Mary’s Message

Connecting with Members and Mission through Experiential Learning

Nothing fuels my passion for our association’s mission more than visiting our members. We often share that our members collectively touch the lives of more than 4.4 million people. Gaining a deeper understanding of how each organization plays a part in positively impacting these 4.4 million individual lives is truly inspiring.

Last month, I had the privilege of visiting WesleyLife in DesMoines, IA, Chaddock and Sunset Senior Living in Quincy, IL and Spero Family Services in Mt. Vernon, IL. It was my first trip to Edgewater and Brio at WesleyLife and more than seven years since my first visit to these Illinois members.

As I journeyed through parts of Iowa and Illinois, I saw up close the WesleyLife leadership team working to create a strong culture and reinforce the organization’s core values. I heard about the many creative ways each campus works to engage all residents to enhance their quality of life.

I was genuinely moved to tour Spero’s Bright Start Early Learning Center which cares for about 90 infants and toddlers to support working parents in the community.

I was heartened to see how Sunset Senior Living, which has been serving seniors for 130 years, is working to right-size to grow fiscally stronger to continue to serve Quincy’s older adults.

I was also truly energized to spend time with the Chaddock Attachment & Trauma Services Board members to learn more about Chaddock’s growing impact.

Experiencing the tangible work of our faith-based, nonprofit ministries firsthand offers an invaluable perspective. It provides a deeper awareness of the vital role our members play in strengthening communities and serving those in need. It offers fresh insights into the work of our members, their progress and the ongoing challenges they face.

 I hope you will consider visiting your peers to learn more about specific member organization’s passion, innovation and impact. I am confident that you too will gain a deeper appreciation and respect for their work. Our team has collaborated with three members to offer unique opportunities through our fall Learning and Collaboration Tours. We hope you will join us!