FROM OUR CEO

The year is certainly off to a chaotic start and if I had to guess, I’d say that 2017 is going to be a challenging year for FCA and for all charities. Given what the last few weeks have been like, it’s probably going to be a tough year for our nation.  Our country has never been more divided and the discourse at times, has been uncivil. Hot-button issues like reproductive health care, civil rights and entitlement programs are all on the table, emotions are high and it’s easy to get caught up in the fray while watching 24/7 news channels, surfing social media or even while enjoying a family dinner. 

In truth, we all want the same things: safety, security, good health and economic prosperity. Picking the best strategies for achieving or maintaining those things and who gets to share in them depends squarely on your worldview. That’s where things get tricky, but that’s also the essence of democracy. 

As a 501(c)(3) non profit agency, we steer clear of electoral politics and will always be a non-partisan organization. We are, however, also committed to advancing social and economic justice. That means speaking out about policies that adversely impact youth, women, people of color, recent immigrants  and the poor. That means bringing to bear, our 132 years of experience serving vulnerable populations. That means empowering and giving the individuals, families and communities that have the most to lose, the tools and means to have their faces seen and their voices heard.

Here at FCA, we’ll have to work even harder and smarter in the weeks and months ahead. That’s fine; in fact, it’s energizing. We’re 100% ready and I hope you’ll join us.