|
This Monday, January 20 is one we approach with both hope and apprehension in our hearts. As it has for nearly 40 years, this Monday will celebrate the life and accomplishments of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the greatest heroes of the Civil Rights Movement and a man who, in his own words, taught us that "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
That hope is embedded in Casa's very name and its mission, bringing hope—esperanza—to people struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, discrimination, and alienation. Every day at Casa we try to live up to the values of peaceful, support and empowerment for our patients, staff, and the larger community. Dr. King epitomized that struggle we all share for a future where children—and adults— “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
That future has not yet arrived, however. And for many, that future of equality may seem even more distant after Monday’s Inauguration. For many of the individuals and families we serve, Monday represents the beginning of an unknown era. While we do not yet know what it will bring, we do know that we must be unyielding in our commitment to justice.
In recent years we've witnessed the language of hate and the politics of division and resentment increasingly weaponized to spur forward a political movement that seeks to redefine and limit what it means to be American, and limit who is deserving of liberty and legal protections.
We cannot know what the future will bring, but while we hope for the best, it is always wise to prepare for the worst. Preparation can mean many things, but one of the surest ways is to build the bonds of community and solidarity that will be required for us to persist and thrive in the coming years.
In fact, making time to volunteer on MLK Day of Service is a great way to engage with the community. We've compiled a list of service opportunities around Boston to help honor the memory of Dr. King and strengthen the bonds of our community right here in Massachusetts.
Opportunities like these help us put hope into action and set building blocks for the future that Dr. King dreamt of. If you would like to support Casa putting Hope in Action, you can make a donation here.
However you choose to honor the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. your actions will show those who may feel powerless that they are surrounded by a community that believes “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
| 
