As we begin the New Year, I want to report to our friends and supporters on a few issues:

 

1. I am particularly happy to report that we met our year-end donor challenge, raising over $20,000 from our faithful, generous donors.  This meant that the anonymous donors who issued the challenge contributed an additional $20,000.  In a challenging financial year, this was a major help.  Thanks to everyone who helped us meet our donation goals.

2. We are proud to announce that our 2010 Ambassador of Peace award recipient is Dr. Vincent Harding.  We hope you will join us on April 7, 2010 to honor this outstanding peacemaker in partnership with the University of Denver, University College.  We will be getting more information to you in the next few weeks.

3. In response to budgetary restrictions we have unfortunately had to reduce our staffing levels for 2010.  Brenda McChesney’s position which included organizational development work was discontinued at the end of December, 2009. We appreciate Brenda’s dedication over the past few years and hope to continue to work with her in a contract or volunteer capacity. We will also be realigning our school coordinating work at the end of the 2009-2010 school year when Jorge Gibbons leaves our staff to return to his native homeland of Argentina.

4. Our program goals for 2010 include providing increased services to schools, non-profits, community organizations and businesses.  We will also be increasing the numbers of multi-session programs offered to teens and adults by offering these not only at our office facilities but by providing these programs at various community sights throughout the metro-area.

 

These are exciting and challenging times for us and the requests for our services continue to increase.  We feel fortunate to be able to attract funding to make these services available in our community especially to folks who struggle to make ends meet.  As always your time, talent and treasures are always needed and much appreciated and we hope to have the opportunity to connect with you in 2010.

 

Ron Ludwig

Executive Director

February 2010

From our ED: Changes for 2010