Faces of Inclusion Newsletter February 2024
TURKEY TROT SUCCESS:
Community Champions Early Learning
The Pathfinder Turkey Trot 5k and 1-mile walk fundraiser held last month garnered immense success with a remarkable turnout of 665 participants, all contributing to the cause of supporting the Early Learning Center (ELC). The event promoted physical activity and community engagement and demonstrated the power of collective efforts to positively impact the lives of families and children.
Participants of all ages gathered to run, walk, and show their support for the ELC, some adorned in festive turkey-themed attire. This event served as a platform to unite the community for a common cause, a program dedicated to nurturing young minds' early development and education.
One of the most impressive aspects of the event was the overwhelming generosity displayed by the participants and sponsors. Over $24,000 was raised during the Turkey Trot, showcasing the community's commitment to the well-being of children and families associated with the Early Learning Center.
As the Pathfinder Turkey Trot concluded, participants and organizers alike celebrated the collective achievement, recognizing that our combined efforts would create a lasting impact on the lives of those benefiting from the Early Learning Center. The event stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of families and children through shared initiatives and support.
FINDING STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY
The Terra Chambers Story
Meet Terra Chambers, a 53-year-old resilient woman, a devoted mother of two daughters and a son, and proudly holding the titles of grandma and great-grandma. Terra radiates positivity, and spending any amount of time with her envelops you in her spirit and unwavering faith in God. Her story unfolds at a time when life took an unexpected turn.
While Terra was living in Alabama, her mother unexpectedly fell ill with cancer. Not wanting to be so far away, she returned to Indiana to be by her mother’s side. Little did she know the battles in store for her upon her return.
It's 2017, and Terra finds herself in a challenging living situation. Renting a home from Renaissance Homes, she faced negligence and indifference. The company neglected maintenance, leaving her with a house in disrepair. Wiring was hooked up incorrectly, appliances were broken, and she had to wait a ridiculously long time for ceiling repairs when a leak caused it to cave in. The local property manager tried to do right by their various tenants but struggled to address issues due to a lack of support from the company. It seemed like a never-ending battle to have essential repairs completed. “You just didn’t feel a sense of worth… like you were a person and more than just a rent collection.”
While dealing with concerns about her home and her mother's health, her story takes a poignant turn. Terra worked multiple jobs, doing hair, as a phlebotomist, and at Amazon. She herself started to feel unwell. Despite seeking medical help, her concerns were dismissed. She continued until working three jobs became too much for her, and she had no option but to leave Amazon. After months of constant breaks throughout the day to recoup her energy and missing out on Fourth of July festivities with her family, her son intervened, unwilling to leave her ill on the couch.
Her journey through the hospital revealed the strength of her spirit. Facing pneumonia, blood loss, a white cell count of .8, multiple transfusions, and mysterious blood loss, Terra remained faithful to God and put her health in God's hands. It took three weeks in the hospital to discover why she was losing blood; they discovered several perforations in her esophagus, which was causing her to bleed out. Three weeks after her esophagus was repaired, she was still unable to regulate her blood, and she recalled knowing something else must be wrong.
“I was not scared; I never questioned God. I told the devil I ain’t got nothing for you” – Terra. It's been a year and a half since her diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and she's still fighting.
Terra's spiritual strength shone through even during the darkest moments. She faced her illness with unwavering faith, trusting in God and the support of the people around her. She shared how she knew God had put Angels all around her, with her doctors, nurses, and hospital staff being her lifeline and never wavering in their care. Her last round of chemotherapy was December 4th and marked another step in her journey toward recovery.
Terra's story is not one of sorrow but of resilience and determination. Her battle with leukemia became an opportunity to reevaluate life's priorities. Through the support of God and her strong network, Terra emerged as a living testimony to the power of faith and perseverance.
As Terra faces the challenges of chemotherapy, she refuses to dwell on sadness. Instead, she spreads her positive energy, telling the Chaplin, “I have enough prayers, but others don’t have anyone praying for them. Share my prayers with them.” Terra's mantra – "This is not a sad story. We ain't doing that! You gotta fight – you can't be sad and depressed."
Can you imagine the sheer force of will you have to have to be battling for your life while dealing with uncertainty about your home? God’s timing is perfect, and it’s no coincidence that Terra came into the lives of Pathfinder employees. We aren’t heroes here. Terra is the star of her story, but when Terra tells you numerous times, “I know a guy…. God and Jeff,” referring to Jeff Teusch, the Homeownership Center Director, you know something extraordinary is happening.
In the face of adversity, Terra Chambers exemplifies the strength that comes from faith, community, and the determination to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth. Her story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of compassion.
To start a new chapter in your story contact Pathfinder Homeownership Center by visiting pathfinderhomes.org
ART ABLE CAMPAIGN
The launch of the Art Able campaign marks a significant milestone in the realm of inclusive artistry. Embracing the ethos of "Art is for everyone," this groundbreaking initiative works to remove societal constraints and pioneers a space where individuals from all walks of life can engage, explore, and create without limits. Anchored at the Pathfinder Art and Entrepreneurial Center (PAEC), Art Able extends beyond conventional artistic paradigms, fostering an atmosphere of belonging and dismantling barriers that have traditionally restricted participation in the arts. Aligned with Pathfinder's overarching mission, Art Able champions growth and development within the PAEC, forging meaningful community partnerships and establishing a scholarship fund to nurture aspiring artists. The campaign seeks to be a catalyst for change, actively promoting inclusivity within the realm of art.
