[viscousmemories]

One of my nieces is a Catholic nun who does charity work in Flint on a regular basis, and is being relocated there to work for the community full time. She recently got involved with an organization that serves "returning citizens" (people getting out of prison) by providing a 5-week educational program followed by 6 months of regular "life coaching" with a mentor of sorts, and she asked me if I would consider being a life coach. I was reluctant because the organization is run in association with Catholic Charities, but I don't know about any secular organizations running similar programs so I figured I'd give it a look. To that end I drove up to Flint with her (and two of my sisters) today, witnessed the graduation of their latest class, and met the director of Life Coaches. Alas, before my niece even mentioned that I might be interested in Life Coaching, she asked him what type of person makes a good Life Coach and he immediately replied that the first and most important criterion is that the person be a Christian. After we left my niece apologized profusely for "wasting my time" and said she was really disappointed that they would have that policy, especially since there is no religious requirement for their clients. But it wasn't a big shock to me, and frankly I'm relieved I don't have to drive to Flint a couple times a month and hang out with ex-cons. Fuckers don't deserve me.