Dear Friends, Supporters, and Colleagues:

 

As part of our celebration of the Center’s 30^th anniversary, we created deliberate and thoughtful change by having Charles de Wetter serve as the first man to lead this agency. Our message this year has been a Call to Men. With Charles at the helm, men like Coach Mike Price, whose life’s work is to lead and influence young men, can boldly speak out against family violence. We believe this will lead to other men speaking out. 

 

Also as part of our 30^th anniversary, the Center underwent an intensive strategic planning process. Our community partners, donors, board, staff, and the public at large evaluated our competencies, identified key focus areas, and candidly talked about our strengthens and weaknesses. While the accolades we easy to hear, we focused on the constructive criticism and are developing a plan to address the concerns expressed. This planning process is crucial to keep the Center responsive to community needs. The final report will be unveiled in the near future.

Another significant event during the Center’s 30^th anniversary is change in leadership. It is with a great deal of melancholy that I write this final letter. I have been privileged as Executive Director of the Center Against Family Violence. There is no other profession that could have promoted my professional and personal growth to this extent. I have learned firsthand about human frailty but I have also witnessed tremendous resiliency, I have shed tears for the hurt inflicted on others but also experienced the sweet tears of joy for the families who have succeeded. I have learned valuable lessons on responsible financial stewardship because families needed us to provide the most basic staples. I learned to surround myself with talented, compassionate colleagues. Yet the biggest lesson learned was the value of family and friends; prior to working at CAFV, I had not realized what a prized commodity it was.

I will begin 2008 as President of the Texas Council on Family Violence and will work diligently on this issue at the state level. And while my work will take me to Austin, my heart and inspiration belong to El Paso. I promise to represent your interests well and will forever be and advocate for the Center Against Family Violence. 

 

The board of directors has contracted with MJD & Associates for interim management while the search for a new Executive Director is conducted. I am proud that Stephanie Dodson will step in as Interim Executive Director, for I am certain she will continue this work with vigor, compassion, and determination.

 

Yours truly,