a reflection: three Lessons in three years – courtney thomas

What an honor it has been to be a part of team Newhouse for the last three years. Never would I have imagined a world-wide pandemic to hit 75 days after stepping into my role. But it did! Over the last three years, “normal” for all of us shifted in significant ways, and while there were some rough patches along the way, I’ve been witness to so many positive and inspiring things over the last 1,095 days. For that, I am so grateful!

Here are Three Lessons from Three Years:

1. We are resilient.
   We can do hard things, and the hardest things we can overcome together. Being pushed outside of our comfort zone isn’t easy for many people. 2020 will forever be revered as a year that pushed us all to our limits. But guess what? We learned to be nimble, and we didn’t allow the hard times to break us. Instead, we made a choice for it to strengthen us, to teach us new things, and to bring people and communities together. We overcame what we weren’t sure was possible, and never closed our doors to survivors during the pandemic.  
   
2. Leverage innovation.
   The old ways won’t open new doors, and how it’s been done historically hasn’t been working. Domestic violence hasn’t been decreasing – it’s increasing. It’s time to approach the situation differently.  At Newhouse, we are consistently practicing outside the box thinking. How can we bring new solutions to the forefront to provide the best possible client-centered services to survivors? Innovation is a key distinguishing factor between a leader and a follower. Through our ecosystem vision, we are striving to bring equitable services and efficiencies to the social services system, which allows those in need to achieve safety, self-sufficiency, and whole-person healing.
   
3. Self-care is essential, not optional.
   Too often, we put ourselves last to invest the majority our energy in our work or others. There is only so much wax in a candle. Eventually it will burn out and there is no light left to illuminate the path. As leaders, it’s critical we take time to recharge and replenish. If we don’t, we have no light left to help guide others. Model selfcare, and start by giving yourself permission to say no, not now, or not yet. Take your PTO, stop answering emails at all times of the day/night, and invest in the present and future YOU!

“Through our ecosystem vision, we are striving to bring equitable services and efficiencies to the social services system, which allows those in need to achieve safety, self-sufficiency, and whole-person healing.”

– Courtney Thomas, Newhouse President + CEO

Thank you, Courtney, for serving survivors at Newhouse through your gifts and talents.

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