This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on those things we are thankful for, I am reminded of the things that are so easy for many of us to take for granted, but so many others need. Safe and affordable housing. Accessible and affordable healthcare. Food on our tables. Even safe drinking water.
Before we started this campaign, I knew people who had lifted themselves out of homelessness, and now I have met many more who have done the same. At the same time, I have watched others be pushed into homelessness as the apartments they rented were sold out from under them. I am thankful for people like Clara Ross and her constant efforts and advocacy for the homeless in South Bend.
I am thankful for organizations like La Voz Unida, and their work to expand South Bend’s city ID card program to Plymouth so that people without a state or federal ID can get their heat turned on in the winter, fill their prescriptions and pick their kids up from school—and to La Casa de Amistad for its work on this program throughout the district.
I am thankful for amazing organizations such as Moms Demand Action - IN, Faith in Indiana and so many others who are working to keep our kids safe from gun violence. I am thankful for the Sunrise Movement South Bend, who are committed to protecting our planet for generations to come. I am thankful for our teachers, who went to Indianapolis with the Indiana State Teachers Association for #RedForEd to demand better schools for our children and who support our kids every day with patience and kindness.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be here, in the 2nd District, learning about the amazing work of so many to make our communities, our country, and our planet safer. I am awed by what so many do here every day, and take the struggles here into my heart. I am thankful for the opportunity to make a difference and to amplify your voices.
I am thankful for my children, who bring me joy and keep me focused on the need to build a better world for their generation. I am thankful for my husband, Alex, who is my foundation, a fantastic dad, and has stepped up in every way that I’ve asked (and who has made it a priority to keep our campaign office stocked with snacks!)
Finally, I am thankful for the friends, family members and colleagues who have provided unwavering support and encouragement as I started down this journey. I am thankful for my wonderful campaign team (Lisa, Nia, Kimberly & Austin) for the team of friends, old and new, who have built our social media platform (Heather), our website (Annisa), and our policy and research program (Demetria), and for all the interns, volunteers, donors, fundraisers, and advisers, who have contributed so much and who stand ready to help in so many ways.
THANK YOU to all who are taking this journey with me to improve the lives of those in our district, and in our country.
Happy Thanksgiving!