Equanimity is a tough concept to explain, and as a Soul Trait it can be one of the toughest to bring into balance. The Hebrew name for the Equanimity Soul Trait literally translates as “calmness of the soul,” and putting Equanimity in proper balance means not becoming overwhelmed by the world but not tuning it out, either—not becoming so frenzied that we lose all purpose, and not becoming so sedentary that we lose all action.

The UMOM New Day Centers work throughout the Phoenix, Arizona area to make sure families have the medical care, childcare, education, and job skills training they need to establish successful and loving lives. They work with some of the most vulnerable members of the community every day, and they do not become overwhelmed and quit nor do they shut their eyes to the problems so many encounter. their work is a testament to the power of proper Equanimity in action, and American Mussar is proud to present this organization with a Point of Light award.

Homelessness is a problem all too easy to turn a blind eye toward. It’s also easy to look at the staggering size of the problem—as many as 3.5 million people in the United States, nearly half of them children, will experience homelessness at some point in a given year—and to see the problem as unsolvable. UMOM does neither, taking the direct action it can to bring an end to homelessness in its own community.

True Equanimity is active, not apathetic, and UMOM New Day Centers give us an important lesson in Equanimity impact. You can join American Mussar in donating to their efforts here.