Paying It Forward

This time of year, I like to take a moment to reflect on the year that will shortly be behind us to appreciate all that we’ve accomplished by working together to change lives. What gladdens me more than anything is thinking about the domino-like impact those changed lives have in the world, because what we do doesn’t stop when the women who complete our programs walk out the door. The impact we make carries forward.

When a woman finishes one of our programs and has found a better job, has been inspired to build better networks within her life, or has a newfound sense of empowerment, those changes in her life have a ripple effect on those around her. Her daughters see her pride and emulate it. Her co-workers learn from her example and become inspired. Her community benefits from her newfound talent. An average of 70-75% of the women who come through our programs obtain better-paying jobs that allow them to contribute to their community’s economy – and many of those women use their newfound financial success to make a difference in others’ lives through their own willingness to donate time, money, and energy to the causes in which they believe.

I look at our efforts and our programs. I look at the lives that we touch, and I see the ripples on the water spreading ever outward. I am proud to be a part of an organization that has such a tremendous impact on the community. I know we could not do it alone, so I am grateful - to everyone who contributes time and energy helping us to be successful.

I am grateful to the members of our board and our committees who demonstrate a willingness to continue making a difference and to the people of the community who support our efforts with their time, talents, and donations. I am grateful to our partners, who work with us to ensure that we can achieve our goals by providing additional support to the women who come here.  I am grateful to the staff at New Directions, who tirelessly continue to roll up their sleeves and make the magic happen. Most of all, I’m grateful to the women who find the courage to walk through our door, ready and willing to face the challenges that come with peering inside and making brave and often difficult changes in their lives.

Whatever your cause for celebrating this time of year, I hope you find joy and happiness in the season, and I hope you will take a moment to stop and recognize what we have accomplished together.