The JP UP Date: JP Launches New Website

The Pandemic Diaries was a weekly reflection penned by individual Justine PETERSEN staff members in the style of journaling, chronicling the daily reality of working from home in the wake of Covid-19.  In light of us fighting the long entrenched pandemic of structural racism and inequality, the series will now include diary submissions reflecting on what it means to live in a world that is unjust, and what can and should be done for “cultural course correction.” This week’s diary entry is written by Trina Roberson, Loan Fund Associate at Justine PETERSEN.  

It is my honor to speak on behalf of Justine Petersen in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I’ve been with Justine Petersen for 15 years and I feel that the family culture provided for employees helps with dealing with our current state. The JP garden was one of the best things that happened to me. I’ve actually changed my eating habits for the better and I enjoy it. Kudos to the garden team for keeping this going. I was given an opportunity to change my way of thinking – and eating.

Though we are to practice social distancing, we are not totally secluded from each other and I believe the personal interactions makes a difference in effective communication. With that being said, as employees we must also be vigilant to whom we are in contact with.

In regards to racial injustice and inequality, my opinion is that we must be careful how we interpret these issues. There are systematic issues in regards to racial injustice in the world, but as individuals we must be critical when making judgements against others in this moment in time. It’s ok to have an opinion but remaining transparent is more important.

As far as cultural course correction, I believe we should just work on being better people. Right now it seems that most people on social media are offended about something. People are also changing their minds as to who they should congregate with or be involved with. Some people are irritated, confused and don’t know what to believe, and some people are being drawn closer together. My only advice is that we keep our faith and believe everything will work out accordingly.

But it’s not just that. We should also know how to foster our feelings in an appropriate manner when having discussions that involve a need for compassion, empathy and emotional intelligence. As a community-based organization, we have a duty to make sure our employees and clients have access to these types of resources during this pandemic. If any of us are in the position to make positive change, now is the time. This is also a time where reality must set in and we should be grateful for our relationships and everything that we still have.

There will be many more obstacles in the future. Schools are being broken into now since they’ve been vacant for quite some time and I’m still waiting to hear from my school district about the changes for the upcoming school year for my daughter. So many things are in question, but I’ve learned to stay humble in the process and not allow fear and negative emotions to contribute to decisions that affect my life.

Since I’ve been working from home it’s been quite an adjustment.  I’ve transitioned well, but I had no idea I would end up buying a coffee pot. Helping out with Payment Support I’ve had contact with clients who are personally affected by the pandemic. I’ve also been held on the phone for a whole hour because the client needed someone to talk to. I offer them words of encouragement and let them know that we are here to help.