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From the CEO David Schimmel

As the saying goes, it “takes a village” to fulfill the countless roles and responsibilities in an organization as large and diverse as ours. This January, we celebrate our 45th year of helping people in need and I am reminded now more than ever that beyond the incredible work of our professional and committed staff, an army of volunteers, sponsors and advocates toils tirelessly to help David Lawrence be the best it can be.

In this issue of our newsletter, we are focusing on some of these important efforts – not only to recognize and thank those who help, but also to encourage others to become involved as they are able.

Our Boards are the backbone of our volunteer contributions, but there are many, many more who choose to serve. Our new volunteer initiative has helped us welcome many new faces to our organization and tallied thousands of hours of support that produce critical revenues for our operations and enhance our facilities and programs.

This year, Gala chair Gwyn Sanford led a team of volunteers who produced a record breaking $550,000 in funding. At our Encore Shop, new volunteer Signe Larson has joined a team of 30 others – many with more than 15 years of service – that has allowed Encore to extend store hours and increase revenues and financial support to DLC. A new Planned Giving program, led by
Board Member Mary Beth Crawford, has opened a new area of contributions.

And our generous sponsors and dedicated partners give us the ability to do so much more for our clients than we otherwise could. The opening of our new Crisis Stabilization Unit is a fine example of a community coming together to fund a critical need. Those involved in the new Equine Therapy program show how partnerships and people are impacting lives and empowering people towards life-changing wellness through innovative psychotherapies.

We were founded 45 years ago by dedicated volunteers and today are blessed and humbled by people who continue to donate their time and talent to our mission.