Dear Friends -

One of the givens of the human experience is that change is inevitable - and like it or not, it is something we can always rely on. Change is once again visiting us at Family Promise of Greater Rochester (FPGROC). I will be transitioning away from my full-time role as Executive Director effective December 31st, 2026, and continuing as a Director Emeritus consultant through the first part of 2027 while the new leadership team stabilizes.

My decision, while intentional and mindful, comes with all the emotions of stepping away from a community that has filled me with gratitude and joy over the past 16 years. I started working at RAIHN as an Aftercare Case Manager in 2010 and moved into the Director role in 2014. In anticipation of writing this letter, I revisited my first “Letter from the Director” from Fall 2014, excerpted below:

A member of the RAIHN Board checked in with me the other day to see how I was faring as Director. He asked what inspires me - what keeps me “hooked”.  This person went on to say that every job needs a “hook” to keep one interested, engaged, and challenged. The answer was obvious to me: the families. Yes, the path of helping a family enter the program and transition to permanent housing can be heartbreaking, tiring, and frustrating, but it is also gratifying, inspiring, and downright joyful. 

That remains just as true today. The families fill my heart to overflowing. They have taught me the absolute importance of genuine kindness, our shared humanity, and how much more connects us than divides us. Working alongside so many of you to ensure families are compassionately and holistically assisted toward safe, stable, and affordable housing has been an incredible honor.

And wow - looking back, the changes have been plentiful and amazing. In 16 years, I have witnessed the organization move from 34 Meigs to 142 Webster Avenue to accommodate growth, transition from a congregational shelter model to apartment-based shelter, add four new programs, rebrand to align with national Family Promise, purchase three buildings, and grow our team from 3 staff members to 10.  I am deeply proud and grateful to have experienced the beautiful transformation of the organization.

Change can certainly be unnerving, but it pushes us to adapt and innovate. Each time FPGROC experienced a transition, we welcomed it as an opportunity to evolve. The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying societal unrest prompted us to look inward to ensure the foundation was rooted in equity, inclusivity, and access, for both the families assisted and the staff walking alongside them. This reflection also led us to adopt a shared leadership model to disrupt hierarchy and foster relational and collaborative decision-making, which was further realized in In August 2025 when Janelle Duda joining the team as the Executive Co-Director of Fund Development & Advocacy.

It is my hope and belief that the organization will continue to change and evolve, always keeping the inherent promise of the amazingly resilient, brave families at the center of the work.  Our team at FPGROC is strong, and over the past 6 months, the Executive Committee has been actively preparing for this next chapter. Please stay tuned for updates regarding future leadership plans, and rest assured that the foundation we have created together will carry the mission forward.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your trust and your partnership. To the staff, board members, volunteers, and families with whom I have laughed, struggled, cried, and laughed some more, THANK YOU. You know who you are – and I send you so much love and appreciation.

Warmly,

Kim

P.S. Want to know what’s next for me? I am slowing it down a bit to spend time with my parents, my amazing partner, Adam, and our adult children (both social workers in different cities). While I take some time to explore this beautiful, diverse Earth, I’m also giving myself space to imagine my next professional path. Of course, I will always love being a social worker and will continue to disrupt, resist, and work toward systemic change and community care!