My Clients Tell Me It's Going To Be Okay

We're going to make it out of this. Our economy will start to create jobs again. You will find a new job. Our lives might be different-possibly very different- but we will survive. How do I know? That's what my clients tell me.

I work at a food bank as Director of Food Collection. On December 1st, President George W. Bush, decider in chief, informed us our economy is in recession.

"Today's job data reflects the fact that our economy is in a recession," Bush said.

Jeez. I could have told you that months ago.

Since October 2007, we've had a 56% increase in the number of clients turning to us for emergency food assistance. Every food bank in the nation is seeing the crush

We service an area outside Washington, DC. The suburban county that we service spans the spectrum of sociopolitical strata. Some of the richest zip codes in the nation straddle part of the country. In other parts of the county, co-mingled humanity struggles to keep their homes and feed their kids.

The crush of clients can be overwhelming at times. Some have been coming for some time. They know the routine. Most are grateful, gracious, and courteous.

Then there are the folks that have never been to a food bank - or never been as a client. "This is my first time. What do I do? Where do I go? Thank you so much. Bless you." You smile say "you're welcome" and move on to the next thing that needs to be done.

The vast majority of our clients maintain a stoic, proud posture when they come. Some donors though are more visibly shaken. It's a look of hopelessness and desperation. "When will this thing turn around? What could we have done to stop it? Am I next? Are we next?"

It is a scary time in America and in the World. But, this can be an opportunity to make some real and lasting changes that can effect for the better not only our country but the entire world.

We are Americans. We will get through this. And we will be stronger for it. How do I know? My clients tell me.