Last year was a difficult year for our organization. As I reflect back on our previous year, it’s hard not to immediately think of last summer when we made the decision to reduce the size of our staff. Despite what was a financially challenging year, OTN remained committed to providing services with excellence. Less staff never meant a reduction in the quality of our services. When you are a service provider and responding to folks who are in crisis, it’s hard to admit capacity is lower. Many who work in this field give so much of themselves to the work. It’s actually one of the things I love so much about leading the team at OTN. The staff I have the privilege of leading care so deeply about the work we are doing. Compassion, solidarity, and meeting people with dignity is a natural outpouring of who they are. I am in awe of them. Who else could spend countless hours on hold with the food stamp office or the social security office if you didn’t care deeply about what happens on the other end of those calls?
Our impact in the broader community does not happen without the staff who pour countless hours and energy into living out the mission of OTN. Our team deepened partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations and expanded our advocacy work to the national level. Our team is present when folks unlock the door to their own apartment after living on the streets for years. They’ve witnessed people putting a new set of dishes into their own kitchen cabinets. It is an honor to witness what seems like a small thing, but in reality, is a person having their life stabilized again.
We are already making strides towards getting back to where we want to be. Of course, that’s in large part to the generosity of people like you, who are taking the time to read this report. Thank you for being on the journey with us. For believing in our mission and supporting the work we are doing. We cannot do it without you.
With gratitude,
Allie Wallace, Executive Director