We know that to really change a person’s life, it takes a village of dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters like you working together. For nearly 25 years, we have been building relationships through one-on-one meetings, in-person groups, hugs, and social gatherings all geared to reinforce our similarities and highlight our differences—with the goal of finding threads that connect us.
2020 erased what we thought was the only way community and relationships could be built. Instead, we had to think outside the box and practice the very qualities that embody the 421 women and 121 children we served last year.
When everything came to a halt last spring, we were fortunate enough to have a basic online infrastructure through which to communicate with clients. What was once a social media account with a little over 200 individuals exploded over night to more than 400 women wanting connection.
By mid-summer, we offered over 20 groups virtually. Staff dropped off food boxes, diapers, cleaning supplies and incentives at women’s homes while we continued providing 24-hour services at Maya’s Place and The Pavilions.
It became increasingly difficult to identify housing for women in our programs. To address this, we obtained funding to rent a three-bedroom house. This allowed women completing their programs at Maya’s Place and The Pavilions to remain housed until they could find permanent residences. We also received COVID rental assistance funding to support women once they identified housing.
To ensure the women’s safety, we reduced the number of beds in our programs. At the same time, one of the community houses at The Pavilions closed for two months due to water damage and the first case of COVID was detected in the client community. Fortunately, the person recovered, the house was repaired, and the community remained resilient.
In November, COVID finally arrived at the main Crossroads. While we had taken precautions, connecting with the community as essential workers put our staff at higher risk. Eleven staff, and thankfully no clients, contracted the virus. While staff recuperated, healthy team members worked to support the community by conducting home visits and covering shifts. Everyone returned to work just in time to deliver Thanksgiving meals, Christmas food boxes, and wish list gifts.
When I look back on 2020, I see challenging yet beautiful moments that prove hope is not some naive concept, but instead the thread that connects us to one another. It truly takes a village to support someone. That is why I’m so excited that our dream of a Crossroads Village is becoming a reality. This new, larger space will allow us to expand our programming and support more women on their road to recovery.
I hope you enjoy viewing our 2020 Annual Report and reflecting on your impact in the community. In the coming months, I invite you to join me for a tour of Crossroads Village and be a part of this amazing chapter in our history.
In gratitude,
Cory Lee
Executive Director