Dear Community,

In my time as CEO at Jefferson Center, working with people in my clinical practice, as a parent, wife, and simply as a person living in this world, I have seen firsthand how the human spirit is tested. At Jefferson Center, I see it not only through the struggles of those we serve, but also through the challenges we face as individuals and as an organization. Though not a reality that we often choose to embrace–struggle, loss and change are inherent parts of being human. And because humans cannot escape this reality, we have also been gifted with an incredible capacity for resilience.

As a write this newsletter, the weather outside is finally starting to cool, the clouds hang a bit heavier today and the leaves have begun to let go, accepting that it is finally time to move into another season. This is the cycle of growth and change in the world around us and reflects the possibilities within ourselves.

In reflecting on this past season, there have been several endings, uncertainties, and loss. We have witnessed thousands of people in our communities lose Medicaid coverage and struggle with the loss of care and security that healthcare coverage provides. We have been impacted by the numerous systems changes within behavioral health resulting in loss of funding and stability for organizations caring for those most in need. We have said goodbye to people on our Jefferson Center team that we care about as we have made difficult decisions to eliminate positions in order to adapt to the pressures we face. And we have experienced the deeply personal losses of loved ones struggling with the pain of depression and addiction. At times, the losses and uncertainties can be overwhelming for all of us, especially when they compound upon each other. And yet, when we are able to slow down, zoom out our focus to the lens that shows the expanse of time and experience, we see that resilience always appears around the corner. Remembering this, being reminded of this by people who care, can bring us back up when we are down and gives us the strength to keep moving forward when circumstances seem insurmountable. It is resilience that allows us to focus on what is most important and central to our mission with even greater clarity and purpose.

When we face adversity, whether it’s personal loss, professional challenges, or the uncertainties in our world, it is easy and even natural to have moments of feeling overwhelmed or defeated. But in these times, when we open to them, there is a profound opportunity to reflect, to refocus, and find comfort in our inner strength and resilience, how much we can overcome, and the growth that emerges from these experiences. Also remember-you are not alone and finding that safe space to allow yourself the vulnerability to feel the hard things when they happen will not break you, especially when your compass is pointed towards what you value most. As Maya Angelou said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

For Jefferson Center, resilience means adapting how we serve our mission and keeping our compass pointed towards helping individuals, families, and communities find hope, healing, and support through mental health and substance use care. For us, it means that we continue to serve our community in this moment, and for decades to come. We are evolving, growing and becoming even more resolute in ensuring that those in our community who need help through the struggles and adversity that life can bring, do not have to go through it alone and that we are here to provide the care they need to move into the next season of their lives.

A note in remembrance and honor of Sean Wood

Recently, I had an experience that brought my understanding of resilience to life in a deeply personal but also collective way. I attended the memorial for our dear friend Sean Wood, whom I know to be an incredible human, a steadfast husband and father, a dedicated leader and a champion and advocate for people and communities. His sudden death was a shock to all of us, and the heartbreak when we learned that he had died by suicide. The pain and sorrow that followed his loss was immense, and yet, in the midst of this grief, I have witnessed extraordinary strength that I will carry forward with me.

During the service, his son and two daughters stood before a field filled with family, friends, and colleagues, and spoke about their father’s life. They shared stories of his strength, courage, and sense of adventure, his openness to confront challenges head on, and his increasing acceptance of the power of vulnerability when shared with the people he cared about most. And then, with courage and direction, his son spoke openly about his father’s struggles with depression leading up to his death. He didn’t shy away from the difficult emotions and spoke about it with a wisdom that left me in awe. In that moment, I saw how profoundly these courageous young adults reflected their father, Sean.

The stories and words spoken by his wife, children, friends and colleagues were not only a tribute to Sean, but a resounding affirmation to the importance of eliminating the stigma around mental health, promoting compassion and humanity, and living life with fullness and purpose, as Sean did.

In these moments of grief, raw honesty and courage highlighted an essential truth: resilience is not about avoiding pain or hardship. It is about confronting challenges, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength within us and each other to move forward.

President & CEO – Jefferson Center