Work in Progress

I am a work in progress. There are things about me that could change. Should change. That I would like to see grow and develop.

I am sure you could say the same about yourself. That there are parts of you or habits in your life you wish were different. And you know you could change them, given the effort.

We are all works in progress.

Organizations are no different.

​SouthSide Youth Outreach is a work in progress.

It always has been and, I think, it always should be.
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In my time here one of the grounding principles of the work we do together is this idea expressed in a simple phrase: see the need, meet the need. It is something, I believe, to have been part of the ethos of SSYO’s founding, a central tenet or core attribute to how SSYO was to operate, and a guiding light for its future.

" See the need, meet the need...
​[is] part of the ethos of SSYO's founding... "

The last 12 months have been driven by this idea, attempting to pivot and find meaningful ways to serve our community. The limitations of COVID restrictions and lockdowns have hampered us significantly. The crisis shook us and stripped back our programming to humble, yet vital, operations. But there is hope as we look towards the future.

Two weeks ago our Board of Directors began revisiting the vision for SSYO. The vision for what needs we see as we begin the long climb out of this pandemic and the vision for what needs we can meet as we work to build strong, young lives. This past year many of our plans and projects were dismantled but we don’t intend to stop building a better and brighter future for the youth in our community.

As our leaders here seek God and collaborate together to determine the course of the future, would you join in? If you are a person of faith, would you consider partnering with us as we seek God for what is next? Pray for wisdom, for discernment, for clarity, and most of all, for unity.

This last year has challenged us. But out of this crisis is the opportunity to see new works and transformation that could change the lives of young people in our city, with ripple effects for years to come. And we want to see that happen.
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We are a work in progress but don’t count us out. We’re not done yet. There is still a bright future ahead, if we can see it and press on.

Justin Talbert

Justin is the Operations Manager for SouthSide Youth Outreach. He has served with SSYO for over 7 years. He and his wife, Amber, enjoy spending time together exploring Oregon and finding good eats.