A Heartfelt Farewell
After 21 years on the Board, seven as Board President, I recently made the bittersweet decision to step down in October and allow new leadership to take on the role of driving new ideas into an organization that’s been transformed recently with a multi-million-dollar shelter renovation and new strategic directions.
One of the benefits of my longevity is I have been on the Board for much of what’s happened to ImmaCare over the years. I was here the night the church’s former rectory next door – which housed shelter’s offices and where we held our board meetings – suffered a devastating fire one cold, winter night. And I was an active participant in our 13-plus-year search for a new shelter site, visiting just about every Hartford neighborhood as a result.
Call it divine intervention or just good luck, but our newly modernized shelter is today in the same historic building, commemorating, our next chapter. The renovation is allowing us not only to serve our clients better from an infrastructure standpoint, but also allowing us to build on our mission with new programs and new organizational structures that are keeping pace with how the nation is better serving the homeless population all around us.
ImmaCare is lucky to have a dedicated and committed staff, including those working hands-on with our shelter and housing clients, as well as a leadership team dealing with “big picture” issues to further and grow our mission. I’d also like to recognize our committed Board members who have aided and guided me through this journey.
I also can’t say enough about all those over the years who have believed in our mission and supported us by volunteering or providing financial support, both big and small, that are critical in allowing us to provide exceptional service to every client.
When someone asks me about my long tenure, I often respond with the fact that no one ever asked me to leave and the feeling that I’ve been too selfish to step down. ImmaCare has been my second family and just as you can’t leave a traditional family, whether things are good or bad, I’ve had the same feeling about the organization.
My years of service have been all about commitment, dedication, and passion. I ask each of you to join me in becoming directly involved or donating to a truly great organization. While I’m leaving my formal role, I look forward to joining you as a dedicated and active ImmaCare supporter throughout the years ahead.
