements that truly enrich our existence: connection and gratitude. These pillars form the foundation of a fulfilling life, offering us profound lessons and unparalleled joy.

In the limited days that I spent with the One Circle team, the pervasive themes of connection, and gratitude resonated through our conversations. The group reminisced about the foundation's remarkable journey, delved into intentional discussions about its future trajectory, and collectively crafted a space that exuded warmth, kindness and laughter, especially for a first-timer like me.

One moment from the staff retreat has remained etched in my memory. It unfolded on the first day of our gathering. After a satisfying lunch, the group began to disperse—some people moved away from the table, while others lingered. The echoes of laughter, prompted by a story about Disney, gradually subsided, creating a moment of quietude. In that serene atmosphere, someone turned to me and asked how I was doing.

In this space, I felt safe to express my true emotions, a departure from the usual superficial responses like 'fine' or 'good.' I found the courage to articulate the anxiety that I was feeling.

Back Row: Danielle Sutherland, Jazlyn Surell, Doreen Thompson, Victoria Mahand, Pat Greenwell & Vanessa Brook Caveney.

Front Row: Nancy Roldan Johnson & Moorea Dickason 

I had been entrusted with the responsibility of leading an activity for the group. The weight of self-doubt bore down on me, fueling my anxiety. I feared that my activity might fall short, or worse, that I might falter during the presentation. While explaining this, I was greeted with understanding and support. One of my coworkers extended a helping hand, sensing my unease. She graciously offered to practice with me and boost my confidence with heartfelt compliments and invaluable tips. Her kindness went above and beyond. She didn't need to extend her help, and the other women at the table didn't need to invest their time in showing care and support. Yet, they did

This instance of connection served as a profound revelation, illuminating the deep-rooted values of the individuals within One Circle. Anyone can claim to prioritize relationships and connection, but this experience vividly demonstrated the authenticity of their commitment. Throughout the entirety of our staff retreat, these meaningful connections continued to blossom. In hindsight, these moments have instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude for the remarkable individuals of One Circle—those who have paved the way and those who will follow. As our foundation expands at an unprecedented pace, it ushers in new opportunities and challenges alike. With this growth comes the undeniable certainty that our commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and genuine connections will remain unwavering.