Conversation was rare for her; she was shy and hesitant to approach strangers. But everything changed when she began attending our outreach workshops.
Margie joined PathFinders with a simple hope: to learn something new. She first heard about the organization during a workshop at HKU, where different NGOs were introduced. At that time, her goal was to make her day off more productive—she had grown tired of staying in her employer’s house. Other MDWs spoke highly of PathFinders, especially about the support it offered to pregnant women. Intrigued, she thought, “It would be nice to be part of that community.”
With a simple resource card, Margie went to the streets, determined to connect with others. According to her, the first time she handed out a card, her heart raced. When the recipient smiled and thanked her, a wave of joy washed over her. It was a small moment, but it ignited a spark within.
However, the journey wasn’t always smooth. There were days when her warm greetings were met with indifference, leaving her feeling rejected. Yet, Margie learned to brush off the negativity. “It’s okay,” she would remind herself, “I can do it again next time.” Each interaction, whether positive or not, taught her resilience.
As time passed, Margie’s confidence blossomed. She began to recognize familiar faces among the MDWs, and conversations flowed more easily. They shared their joys and burdens, and she discovered the weight many carried beneath their smiles. One day, during outreach, Margie met a woman terrified because her employer had hacked her phone. Another spoke of hunger and poor living conditions. Margie listened intently, her heart aching for them. In those moments, she realized the importance of simply being present for other MDWs.
Her outreach experiences transformed her. She became more articulate, respectful, and empathetic. It was no longer just about the resource cards; it was about building trust. The MDWs began to open up, revealing their hidden struggles. With each shared burden, Margie’s spirit lifted, knowing she was not alone.
Through her outreach, Margie changed from a quiet observer into someone who contributes to her community. The smiles she received in return were affirmations of a shared journey toward empowerment.
In her growth, Margie found that outreach was a two-way street. As she extended her hand to others, her own heart expanded, filled with compassion, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Her story became not just about herself, but about the collective strength of the community she had embraced, encouraging connection and hope.
