As 2023 draws to a close, I thought it appropriate to review an important milestone: Richmond Memorial Health Foundation was founded 25 years ago this year.
That’s 25 years of supporting the community.
25 years of caring, connection, and empathy.
25 years of living the reality that health is precious.
25 years of improving health for people in need across the Richmond region.
It’s amazing to think about the countless individuals and families who have been helped in so many various ways thanks to the different organizations RMHF has supported since 1998.
And your contributions are a vital part of this story.
Whether you’ve served as a Trustee, a staff member, one of our Equity and Health Fellows, a consultant, an advisor, or a grantee partner – thank you. RMHF and the wider community have been enriched as a direct result of your involvement.
I am also encouraged by the energy all of our allies bring to this work. From fellow local funding partners, local and regional governments, and mission-driven nonprofits, we have spent over two decades pulling together this diverse network of leaders committed to working together to bring about a new era of health and racial equity, inclusivity, and prosperity for region residents.
We certainly have a lot to celebrate, but there’s more we must do. And that challenge is empowering!
After everything we’ve worked together to build over the past 25 years – and our team that maintained forward momentum during a significant period of transition in just this past year alone – I couldn’t be more excited about what 2024 has in store.
I sense that there is a growing coalition of like-minded funders and partners who share our goal of transforming systems and building equitable pathways to hope, health, and economic mobility.
I am excited about the collective vision and action I’m seeing coalesce in our community, and I look forward to the many collaborations and partnerships that will result in 2024 and beyond.
As we plan for next year and carry out the bold vision of our Strategic Framework supporting health and racial equity, we look ahead to the future to set the stage for the next 25 years.
The challenges and needs facing our community have certainly evolved over time, and so have we.
Our mission has grown, our focus has broadened, and our partnerships have helped increase the number of lives we’re able to impact.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and your continued dedication to RMHF’s mission. I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year!
