Happy New Year,
ONABEN Friends and Partners. I hope this newsletter finds each of you enjoying time with family and reflecting upon the many blessings that encompass our lives, regardless of the struggles plagued by 2020. We are close to the finish line. I know we can overcome it. I know that we can excel.
As this year comes to an end, I look back upon so many events. I have experienced personal loss with my beloved grandmother’s passing, but I also know how blessed I am to have had her in my life. She is so much a part of me and always will be.
ONABEN has never been busier as an organization, nor have we ever experienced such growth in numbers. In the calendar year 2020, our team has served more than 6,000 program participants. That is an amazing accomplishment for any organization. I am so very proud of our team. I am so thankful for the opportunity to provide important services to people of color and minorities throughout the United States. I can only imagine what 2021 will hold for our team. Well, let’s be honest. I can imagine! Team ONABEN has big goals for the coming year! Please help us accomplish them by participating in our programs and partnering with us when possible! There is such power in partnerships.
Like ONABEN, I experienced a great deal of growth this past year. It’s funny how in the midst of chaos and loss, that clarity is found. The pandemic has taught me to slow down and has made me aware that I am not always in control. I’m okay with that. I’ve been reminded of how important family is. I exercise more patience. Even more than usual, I find pleasure in the simplest of moments and experiences. I listen more intently. I love harder. But, I’ve also learned to let go.
I thought this holiday season would be less than wonderful without the presence of my grandmother. Yet, in her absence, I felt her presence more profoundly than I ever have before. For me, December has always been the most wonderful time of the year. The pandemic did not change that.
The New Year is right around the corner. Look for big things from our team. Webcasts and technical assistance will be provided weekly in various forms. Websites will continue to be built each month. Conversations will be had daily regarding the needs of the communities we serve and the direction our organization will go. Youth will continue to be empowered. Women and girls will continue to be built up. Veterans will be provided with the opportunity to excel in the business community. Artists and artist communities will be promoted. Our audience will expand. The change will occur. Positive imprints will be made.
See you in 2021. Remember, if I can ever be of service to you, I am an email away! Many thanks to the funders that make our work possible! We could not do this work without your continued support. We are forever grateful for the investment that our funding partners have made in ONABEN and its team. Happy New Year!
Cheers,V.
