Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. -1 John 3:18

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!
-1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The word love is mentioned in the Bible (NLT) 898 times. One way to define love is the willingness to put someone else’s well-being above your own. It is to give freely while expecting nothing in return.

This is a beautiful sentiment and the perfect way to describe the team members recognized by their leadership teams this month for displaying the fruit of love every day!

• Jacquie – QIDP

“Jacquie is 100% all about the individuals we serve, and it shows in her daily actions. She has a fantastic way of making sure she gives 100% of her attention to each individual once, sometimes multiple times a day. Jacquie does it naturally throughout her workday plus getting her tasks and more done.”

• Cliff – Maintenance Coordinator

“Cliff is always available and willing to make time to help anyone in need. He is a total team player and goes above and beyond every day. Cliff makes it a point to ensure all those he has contact with walk away with a smile.

• Loretta – Group Home Coordinator

“Loretta displays the fruit of love in so many ways. She has worked for us for over 20 years and has dedicated her life to Echoing Hills and those we serve. Loretta has a special relationship with each person she works with. She does not see a disability but a person. She does not see a behavior, but a person trying to express themselves when they do not know how. Whenever she is at work, everyone feels safe and at home. Many people call her mom, grandma, or even sister – individuals and team members alike! She never shows judgment, just love.”

• Northern Leadership Team

“So many of our employees have sacrificed so much during this pandemic. I wanted to take a moment to recognize Mindi and her leadership team. Due to staffing needs and the COVID crisis, Mindi and her team missed nearly all of Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families. The simple reason is their love for the people we serve. They are a representation of the love displayed every day by so many people in all of our regions.”

• Rebecca – LPN

“Rebecca brings a lot of positive energy when working with any individual. Just recently, one of the individuals we serve was not feeling well. Rebecca spent some time with her to calm her down. This individual loves Rebecca so much. By spending some extra time with those who need it, Rebecca shows everyone every day the love she has for all.”

• Ramona – DSP

“Ramona is one of the most dedicated employees. She is committed to the mission of Echoing Hills and really lives the value. She is motivated to do good, not only for herself but to give the best life to those we serve. She has integrity and loves what she does for the individuals, showing that this is more than just a job for her. She is what others should aspire to become.

• Shannon – DSP

“Shannon has been with Echoing Hills since 1996. She is always positive and upbeat and can bring a smile to folks even on the worst of days. Shannon shows the Fruit of the Spirit “love” by her joy and light every day throughout this pandemic. She is always looking for ways to brighten the days of the individuals we serve, whether thru activities or just conversation. She truly cares about the ministry and all of our stakeholders. She shows love thru her kindness towards everyone and her willingness to help in any way she can.”

• Brandi, Sharon, Tracy, Irvin, Pauletta, Alexandria – Drivers, Class Coordinators, and Hub Coordinator

“For Christmas, we did a home delivery of gifts for our students as many had been joining us for classes virtually. Watching the love that went into preparing and delivering their gifts lets me know how much my staff truly love the students. It was a great Christmas gift for me to see that and how the students (and their families) reacted!”

Echoing Hills and the Fruit of the Spirit

Throughout 2021, Echoing Hills will be concentrating on the Fruit of the Spirit to incorporate into our culture, our Echoing Way. We will be focusing on one fruit each month.

Stay tuned to our website and be sure to like us on Facebook so that you may join the journey with us!