I do give to clients. Most of the time I pass it off as donations from the office and not as something I have purchased because I saw they needed it. Although sometimes I buy them small things when I am out just because I know they don’t have the money to treat themselves. I think about the “boundary issue” but they are expected to tell me the most personal things about their lives and I am suppose to help them raise there kids(no safe space)- and yet I can’t buy them diapers or formula when their babies are hungry or in need? I just can’t do it.

I am mildly afraid I will get into trouble from my boss if she found out how often I do it. But I have more of a concern that the person who takes over my position in the future will struggle or have a harder time because someone working for my salary wouldn’t have the means to buy things for the clients. I feel conflicted about that. I am only able to do it because I have inherited money. I do not feel the clients will suffer because they were getting by before I came into their lives and they will be getting by after I leave- but I do hope I am taking some small piece of the struggle off for a bit.

Somewhere on this website I read something to the effect that when you avoid a person in need asking for money you lose a piece of your humanity. That hit me like a ton of bricks. I took out 25.00 in ones from the bank to keep in my car and have been giving them out. I can then look the person in the eye, smile and say good luck to them. Its really made my life feel a little lighter. Its more the feeling that I see them and acknowledge them as a fellow human being than the dollar ofcourse.

Waiting to hear more from you both. Thanks again.