From Nikki Stefanow, FYI's Executive Director
I feel like 2020 has been a year of transition for FYI, on multiple levels. It has not been easy for anyone, especially in the face of COVID.
Over the last six months, we've been figuring out ways to adapt to the new normal. Our staff required new training, learning technology we haven’t used before. We’ve had to rethink our programs and revamp space to better meet the needs of our clients. We have been more creative, getting things in place to move forward.
When I think about the new year, our goal is to get back to those personal relationships in 2021 that provide the hope we all need. That’s what we’ve always been about, providing hope. It’s what keeps us going through the difficult times. We want to be back in person in all of our schools, and they want us there too. Our mentors want to see their mentees, and the mentees need their mentors. We want to see all of our parents in person and their children too. That was all hindered in 2020.
It’s going to take some time to get to that point again, but we’re working on building stronger partnerships with different organizations to meet people where they’re at. We’re already working with the Dually Involved Youth program in Clark County with our Mentoring Program. The Parenting Network is starting a new outreach with pregnant high school students in Montgomery county to get our program to them. The Real Life team is working on ways to help educate the parents as well as the students, giving them tools to empower their children. We’re working together to help protect our children from the multiple forms of trauma that are happening every day.
Things look different, but they are enhanced. This year has changed the way we do everything. For example, we’ll continue to teach in-person and virtual, enabling us to serve more families with program diversity.
I want to take those things we learned in 2020 and expand them in the new year. To be honest, I don’t know what that looks like. I know that God has amazing plans that I can’t even dream of yet. As we keep developing in these new areas, I believe doors of opportunity will open in just the right way and time.
Picture highlights from 2020
