A letter from longtime volunteer Rob Hackbarth celebrating 50 years of The First Light Community

For Carol and me, it all began one Christmas 40 years ago when we decided to expand our family celebration beyond our home. We asked our pastor for a suggestion. Without any hesitation, his answer was ‘L’Arche’, which is the former name for The First Light Community. We knew about this group but had never visited or met any of the core members.

After learning about some of their needs, we went to a local discount retail store and bought some ordinary presents for core members. At the time, we viewed our gifts as very basic, nothing special. We were mistaken in that perception, as the response from the community was overwhelming.

What I know and have learned about gratitude started with that first Christmas and grew from repeated experiences over the years. First Light members appreciate the smallest of any material gift and are always extra thankful for time spent together. When I leave one of their homes after a visit, I always feel better about myself. When you spend time with individuals, who at their core are good and special, you can’t help if some of that goodness spills over into your own heart.

We began as friends. Now, we are family. What started with just Carol and myself spread to my daughters and their families and then to our company. My oldest daughter, Kelly Picard, eventually joined the First Light Board and served in the past as president. She is one of 8 second-generation families to be involved.

We are often thanked for gifts of time and money to the community. But we believe we are the ones receiving.

I do remember the exact moment when I made a permanent connection and commitment to The First Light Community. We were at a local grocery store on a busy Friday evening. The store was packed with little room to maneuver, and we were in one of the long lines to check out. It was hot, humid and no one was smiling. Then we saw Willie, a core member, and an assistant who was with him. Both were standing beyond the checkout area, getting ready to leave. When I saw Willie, I hollered at him across the store.  As soon as he noticed it was me, he became excited and started immediately plowing through a sea of people that stood between us. All eyes were on this wild scene as Willie pushed between the packed crowd. No one could mistake that something important was happening in the store. Finally, he arrived at my side.  Then he embraced me with a huge hug. That moment is forever engraved in my soul.  I gave my heart that day to The First Light Community.

First Light has evolved since our first interaction on a special Christmas decades ago. There are more core members, more assistants and more homes. It is larger and more visible to our community.  And despite this growth in facilities and people, it has never departed from its core mission of sharing life together and of recognizing the unique value of every person. First Light recognizes that each of us has a gift to share.

For me, the rewarding element of the journey has been the joy of having an extended family. We gather in both moments of joy and sadness. Throughout the year, we celebrate several major holidays. And like a family, we also join to mourn when we lose one of the members.

Having our two daughters to continue in involvement with the community is a crowning reward.

I love you First Light. Thank you for all that you have meant to me and my family. I look forward to our future together. With much gratitude.

My best always,

Rob Hackbarth

To learn more about the First Light Community and how to get involved, visit https://firstlightcommunity.org/.