Pivoting with More Than Words

Communications Office + Jeanmarie Gribaudo, CSJ

Passing through the Garden Room in the Motherhouse one quiet November afternoon, hundreds – possibly even thousands – of books and games were piled high, nearly touching the ceiling. The discombobulated library took on a life of its own, but within seventy-two hours, everything was gone. What happened?

This November, we donated a whole roomful of books, CDS, clothing, and more to More Than Words, a non-profit youth-run business dedicated to providing people ages 16-24 in foster-care, facing homelessness, out-of-school, or in the court system, with careers that propel them towards balanced, community-rich, purposeful lives. The Community Councilors were a huge part of this as well — they worked with sisters in the Motherhouse for a couple of weeks, encouraging them to downsize, and informing them about the More Than Words bookstore, and helping to gather the donations.

Once sisters had gone through their possessions and selected the books and other items they wished to donate, Jeanmarie Gribaudo, CSJ, brought in students to transport the donations to a central location so that the More Than Words staff could gather everything the following day in a smooth and efficient process. Sister Jean believes that this partnership with More than Words, alongside the collaboration with local college students, could serve as an example of how the sisters can continue to give back to the community and serve the Dear Neighbor without distinction, even as their abilities evolve. She calls it “pivoting.”