I recently had a conversation with a highly influential woman in the ‘domestic violence’ sector here in Calgary.

She expressed gratitude that the smaller charities were ‘finally figuring out they aren’t special and looking to join the larger ones’.

She went on to say how frustrating it is to have so many and to have governments and larger funding agencies ask her to speak to the smaller ones and help them out.

On one hand, I hear her. There was a time, just prior to COVID, where GEMS was growing rapidly and my humility took a hit. I no longer had the patience for people booking calls with me ‘just to hear the founding story’. All I could think of was the story is on the website and there a million other things I should be doing to help the women GEMS supports… instead of this.

However, I snapped out of this and I hope she will too.

The thing is, whether someone is asking for guidance, wanting to hear about the spark that created GEMS, or whatever the case may be, they are taking the steps to pursue a calling within themselves to make the world a better place. How in the world is that a bad thing!?

At worst, they create an unfunded, small community initiative that helps no one but themselves heal. Isn’t even that sufficient to encourage them?

At best, what they create lasts…. helps thousands and perhaps even grows into something unique and game changing in the sector!

The bottom line is that there is no one solution, nor one correct way of healing, nor should anyone’s aspirations to help others be shot down or dismissed as not special. Who are any of us to judge what is special or not? If it helps even one person, that’s special enough for me.

Survivors of all forms of trauma need many forms of support and it changes throughout their healing process. Sometimes, just having someone to hold your hand can feel like its saving your life.

No matter how strong we are, sometimes we need someone to cheer for us, someone to stand in our corner and someone to inspire the next few steps of our journey.

This woman was actually a champion of mine when we were starting out. She supported, guided , opened doors and was kind to me.

I am now in the ranks of the ‘not special’ in her eyes and guess what, I’m also not special in my own eyes… but GEMS is.

GEMS is what it is because of thousands of men, women and children coming together to support survivors of domestic abuse through our initiatives. Initiatives, that no one else does (Hope’s Cradle, our full Scholarship Program, Ambassador Program, Thrive and the beloved Jewelry Drive). We have helped thousands and from where I stand, even if we had funded only one scholarship, or supported only a handful of women, I would be proud of that and grateful for the existence of our little charity.

To all of you looking to start your own NPO, go for it.

I support your efforts, period.