Hospitality: A Word From Brad Berry

An early “influencer” for me was Henri Nouwen, a priest who spent the last 10 years of his life at L’Arche Daybreak in Ontario, Canada before dying in 1996.  Among his many good deeds, he wrote extensively and authored more than 40 books, I own 18 of them. In one of his books, he writes about hospitality and its purpose. “Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend […]. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.”

A sunset on the coast, people supporting each other, a gardener gently holding a plant

A value of Pier 360 is Welcoming, being open and attentive to others.  We strive to provide hospitable environments for peers to explore, to grow, to feel safe and valued, and to feel welcome. Our task is to actively listen so our peers can find their own inner wisdom, we listen instead of giving advice, solutions, or fixes. We try to keep it simple as we meet and support you where you are.

One of the best compliments we received from a peer after they had been participating with Pier 360 for a year or more was “this place is welcoming and non-judgmental.”  I think it illustrates our ability to create free space where peers do not need to conform to any expectations, rather they are free to enjoy our spaces where they can discover their life for themselves.

Pier 360’s value of Welcoming is clearly a reason why we are hospitable to all.

-Brad Berry, Executive Director