HOPE in Unexpected Places

Sometimes we can find HOPE in the most unexpected places. Anyone who knows me knows I hate dealing with car stuff. I feel like I’m treated differently because I’m a woman. So, when I have a positive experience dealing with my car, it’s worth a story.

The last time I got my oil changed I arrived at the shop early on a Friday morning and was greeted by name. There were two women and two men who were working in the front office. I’ve been going to this shop for many years, and the staff have been consistent every time. Two of them have been there for over five years, and two of them for over 10 years! To me, their longevity shows they like working there.

After checking in, one employee asked if I wanted a breakfast sandwich. How thoughtful! I inquired further about what special occasion it was to offer me a breakfast sandwich. Another employee piped in and said the owner provides breakfast to all employees every Friday. What an incredible and simple way to show your staff you care about the work they do and build a strong team culture. Relationships matter and, at that moment, in a small way, I felt like part of the team.

The lobby was tidy. On the side wall, there was a coffee station and a small fridge with water bottles. A clock radio playing soft music sat atop of a clean table with a couple of magazines to read. The windows were clear and the floor was immaculate. There was no trash in sight. It didn’t feel like an auto shop but more like a hotel lobby. The bathroom was fully stocked and included a changing table with wipes and other baby supplies available for use. It was really sweet to know that this auto shop truly cared about parents, enough to install a changing table in the single-use bathroom. This was an Environment I wanted to be in, even if I didn’t like dealing with car things.

Social and Civic Engagement is feeling that sense of belonging to a larger community. This shop exemplifies community engagement. They have partnered with a local car wash and offer a free car wash coupon to every customer for every service. They don’t work in isolation but strive to build connections between their patrons and community partners.

Like I said before, I hate dealing with car stuff. There is nothing worse than taking your car to the shop and finding out the repair is going to cost more than expected, especially when it isn’t in the budget. It can be an emotional roller coaster, however, opportunities for Emotional Growth strengthen resilience.

We can find HOPE in unexpected places though everyday experiences, just like I did at this auto shop. Our work at the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund (ICTF) promotes these building blocks of HOPE which are essential to protecting adult mental health and optimal development so children, families, and communities can thrive. If you would like to learn more about HOPE or share your story, contact the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund.