A Message to our Community: Reflecting on 2020 thus far

        As we enter the second half of 2020, it’s clear that the world of January 2020 was starkly different than the world we live in today. The public and social health crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the protests surrounding the brutal death of George Floyd, have placed us as individuals and as communities at a crossroads, to think critically, to act, and to support one another as we work together these unprecedented and challenging times.
         The COVID-19 pandemic has strained our health care systems, and placed tremendous pressure on the front line workers fighting the pandemic for us all. The crisis also put the onus on every individual to be safe, not only for themselves, but for everyone around them. While COVID is not completely over and done with, there is a glimmer of hope today that we may be gradually returning back to “normal,” albeit a new, changed “normal.”
       The more recent protests following the tragic death of George Floyd have brought to the forefront the ongoing issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and more generally the stark differences of life in America along racial divides. Amidst the appalling reality of police brutality and ongoing strains and dangers faced by peaceful protestors, we’re seeing the spread of ideas for radical policy change to meet this crisis head-on, and make meaningful change.
     The dangers of COVID-19 have not dissipated. And the uphill fight for fairness and equality for everyone, regardless of skin color, has a ways to go as well. One thing that is clear is that in the face of adversity, we are better when we work together.
        At Foundation of Hope, we are committed to serving our most vulnerable communities, and providing health and social resources for those who need it most. Many of our own community-centered initiatives have been altered to meet the demands of the moment, and others have been rescheduled. As we all move forward through this “new normal,” we are cautiously optimistic that, in the coming months, we will be able to resume our usual community outreach and health fair events.
        Until such a time, please stay safe and stay healthy. Even amidst the darkest times for our local and national communities, we are inspired by the hope of real, concrete change taking place before our eyes, to meet these challenging times.
            Above all else, please know that you are not alone.
            Thank you.
Katharine Booth, Publicist for Foundation of Hope