We’re entering a new year, and I think all of us are hoping 2022 will be less painful than 2021. As I listen to all of you, however, I do hear you talk about the blessings of the past year—the main blessing being how it has reminded us of the importance of relationships. This has been a core value of Restoring Connections since the beginning. Vincent de Paul believed in relationships as the way to bring about individual and societal change. Although we offer a variety of programs it is really the relationships we foster that bring about transformation. Our volunteers are focused on the importance of being with and being open to receiving, as much as giving, of self. These relationships result in mutual transformation for both mentor and mentee and further enhance the giftedness each has to bring. - Vie Thorgren, Director