Staff and volunteers at the Maine Recovery Access Project Center in Augusta spend countless hours supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They show up for people struggling with addiction, hunger and homelessness. They do this work not because it is easy, but because they genuinely care.
What’s troubling is instead of recognizing the impact these individuals make, some choose to engage in harassment, stalking and vicious online attacks.
We all have a choice about how we spend our time and energy. We can build or we can tear down.
If someone truly wants to improve their community, there are countless opportunities: Volunteer. Join a cleanup. Be part of the solution instead of constantly searching for a problem.
Character is revealed when there are no cameras rolling, no audience watching and no social media followers to chase. It shows in quiet acts of service, compassion and integrity.
The people being targeted have consistently shown up when it mattered most. They have helped save lives, fed people, connected people to treatment and housing and created spaces where people are treated with dignity.
What purpose is served by continuing to stalk, harass and provoke people who are simply trying to help? It’s time to stop manufacturing outrage and start contributing something positive.
Because winners don’t announce they’re winning. They simply keep showing up. I thank everyone who is doing this work every day without asking for credit. I see them.
Jacob Farrin
Augusta