Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On this National Holiday- we celebrate the life and achievements of one of the most prolific leaders of the civil rights movement. We recognize today as a day of service- which all of you demonstrate by providing quality care to our residents, our volunteers and to each other.

Today we highlight themes of equality, justice, faith and truth that Dr. King so eloquently wrote and spoke about and that we should keep in our minds and hearts every day.
One of my favorite Dr. King quotes is:

“The time is always right to do what is right”

Although it is not always the easiest path to do what is right, Dr. King led by example in always advocating what is right and doing so from a place of love and kindness, genuine caring and faith and a belief that a better and more harmonious world is possible. A great example to strive to follow in how we treat one another and care for the residents we serve and in how we conduct ourselves each and every day. In celebrating the Rev. Dr. King’s life and work, we celebrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion throughout our organization. I am proud to say that VMP has created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee whose goal is to educate, create awareness and celebrate our staff’s diverse backgrounds. Each of them has a passion for helping establish and maintain diverse, equal and inclusive practices at VMP and we invite others with this passion to join them. Here they are with a special reflection on their favorite Dr. King quotes.

– Rev. Meg Lybeck-Smoak, Director of Pastoral Care

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is my favorite quote from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It speaks to me of our call, as people of faith, to stay hopeful even in the midst of struggle. There are so many challenges in our world – racism, sexism, violence, and injustice – to name just a few. And yet even in the times of deepest darkness, when we feel afraid and alone, Dr. King reminds us that only in darkness we can see the light of the stars. Even when we feel hopeless, the light of hope shines bright. Each and every day we are called to build community, to respond to others with compassion, and to seek inclusion and peace in all of our relationships. Dr. King lived by example, bearing witness to that light and hope. He is an inspiration to me – to always seek the light and hope in every situation. I am grateful for his life and ministry.

– Vie Lucas, Director of Nursing

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What a powerful quote…you may not see what lies ahead but believe, have FAITH and take that leap. If you don’t take risk, chances and challenge one’s self you can miss out on so many opportunities the world has to offer.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kindness, education, informing and bringing awareness is how you work to change the minds of others.
– Jedd Lapid, VMP Foundation President

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” –Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
What a great reminder for all of us to emphasize one’s character beyond anything else. Character speaks volumes about each of us and what we are willing and able to do when faced with significant challenges. Many times the most challenging paths taken are also the most fulfilling and doing the right thing above all else will ultimately benefit the community.
– Tyler Peters, Recruiter

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I love this quote from Dr. King because it really speaks to me about how we’re all one community, regardless of where we came from and who we are. We all have different backgrounds, different walks of life that we’ve come from, different journeys to be here, but that should no longer matter. We are all together, in one community, on “the same boat”, and we need to work together to continue having a healthy community. Dr. King wanted all people, of all races, creeds, ages, and genders, to be united as one, because he believed that it would create more understanding of one another, which would, in turn, build a stronger unity among all people.

A boat can float and sail, but only when every member of its crew is working together to make sure it keeps floating and sailing forward, through all kinds of weather it encounters, and that’s what Dr. King wants us to continue to do today, for all of us to work together so our “boat” continues to sail forward.

Did you know that 51% of our staff are non-white? That 42% of our staff are 50 or older? And that 76% of our staff are female?
Our diversity makes our VMP Community stronger. Each of us contributes experience and context that improves quality of service for our residents and creates opportunities for our colleagues to grow and learn. I sincerely appreciate all that you bring to VMP and wish you all a blessed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

– Linda Newberry-Ferguson, President/CEO