As a non-profit organization, there is an immense number of recorded facts and figures that give an overview of what Catherine Place had in 2017. Data tells a story of the impact Catherine Place has on our community. From this vantage point, an assumption can be made: Catherine Place has had another successful year of “Hope, Healing, and Connection.”
A thorough analysis of Catherine Place’s fiscal data reveals the agenda, progress, and success in the areas of Hope, Healing, and Connection, as well as in the scope of the adjustments, changes, and transitions in the implementation of her mission, vision, and values.
HOPE: Through the special programs, weekly groups, and workshops offered by Catherine Place, resources, education, leadership, and inspiration are provided. This support mainly comes from advocating. A considerable amount of time, energy, and women-power from Pierce, King, and Thurston counties has helped Catherine Place flourish this past year.
HEALING: Catherine Place tackles domestic violence, leadership development, and women’s empowerment. By serving and offering events to women in transition, who “seek to expand their skills” and to guests who seek to celebrate and uplift, Catherine Place has made a significant impact in the community.
CONNECTION: Catherine Place is also host to 12 community organizations and over 200 community members, as well as partners with 68 local social service organizations. Every event, meeting, group, class, retreat, or workshop is aided by one or more of over 70 volunteers, who give over 4,500 hours of their time annually.
Such progressive work is a by-product of great guidance and direction spearheaded by great leadership.
CHANGES & TRANSITIONS: Catherine Place underwent a couple of major leadership changes over the past year. It began with the outgoing of Executive Director, Judy Mladineo, aid from Interim Executive Director, Beth Elliot, and the incoming of our current Executive Director, Traci Kelly. Catherine Place is proving and living to her mission, vision, and values; standards that we, as participants, can admire and have faith in. It takes various amounts of support to keep her
…a gathering place…a safe haven…an urban center for personal and spiritual growth…a home for the healing arts…and most of all, a growing movement of hospitality and hope.”
THEN, NOW, & BEYOND: Through loss, major victories and progress have been made. Letting go of past accomplishments has made room for a set of fresh eyes with a clear vision to invigorate and revitalize an aging body with novel ideas and solutions. We can reciprocate with a smile, as we have the opportunity to express gratitude for where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.
Completing this staccato review of the past year is a gratifying process that has definitely proved to be beneficial. Looking at data and numbers may reinforce common themes and trends that we believe to be true about our beloved. However, we must also take into consideration the gray matter between the black-and-white statistics. Catherine Place has a respectable amount of accomplishments and influence, but her biggest takeaway is the foundation that she has laid down for an incredible new year, and years to come, full of discoveries and declarations, progression and philanthropy, and “compassion, empowerment, and community.” As we come to a close, it’s important to usher in this beautiful beginning that comes from a legacy and series of triumphant ends.
May the new year bring continued growth and rejuvenation.
By: Jessica Bloodsaw