Dear Friends,
Throughout this year and across our country, all of us continue to endure many challenges. For the clients at CSSW that we serve together, these challenges are especially profound. Our clients are more vulnerable because of food insecurity, access to mental health care and the trials that come with poverty, isolation and anxiety. Our unwavering commitment to defending and caring for the oppressed, marginalized and forgotten in our community remains strong and offers hope in the face of the ongoing pandemic and the resulting economic and social hardships.
The Agency is open and we are able to provide in-person appointments and child welfare visits, as well as remote therapy. Thanks to collaboration with community partners, essential services remain active including operating our Food Pantry, initiating home food deliveries for the homebound, calling older adults who live alone to assess any needs or simply to chat, and transitioning offenders from prison to safe housing. Thousands of people are being served and more than 80% of them fall below the poverty line.
The unwavering efforts of the CSSW staff is humbling, especially as many face uncertainties and setbacks of their own. And still they come to work to care for people in need — the people nearest to us. Our clients in turn express their gratitude for our connection and support.
As 2021 comes to a close, all of us will continue to face difficulties. I am already aware that the coming year will present financial challenges for CSSW as essential funding for vital safety net programs will no longer be made available in the county. I remain hopeful, though, that you will join me in making a year-end gift to CSSW in gratitude for our own blessings. You can change lives with your gift.
Now more than ever, I am so grateful for the support of our donors, volunteers and community, and I thank YOU for your continued friendship and I pray for the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones.
Blessings,
Peg Bravo
President and CEO
P.S. Don't forget! As part of as the CARES Act that Congress passed this spring, your family could receive an additional $300 deduction for gifts to nonprofits this year. Contact your financial advisor to learn more!