Perspectives
On this page we will be sharing personal insights from Bell consumers, staff, donors, and volunteers. There will be opportunities to share your perspectives, too, on the vital work being done to build a strong community here in the greater York/Hanover area of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Here is a poem shared by a former resident of Bell Family Shelter
“Our Stay”
We’re all residents of the Shelter
‘Cause somehow we lost our way.
To be in our own homes again
Will be such a glorious day.
Until such days arrive for us
We should make of this the best we can.
Start to turn things around
And figure out how this all began.
We should respect one another, always
And follow all the rules, as well.
We should clean up after our kids
And get rid of diapers before they smell.
Wipe down the tables,
Put away your child’s toys,
Keep your hands out of the food,
Keep down some of the noise.
As tension builds and problems arise
Dont’ yell or curse out your spouse.
Try to resolve it peacefully –
Remember, this is not your house.
Value others’ personal space
Don’t pry, don’t tell, and don’t ask.
Focus on your own family goals
Take care of your daily tasks.
Say good morning or goodnight
As you pass by, on your way.
Would it kill you to say to your neighbor?
Hey! Have a great day!
I am not an expert
Nor possess a psychological degree.
These are just my observations
And some things that bother me.
So take this time to figure out
What lessons are to be learned.
How to get some stuff
That’s not given, but that you earned.
See, I’m tired of going in circles
Coming up empty, time after time.
Struggling, stressing and crying–
About to lose my mind.
I just can’t live like this
Continuously, anymore.
I want to turn a key
And it opens up my door.
People say
God bless the Child that’s got his own.
Right now I feel like Dorothy –
I want to click my heels and be home.