Recognizing the tremendous burden that the COVID pandemic has placed on front line workers in the behavioral health arena, Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition (OPHCC) reached out to lift their spirits. OPHCC’s Executive Director Leslee Francis dreamed up the idea of “kindness jars” filled with inspirational quotes and heartfelt notes of appreciation provided by notable community dignitaries.
Leslee then worked to identify every non-profit provider of behavioral health services in Clallam County. They span 16 agencies…342 employees…each receiving a festive glass jar filled with 31 different messages of thanks and support, one for each day of the month. She also included one of 342 gift cards purchased from local businesses across the county from Sequim to Neah Bay. OPHCC received numerous thank you notes from surprised, delighted, overwhelmed and appreciative people who never expected to be acknowledged in such a heartfelt and meaningful way.
Especially during this pandemic, the Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition continues its work to improve the health of our community, moving beyond the more traditional definitions of physical health to encompass the broader needs of our community’s for connection and emotional wellness during this difficult time.