"Encompass" ALL with affordable, quality childcare.

Starting Altruistically, I thought about people in my life who I felt lived an altruistic life.  One of the first people who came to mind was my Aunt Rose.  Rose has dedicated her life to giving to others without expectation.  She spent much of her career, over 20 years, leading a non-profit Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc.  Encompass is an amazing organization whose mission is to provide the highest quality education and care for “ALL” families. 

I vividly recall having two children under two and looking for childcare.   The cost was eye-opening.  After putting pen to paper, it was clear that my wife’s entire salary would be needed to pay for their care.    This led to a very tough decision.  Fortunately for us, we had a decision.  We’d have to make lifestyle changes, but we could get by.  Unfortunately, this is not the case for so many.  The cost associated with having children is not something that they can absorb.   This financial strain puts millions in distress every year.  Having children opened my eyes to the huge need in our communities to support these new families.  This help is what amazing organizations like Encompass deliver.  Encompass believes that “ALL” families should have access to exceptional care, and they have been providing these services to families in NE Wisconsin for over 105 years.  

I recently talked to my Aunt Rose to learn more about her time at Encompass and why she has chosen to live an altruistic life.  Even before our conversation, she sent a picture of a piece of paper with her mission statement.  Wow, what a treasure chest of insight into a person who lives a life filled with giving and serving others.   I included a summary and the original picture below so you can all see and learn from Aunt Rose.  Our world would be a much better place if more people strived to live by Rose’s Mission Statement.

Aunt Rose's Personal Mission Statement

Summary of Aunt Rose’s Mission Statements/Mantras to live by:

1.      People are more important than things.

2.      Every person is valuable and important. 

3.      Treat people kindly and fairly.

4.      Laugh often.

5.      Share with others

6.      Help people succeed.

7.      Continue to grow and learn.

8.      Strive toward balance.

9.      Listen to others.

10. Research what I believe to be true.

Digging in deeper to understand Rose’s time at Encompass, it was very clear that she stayed so long because of the impact Encompass had on the communities and families it supported.  She shared so many powerful stories from her time at Encompass.  The stories ranged from caring for the kids of some of the most prominent people in the community to helping the most vulnerable.  Encompass is truly committed to helping  “ALL” families.  Another thing that stood out from our conversation was about providing the highest quality care and education.  Often, I think that non-profits provide the basics needed to get by.  I loved how Rose talked so much about all the training invested into the Encompass staff to ensure they were providing the best care for “ALL”.   Every family and child deserves quality care and I could sense the pride and passion in Rose’s voice describing that aspect of Encompass.  I cannot imagine how many people that Encompass and Rose have helped over the years and how that impact continues to grow from generation to generation.   

Rose shared how early on at Encompass she was too focused on addressing the few clients who were finding loopholes that it was detracting from her work helping the vast majority who needed a helping hand.   She treated every dollar Encompass received as if it was her own money and always wanted to deliver the maximum impact.  Spending her time helping the majority was the best investment vs. focusing on the few.  I appreciate her vulnerability in sharing this story and how we all need to assume positive intent and focus on the greater good.  This tied into what she called her “honesty of intention” filter.   This is a filter to ask yourself, what’s the real reason for doing or not doing something.  It’s clear that Rose’s honesty of intention filter continues to direct her to serving others.

Encompass named one of their centers after Rose, which is quite an honor, but does not overshadow her "honest intent" to help and serve others.

Even though Rose has been retired from Encompass for many years, it is very clear that she hasn’t stopped living altruistically.  In fact, she has a goal of increasing her volunteer hours each year.  She continues to support, belong, and lead in an array of human service organizations that benefit children and those in need.  She continues to learn, to lead, to be objective, to accomplish goals, and to live her mission daily.  How can we all be a little bit more like Rose?

"A single act of kindess throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." ~Ameila Earhart