Greetings, network members!
We are in the dog days of summer, and we find that we must still adapt and change. For some of us, living with change was a constant before COVID, and we thrive in this complex and challenging time. For others, this time in history has tested and stretched us, taking us to new places in our personal and professional lives. We are all confronted with who we are and who we want to be. For organizations like those among our network, this has become the time to crystallize the meaning of missions and identify our cores. This has also been the time to see the kindred spirits among us, and external to our organizations.
I have been lucky enough to become the steward of the ongoing work and legacy of La Esperanza in Georgetown during this time. La Colectiva de Delaware network laid the groundwork for what was to become a pilot for community guides or guías, which is now a staffed and funded Resource Navigation and Family Coaching Program at La Esperanza. LCD network members engaged in a highly dynamic and creative process to identify areas of opportunity for change. This process included community-based research, prototype testing, and piloting. This process brought together Latino-serving organizations, community members, funders, experts in design thinking, and researchers. The area of focus that came forward through this process was the need for community-based, trusted, bilingual services that would assist families in successfully navigating complex health, human and educational services. A pilot was launched in Georgetown, and a program was started.
Do I make it sound like it was easy? It wasn’t. Collaborative work is challenging in the best of circumstances with the most well-intentioned partners. It takes time. It isn’t a linear process. Each of our organizations has our own missions and agendas, and our decision-making must include a complex set of stakeholders. The road that led to this program had bumps and detours, but also had a few champions who shared the driving.
During COVID, the willingness to share the wheel, or at least let someone else pick the tunes, seems to have become easier. Facing this crisis has only been possible by doing it together. La Esperanza and First State Community Action have shared the load, contributing our unique resources, in order to get much needed food and financial resources to families in need. This story is repeated across the state. Many have remarked on how this has changed not only what they do, but how they do it. An openness and generosity of spirit has characterized the hard graft put out by community members, nonprofits, healthcare providers, state agencies, and on and on. We are in it together, and we don’t need to fear trusting each other to take the wheel.
The needs of families are too urgent and complex for organizations to try to do it alone or without community engagement and leadership. Your work in affinity groups can become a much-needed solution. Novice drivers become experienced drivers with time. We need everyone to contribute the best they have to offer because the road is long.
In solidarity,
Dr. Jennifer Fuqua
Steering Committee Co-Chair