At the close of every year my family and I spend some time focusing on a word to concentrate on in the upcoming year. Instead of a traditional new year's resolution, we use this word to guide us through work, school, our relationships, and choices we make along the way. This year, my word is "faith" - faith in a spiritual sense as well as faith that those things out of our control turn out as they should. At this time of uncertainty personally with my oldest daughter off to college in the fall, professionally with building relationships with new leadership  at our sister agencies and an uncertain state budget,  and with  a new administration at the helm of our federal government whose policies will trickle down to many aspects of our lives,  I must have faith - more now than ever - that things will work out. That families who rely on our services to find and afford child care will continue to be able to do so. And that 4Cs, my loved ones, and families in our community will continue to thrive. 

As I welcome 2017 with faith, what will you focus on this year? Perhaps a new year's resolution, a word to guide you, or completing a personal or professional goal. Whatever the new year brings, I hope that 2017 is a healthy and happy one!