September 4, 2018
Dear Health Ministries Network community,
It is with great joy that I join you as the new Executive Director for Health Ministries Network. Over the past six weeks I have been inspired to learn more about your spirit of service and your tireless approach to sharing God's love. Carol has gone above and beyond (as I sense she always does) to provide me with a thorough introduction to the network. Thank you, Carol, for all you have given to HMN during this pivotal year.
About me: I grew up in Bellingham and moved back last summer after 15 years living in Olympia and Seattle. I became an Episcopalian about five years ago, have served in the youth and usher ministries at Trinity Parish in Seattle, and have more recently enjoyed joining the St. Paul's community, along with my husband, Kyle, and our one and a half year old son, Gabriel. I have a background in nonprofit management and communications, and a master of public administration from the Evans School at University of Washington. I also work part-time at Bellingham Public Schools, filling in for their grant writer. I enjoy gardening and spending time with friends and family, and look forward to getting to know the HMN community.
During the board retreat last weekend, we recognized the work of both Carol Nicolay, who has led HMN during a time of great transition, and Ellen Warren, our outgoing board chair. You will have the opportunity to share your appreciation for Carol and Ellen and meet Joni at the Fall Kickoff on September 14. We also elected a new board chair, Joni Hensley, and two new board members, Tessie Mandeville of Peace Health, and Sharon Morris of Right at Home.
At the board retreat I also outlined five priorities for the next 12 months:
Internal: How are we serving you? What can we do better? We will be sending you a survey sometime this fall and hope you'll take the time to share your ideas and feedback.
Outreach: Getting the word out to faith communities, health systems, and nurses about health ministry and opportunities to serve.
Financial Sustainability: How can we support our work to train the next generation of health ministers? We will be looking into boosting our individual giving program, seeking grant opportunities, and finding opportunities for reimbursement through Medicaid and other government funding streams.
Infrastructure: As we move to become an independent nonprofit, we will need administrative and other support such as book keeping.
Foundations Course: Coordinating this essential education opportunity is no small feat, and it will become a large part of our focus as we approach Spring 2019.
I look forward to meeting many of you at our kickoff event and I hope you will share with me your hopes and desires for the future of health ministry in the north sound region.
Yours in service,
Amelia
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