DePaul Expressions Vol. XIX Num. 2

Seeing with New Eyes

Sometimes we think of innovation as an activity reserved for the creative, or the big visionaries, or the young; or we think it is only possible in big tech companies or revolutionary start-ups. We sometimes limit our definition of it to big, disruptive inventions. I disagree with all of that. Innovation is as inclusive as it gets. It’s for everyone. It’s necessary—in every industry, in every relationship, and in our own mindsets. It is about renewal more than invention and happens when we see with new eyes. It’s the discipline of holding a vision for a future while facing reality as it is. Innovation is on every page of this newsletter. The people who loved Mathew (page 7) imagined a different future for him, one where he was at ease in his environment and exploring new territory in his communication, a future so safe he would assertively claim his own space in the man cave. Those same people, at the very same moment they imagined this future, loved Mathew right where he was. Meanwhile, the Elam family imagined a life where their love expanded to include people with disabilities in their own home. They took one small step at a time, going through the inquiry, training, home study, and certification processes, then opened their doors. These two families saw the familiar with new eyes and risked their comfort to move toward it. Serendipitously, they found one another. These innovators created something new. You won’t see it on the evening news or read about it in a fancy magazine article. But you’ll find it here, at DePaul. We imagine a future where everyone has a no-matter-what family, no matter what. Even with the incredible work we and so many other agencies do, that vision is a long way off in Virginia where waiting lists are the norm. So where do we start? Right where we are. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider these possibilities: ◊ Make a financial gift. Giving to our general fund fuels our culture of innovation. You can give to our Bridge to Hope fund (see more on the next page) which fuels new possibilities for the people we serve, with immediate impact. ◊ Share our story. Share this newsletter to another hope-bearer. Send a link to our Facebook page to your friends. Some say innovation looks a lot like fancy new things. I say innovation looks a lot like hope. Thank you for joining us in it.

Amanda Stanley