The work we do here at CHS can be stressful at times. We constantly hear about challenging topics and treat vulnerable children and their families who are struggling and in need of help. Hearing people's trauma and trying to help guide them through their healing journeys can take its toll on us and eventually lead to burnout. This is why it’s imperative to find moments throughout the day that make us smile and raise our spirits.

In Heartfelt Moments By Staff, we encourage everyone to share the subtle reminders the universe sends us when we have those demanding days.

November 17, 2025

Heartfelt Moment: Hope Comes Full Circle

Every now and then, a moment stops us in our tracks and reminds us why the work we do matters. Bright Start Assistant Program Director Kathy Schneider passed along a story about a meaningful encounter that Nurse Home Visitor Holly Wilgers had with a former Bright Start client. What began as a smile and a friendly “hello” quickly turned into a powerful reminder of the impact our team makes every day. Read Kathy’s message below.

Hello,

I have had a week of much reflection, emotion, and hope and would like to share it with you. I’ve truly seen how a positive culture can light the way forward, how kindness illuminates, how working together creates momentum and how deeply tenacious the Bright Start nurses continue to be. None of this is new to me, of course, but moments like this week remind me just how powerful our collective spirit is!

From monthly reports to a shared cup of coffee, from side conversations to the grand finale, this story, I’ve been filled with gratitude for the team I’m so honored and humbled to lead. I feel like the luckiest supervisor alive!

This story comes from Holly, one of the Bright Start nurses, who shared a text with me that perfectly captures the heart of what we do. It is a simple encounter, but one that reminds us that our work doesn’t end when a client graduates; the ripple of hope continues to grow!

This is Holly’s text message:

“Fun story!
I was walking out of the library after a visit today. A gal in a bright pink sweatshirt walking past me was smiling at me almost like she recognized me or something so I said "Hi" to her. She said, "I was with Bright Start! Do you know Kristy!?" I was wearing my black Bright Start coat and that's how she made the connection. Turns out she was a client of Kristy’s years ago. She also asked about Patty I think it was?? She was so excited to hear that Kristy is still with Bright Start and said what a difference Kristy made for her. She asked if she could write a note to Kristy and if I'd give it to her. I told Kristy to never underestimate the impact she’s made on her clients! You could really tell by her reaction how deeply her client was touched — even all these years later.
I was also able to help Kristy’s old client out with a resource in case SNAP benefits don't get renewed this month and told her to call 2-1-1 for a couple other things... our work is never done!!”

This story beautifully reflects the Science of Hope; that hope grows when people see pathways forward, when they feel connected, and when they believe their efforts matter. Holly, Kristy, and our entire Bright Start team embody that hope every day, often in ways that go unseen.

It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest moments of kindness and connection can have a lasting impact and that our work continues to make a difference long after each visit ends.

Thank you,

Kathy Schneider

Bright Start Assistant Program Director