What's the Word?

None of us truly knows what will take place on any given day, let alone the course of a year. A year is a long time for so many different highs and lows to shape any one person’s experience, and it’s a defining moment in time that could change the course of the rest of your life. However, one of the most powerful methods any of us can use to ensure positive momentum into a new year is creating a goal and sticking to it. This doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as making a New Year’s resolution, but if calling an “aspiration” a “resolution” helps you to make it happen, do it. There are no rules when it comes to personal breakthroughs.

Family & Youth Initiatives does it a little differently by setting an organizational goal for the year, as we aim to live by an idea rather than overcome a single obstacle. Focusing on a single challenge is always valuable, but we prefer to widen our scope as a collective and embody a principle that lives within a chosen word. This approach has been a driving motivation in years past and has shown to be a powerful force behind decision-making and overall outlook.

Last year, our word was “Connection”, and there may not have been a more appropriate choice. 2025 marked a year of significant connections that altered our trajectory as an organization in some of the most positive ways. When challenges presented themselves, we moved forward side-by-side with others who believed in our mission, strengthening each other through connection. We overcame our funding issues by connecting with our community, helped bring a brighter Christmas to children in Clark County by partnering with other organizations, and hosted our most successful annual Harvesting Hope event by connecting with our supporters. This past year has shown each of us the power of connection, and it was the value we chose to live by.

Moving forward into the new year, our word has been chosen through reflection on the ups and downs of 2025, helping to create intention around where we want to take FYI in the future. 

The word of 2026 is: Rhythm

Rhythm is defined as: “movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or different conditions.”

For FYI as an organization this means better understanding the flow of our efforts-our high and low points-and recognizing the importance of taking our time and evaluating our potential. As C.S. Lewis stated, “Life is like dancing. If we have a big floor, many people will dance. Some will get angry when the rhythm changes. But life is changing all the time.” As we gain deeper insight into these changes, we recognize that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome through dedication and a shared belief in one another and ourselves.

Along with our organizational word of the year, our team members also have their own personal words for 2026:

Jennifer: "My word of the year is consistent. My focus for 2026 is to consistently show up for myself, my children, and my job. To be steady. A ship that makes it through the storms."

Erica: "My word for 2026 is rooted. This year, I want to work less on "change" and more on growth. We already planted the seeds - it is time to see what those roots can turn into."

Jessica: "Grace is my word, this word came to me the other day while I was just really struggling in a parenting moment and God reminded me I needed to give grace not just to my children or those in my life but to myself!"

Olivia: "I decided on the word Serenity for my word this year. I chose this word because I want to put myself in the mindset that I can have an untroubled and peaceful year."

Rebecca: "My word is balance. My purpose and intent this year as I take on more responsibility at work and in the community to also balance mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health for myself."

Nikki: "My word is Abide. In the Bible, it means to remain, dwell, or stay in continuous, close relationship with God, drawing life & strength from Him. I realize I cannot do this job on my own, or much of anything else & have to stay connected to Him if I'm going to have any success."

Brenda: "–Harmony– my goal for 2026 is for my mind , body ,soul, community and relationships to live in harmony this year."

Louisa: "My word of the year is passion! I'm hopeful that this year I will continue to be passionate about my program and have an enthusiasm for the work that we do as an organization!"

Terri: "My word is Endurance....with losing my husband of 48 years, suddenly, and learning this new journey, I am finding out just how important that word means to me. My life is a sink or swim right now and I choose to swim." Keegan: "–Opportunity– I feel like there are so many ways to not only find but create opportunity, and I'm trying to really pay attention to it this year. I feel like I've let some good ones slide in the past, and I want to work on recognizing them."

Belinda: "My word of the year 2026 is CREATE! Not only for my love of art and cooking, but to think more creatively;To produce more useful ideas or solutions. I recently took up watercolor painting and it helped me come up with my word for this year..."

Though the first few weeks of 2026 have already passed, it is never too late to decide your own word for the year. We encourage you to reflect on what you value most in life and to choose a word that represents the value you want to embody in the coming year. Don’t choose out of guilt for past mistakes or missed opportunities; instead, choose a word that inspires you to live life to the fullest and make the most out of every day. After all, 2027 will be here before you know it.