03/21/2019
Joining the incredible board of Cape Cod Child Development is among the most rewarding choices I have made. Together, we have made a difference. An important one. Warning, this is going to be a long post.
Over the past eight months, CCCD has struggled with a crisis related to how the organization was operated in the past. The board - led by my good friend Sheryl Walsh- and staff, led by the calm and determined focus of Nancy Sorbo, dug in. We identified and prioritized the issues. We tackled the most important problems. Morale was rebuilt, systems put in place and our children and families continued to be our primary focus. We never, ever, lost sight of that. It is what drives us. It is why we are here.
Last week, we turned the page. Cape Cod Child Development and JTEC (Job Training and Employment Corporation) joined hands. This collaboration brings two very important organizations together. While CCCD remains a separate nonprofit organization, JTEC will provide senior level management and financial expertise. JTEC's incredibly astute President, Kris Dower, is now our CEO. Kris and her team dove into the programs, policies, management and financial structure of CCCD. The result - after only a week and a half - has been astounding. Kris is a proven problem solver and a born leader.
The past eight months have been stressful, to say the least. My take away from this period is that we have emerged as a much stronger agency and that we have never lost sight of our mission to serve the children and families of Cape Cod and the Islands.
I have met some wonderful people along the way and had the opportunity to re-engage with folks I had not seen in a while.
Getting to know our incredible staff, including my hero - who has been with the agency for 46 years, has been so rewarding. Morale was about as low as it could get in August. Relentless commitment from the board, new leadership and the implementation of countless positive changes, have helped to build morale and turn the organizational culture around.
As we turn the page, and move forward into a bright new future for Cape Cod Child Development, I want to thank our leadership team, front-line staff support staff for stepping up and doing the hard work that got us here. From Deb and Ellie (whose smiling faces greet every visitor), to our dedicated site managers, teachers, drivers, monitors and other staff and volunteers ... you are my heroes. Nancy, Jen, Amanda and the rest of the leadership team have been through the stress and survived. That is true grit. Thank you my friends.
A special thank you to our donors and funders who have stood by our side and provided desperately needed funding in our time of need. And to our many community leaders who have stepped us to lend support from emotional to expertise and connections - these include our legislative delegation, to our business, nonprofit and government leaders.
Finally. My fellow board members. What can I say. It has been my honor and privilege in life to serve on many boards as a member and an officer. This board is the most engaged board I have ever seen. So proud to be your partner in this. Humbled to call these great people my friends: Sheryl Walsh, Sally Fogerty, Paul Niedzwiecki, Stephanie Abdina, Sharon Hawkins, Christine Johnson-Staub, Frank Mello, Marissa Noble, Rob Rice and Mike Pierce. These folks totally rock and all hold a special place in my heart.
The team is now in place to continue the legacy of this critically important organization into the next half century. As we embark on this endeavor, I invite the community to join us. With your support we will continue taking care of the children and families of Cape Cod & the Islands for decades to come. Thank you all. D
To learn more about Cape Cod Child Development, visit https://www.cccdp.org/. If you would like to help support our wonderful program so that we can do more for the children and families of Cape Cod, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx…. — with Amanda Booth and 6 others at Cape Cod Child Development.♥️
