A New Chapter Begins – Farewell Message from Our Executive Director
April 2024
Dear Friends of the Literacy Council,
I write to you with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of optimism for the future. After 10 years of service, the time has come for me to retire this summer as Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Frederick County (LCFC). This decision was made with the confidence that our organization is stronger than ever and ready for the next generation of leadership to carry forward this critical mission and vision.
We have witnessed program growth within a strategic framework that sets a clear path forward. The mission’s focus on providing Frederick County adults with pathways to essential literacy skills through a collective community impact approach guides our collaboration with employers, schools, other nonprofit organizations, our local cities and Frederick County. Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Literacy Council last year is launching the next milestone decade that will set the direction forward for the next ten years. In 2025 the Literacy Council will embark on the next phase of its next strategic direction, building on accomplishments and challenges encountered from the past few years. I am excited for the organization to welcome a new leader who can be a strong partner for this next phase.
During my tenure, I am honored to have the opportunity to work side by side on our Literacy Council team, including our dedicated volunteers, my co-workers, and board of directors. I want to personally thank Caroline Gaver, Board Member Emeritus, who has dedicated 50 years of her life guiding the Literacy Council’s work, and who has been an inspirational mentor to me. Finally, thank you to our community and everyone who comes together to advance a powerful vision of lifting lives through literacy for sixty years. We are achieving milestones that were once dreams—expanding our programs, touching more lives, and creating lasting change in our community. None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support, dedication, and belief in our cause.
As I prepare to embark on my retirement journey, I want to express my deepest appreciation to each of you—our amazing adult learners whose achievements are a source of inspiration for us all, our dedicated staff and volunteers, our financial supporters, and community partners. Your passion and commitment have been the driving force behind our success. Together, we’ve built a foundation that will continue to support and empower those we serve for years to come. The Literacy Council will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to watching the organization grow and thrive, and I know our paths will continue to cross in this vibrant, interconnected community.
This work is all about people and community, and how we can improve the lives of our neighbors. I have been blessed with a lifetime of work that has given me purpose to help families and children at their most vulnerable over my 30 year career with the American Red Cross’ international programs, four years with the Crimsonbridge Foundation, and ten years at the Literacy Council. Whether as lifelong residents of our community, or refugees and immigrants arriving from war-torn countries, it all comes down to treating people with human dignity, empathy, compassion, and being part of something that is greater than oneself.
The board has begun the search for a new Executive Director, and I am confident there is a passionate leader who will bring new ideas and energy to our beloved LCFC. I will work closely with the board to ensure a smooth transition over the next few months.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve, for the memories we’ve created, and for the impact we’ve made together. Here’s to the next chapter of this organization’s inspiring vision of Literacy Lifts Lives!
With warm regards and best wishes,
