You Should Know This About PFTL: Reflections from a Social Media Intern

Hello everyone! As my time here at PFTL comes to a close, I am once more reminded of how special this place is and how important it is for so many community members.  As I feel is so often the case with endings, you truly cannot understand how special something is until it ends. In reflecting, it becomes more and more apparent that while days and weeks go by fast in the nonprofit world, there are countless “blink-and-you’ll miss it” moments that bring a collective and undeniable beauty to the work that I do not think you will be able to find just anywhere.  

I think one of the most important things to start with is the incredible dedication of the staff and how they all come together as individual threads, forming the tapestry of PFTL into the strong collective that keeps things moving. Some lead groups and some take time to just be there for residents, but what do I really appreciate personally? Getting to see just how welcoming our staff can be to those starting their journey with us for the first time.  This is where I saw staff truly shine as I witnessed people come together in creating a truly important safe space that launches our residents into great things to come. I saw those who

came to us with bouts of uncertainty and anxiety, met with compassion and an open heart, which I think became foundational in allowing for healing to truly begin.  

It is not easy to be new, but even I was met on my first day with such a welcoming energy, it would be infectious. I quickly became a witness to new residents offering meals of their preference, rooming and board that fit their needs, and activities daily that allowed for chances to forge new connections. I think PFTL is special that way, as we have residents from all walks of life, some even from different states, and it would be easy to simply allow people to work things out alone. What became a pleasant surprise to me was that they did not have to; I found that support and friendship are the norm here, and nobody here is ever truly without it, which I have seen create perhaps the biggest and most meaningful changes.  

If I could leave you with one thing to reflect on, it would be strong encouragement toward doing things in your daily life that benefit the community and show compassion. These things are what we here at PFTL stand for most; I have seen it work wonders.  

Mia Crudo