A note from Kate: What We Pass Along

he holidays bring up a lot for many of us: the people we miss, the relationships that are hard, the years that didn’t go the way we hoped. If that’s where you are this month, our door is open.

Sometimes what starts with grief can offer an opportunity. Many of the stories, values and traditions I’ve carried into my family so far were handed to me. But I am starting to understand that I get to choose which ones to keep, which to reshape, and eventually what I want to pass on. I’m finding resilience in that choosing.

Walk-In is in a season of choosing too. On November 20, at our strategic planning retreat, we’ll set our direction for 2027 through 2030: what we carry forward, what we reshape, and what we build next. A year ago, I wrote that Walk-In was getting sturdy and that this year would be focused on envisioning. Many of you have helped shaped that envisioning. Now it becomes a plan.

We’ll be going into our retreat though missing someone important. Michele Vance, a member of our board, died on October 13. Michele led through steady investment: her time, her guidance, and real relationships. She wasn’t forceful with her opinions. She was curious, and she connected people. She didn’t always know what would come of the connections she offered, but she offered them anyway, trusting that good people can have a powerful impact. Her way of leading is one thing I hope we carry forward.

It’s also how Walk-In has always been sustained. Most of our support comes from individuals who give steadily, without knowing exactly how their investments will take shape, giving and trusting that they matter nonetheless. Give to the Max early giving has already begun, and the big day itself is Thursday, Nov. 19. Your gift helps fund the plan we’ll set the next morning. (We have two amazing matching grants! Read more about those here.)

As part of our strategic planning work, I’d also love to hear from you: what’s one thing you hope Walk-In carries forward? Send your answer to info@walkin.org, and I’ll bring what comes in to the work ahead.

Michele’s family asked that we honor her by sharing kindness daily and loving big. That seems like the right guidance for this season, for all of us.

With gratitude,

Kate