By Ronnetta Johnson, Executive Director
Without question, we will look back on this year and note the historic crises. We will reflect on serving a record number of individuals and families who turned to nonprofits like Waymakers for help. Our clients experienced it all: Job loss, increases in domestic violence and homelessness and for many, the lack of resources to meet basic needs.
At the same time, I will remember the victories we marked through sheer creativity and innovation. Through a time of great uncertainty, we challenged ourselves to learn and set new standards of excellence that will serve us well into the future as we continue to meet the needs of our community.
I will always picture our team members, who showed both grit and compassion to enable Waymakers to stay open and accessible to those who needed us most. I will celebrate the proactivity of our community of friends and donors, who approached us with monetary gifts and in-kind donations of household items, food and more to support the growing needs of our clients.
This is our purpose, no matter the crisis, in good times and in challenging times, Waymakers’ clients depend on our vital support services. While schools and businesses shut down in March, our leaders and team members stepped up to make sure our clients could receive to the help they needed to survive.
This is the spirit of humanity, kindness and empowerment that drives Waymakers all year long, every year. With our clients’ best interest and safety in mind, we continue to adapt and remain nimble, ready to pivot at a moment’s notice to support individuals in crisis—whether through supporting youth, unifying families, counseling those experiencing conflict, empowering victims of violence or educating communities.
I am grateful and proud to be surrounded by such a dedicated staff of credentialed and resilient professionals. I am confident in the new successes we will achieve with our community partners and our individual and corporate donors who believe in building safer communities by helping people find their way. Thank you for your support that allowed us to continue guiding children, families and individuals out of crisis and onto a path to stability.
Our primary focus is to empower… If you have the means to support the great work we are doing here at Waymakers… please donate today.
Wishing you peace, health and safety for the holidays and beyond.
Ronnetta Johnson
