Greetings!

Wow! 2019 is finally here! Between my broken (and replaced) hip and my summer sabbatical, 2018 seems to have disappeared in a blur. I know that almost every year feels like that--but this past year, more so than ever!

2019 will be bringing lots of changes to us here at HandsOn. After a little over four years being co-housed with our friends at The Winston-Salem Foundation, the staff and the board are evaluating new office possibilities and will be vacating our dedicated space by the end of the month. However, all of our workshops, training, and--at least for now--mailing address, will still be at 751 W. Fourth. And, of course, our phone number, email, and website will remain the same, as well. We have some exciting ideas that we're developing, and you'll hear more from us in the months to come. We are so grateful to the Foundation for all of the ways that they've supported--and will continue to support--our work and our mission.

With the approval of our 2019 budget, the board also made the decision not to renew our Retired and Senior Volunteer Program grant. While we still believe in the benefits of this program, we had found it increasingly difficult to make the program compelling for both volunteers and our nonprofit partners, as well as maintain its financial viability. Our stations and volunteers will be hearing more from us about this decision directly later in the month, but we want to go ahead and give everyone a heads up, as current program activities wind down at the end of March.

Both of these significant changes are just a prelude of what might be more to come, as the staff and board engage in a new strategic planning process starting next month. We want to make sure that we're delivering the most effective programs in as efficient a way as possible, with a keen eye on the needs of our local volunteers and nonprofits.

Of course, the new year also means we're heading into our busy Spring programming season, leading up to our Governor's Volunteer Service Awards Breakfast on April 17th--SAVE THE DATE! Look for a separate email with the link to the nomination form within the next few weeks.

Currently, we're finalizing the details of our 10th Annual MLK Day of Service "Read-In" event, which is being held at Wake Forest University's Benson Center on Saturday, January 19th this year. We're expecting over 100 volunteers to participate! More importantly, this anniversary year marks an important milestone in the community collaboration that has brought this event together for a decade. For the first time, it is not a HandsOn VISTA member or staff member "driving the bus" on the event, but Kierra McClintock, a VISTA member with WFU's Pro Humantite Institute that has been the main organizer. We have been so impressed by her efforts this year, and are so appreciative of her dedication to this meaningful and important event. Also, in addition to the Read-In, HandsOn has been involved in sourcing projects for both Salem Academy and College's's Day of Service on Friday, January 18th, as well as the City of Winston-Salem's Helping Hands Day. On this one day, we project that nearly 500 volunteers will be engaged in service at dozens of sites across the city. We very much thank all of our nonprofit partners who submitted projects for both of these initiatives. It's certainly looking like "a day on, not a day off!"

We're also beginning to get interest from those who might benefit from being a part of our next Project Blueprint cohort. Meeting once a week for a long lunch over the course of ten weeks, the classes prepare our neighbors to tackle this crucial community leadership role. Topics covered include strategic planning, financial governance, fund development, advocacy and more. To learn more about the program, we hope that we'll see you at an informal information session we're hosting on January 23rd. The deadline to apply is February 15th, and the classes begin in March. The "capstone" for the course is taking part in one of our popular "Speed Dating" events, which give the graduates a chance to meet with a small but varied group of nonprofits, face-to-face. If you would like to participate in Speed Dating as a NONPROFIT, please contact Kathy. We hope that you will share the Project Blueprint opportunity widely within your own networks--the program is a great way for nonprofits to hear from diverse voices, and prepares new and upcoming community leaders to serve!

See you in the Burress Center in 2019!

Yours in Service,

Amy Lytle

Executive Director

HandsOn NWNC