Strengthening Our Vision and Supporting Resilience: BAWHI’s Workshop on Realigning Organizational Goals and Stress Management
At Balay Alima Women’s Haven Inc. (BAWHI), our dedication to supporting women extends beyond immediate assistance; it encompasses a commitment to continuous growth, reflection, and alignment with the evolving needs of our community. In a recent workshop, we gathered to realign our organization’s vision, mission, and goals, ensuring that they reflect and respond to the real experiences and aspirations of our beneficiaries and advocates. This impactful workshop was led by esteemed guest facilitators Ms. Daidee Padron, a renowned expert in the empowerment of women and children, and Fr. Jhon Malnes Jr. PACEM, a compassionate counselor priest with a background in mental health support.
Throughout the session, Ms. Padron shared valuable insights into the importance of clear, intentional organizational goals that resonate with the lived realities of the women and families we serve. By revisiting and redefining our vision and mission, we are reinforcing our promise to create a safe, empowering, and nurturing space for every individual who seeks refuge and support through BAWHI. This alignment process emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of our beneficiaries and advocates, recognizing their specific needs, and adapting our programs to be more responsive and impactful. When an organization’s core values align with the needs of its community, it strengthens the support system and ensures that every initiative is rooted in empathy and relevance.
In addition to refining our goals, the workshop also addressed the personal well-being of our advocates and staff, focusing on the essential topic of stress management. Ms. Padron, along with Fr. Jhon Malnes Jr., guided participants in exploring practical ways to handle stress in their daily lives, offering strategies to build emotional resilience amid the demanding nature of advocacy work. Advocates engaged in reflective exercises to recognize common stressors, identify sources of personal fulfillment, and practice self-care techniques that sustain well-being over time. As Fr. Malnes highlighted, “Caring for others begins with caring for oneself,” a principle that underpins sustainable advocacy.
The importance of stress management cannot be overstated, especially for those who dedicate their time and energy to serving others. Daily stressors, if unaddressed, can accumulate and lead to burnout, affecting both personal lives and the quality of care provided to beneficiaries. By cultivating awareness around stress and exploring effective coping mechanisms, we empower our advocates and staff to maintain their health, balance, and motivation. Participants explored techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and setting personal boundaries, which are invaluable for maintaining clarity and focus.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. Daidee Padron and Fr. Jhon Malnes Jr. for their guidance, wisdom, and compassionate approach to this workshop. Their expertise allowed us to reconnect with our core mission and vision, ensuring that BAWHI remains a beacon of hope and transformation. Through these efforts, we reaffirm our dedication to being an organization that not only meets the needs of those we serve but also fosters a supportive, resilient community of advocates who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of their roles.
BAWHI remains steadfast in our commitment to adaptability, empathy, and support for both beneficiaries and advocates alike. As we move forward, aligned and empowered, we are better prepared to face new challenges, inspire positive change, and nurture a safe space for all.
