Ep #258 – From Burnout to Compassion: Kaleb Chockley’s Journey
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This episode of Our Community, Our Mission was recorded prior to the incident on March 4th, in which an unsheltered neighbor was injured during a city-mandated encampment abatement. Our hearts are heavy over what happened, and while we are deeply grateful that he is okay, we are saddened that this situation occurred at all.
We are also incredibly thankful for the many partners and boots on the ground advocates in our community who care deeply and work tirelessly to support our unsheltered neighbors with compassion and dignity. But this incident is a stark reminder of what happens when decisions are made by elected officials without careful strategic measures and proper continuum of care community housing options, making it difficult on staff that are required to carry out their directives.
The conversation in this episode reflects the very concerns that so many have been voicing for so long—concerns about the need for a thoughtful, community-driven approach to homelessness. This is why collaboration, compassion, and real solutions matter.
Also, in this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with Kaleb Chockley, TRM Board Member and Topeka firefighter, to discuss his transformative journey from burnout to renewed purpose. Kaleb shares his experiences responding to 911 calls for the unsheltered in central Topeka, the struggles of compassion fatigue, and how faith reshaped his perspective.
With raw honesty, Kaleb reflects on the struggle many Christians face in truly stepping into opportunities to love others. He challenges believers to move beyond easy answers and embrace the complexity of homelessness with humility, grace, and an open heart. He reminds us that the same mercy available to us is available to everyone, and no matter our position, we are called to lead boldly in faith and love others as God does.
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Chapters
1. Prayer and Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Setting the Stage: Topeka Rescue Mission Updates (00:10:12)
3. Ash Wednesday and Cultural Reflections (00:30:27)
4. Addressing Encampment Clean (01:13:28)
5. Understanding Name Meanings: A Personal Touch (04:00:08)
6. Guest Introduction: Meet Caleb Chalkley (04:28:25)
7. Exploring Homelessness: Complex Realities Unveiled (09:38:21)
8. The Importance of Counseling and Guidance in Leadership (13:50:17)
9. The Role of the Board: Leading with Heart (16:42:15)
268 episodes