Executive Director Mary Weeks has announced her upcoming retirement. This is the message she sent to Walk-In volunteers:
“So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye.” (As in the song from the Sound of Music.)
It’s true, I’ve decided to retire, but I’ll be around for a while to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. Walk-In is important to the community and also to me. That’s why I’ve provided lots of notice to our Board of Directors, which is now beginning a search for a new executive director. (This involves recruiting a volunteer for the committee . . . you?)
My plan is: I’ll be working half-time starting January 1, 2025, and ending completely by August 31 or before, depending on the search. Other staff will be taking on additional responsibilities that I will hand off to them starting in January.
I will continue to supervise students, which is a part of my job that I love. I will also still be here for all of you as a resource and head cheerleader. I love talking with you, and I am always available for that. Perhaps as I wind down in the next few months, my goodbye can be more personal via phone, a virtual visit, coffee, etc.
I greatly appreciate all you have given and will continue to give to Walk-In. Your service to the community is an inspiration to me. So, whether I know you personally or not, this is a big thank you!
I know that our Board of Directors is committed to a smooth transition, as am I. Here is more about the process the board is engaging in.
So Walk-In is in good hands, and will continue to be until I leave completely (and afterwards). . .
Bless you.
Mary Weeks, MSW, LISW
Executive Director
Walk-In Counseling Center
And a message from the Walk-In Counseling Center Board of Trustees:
As a board, we deeply thank Mary Weeks for her outstanding service to Walk-In since 2010. With a remarkable 50-year career in social services, college teaching, and nonprofit leadership, Mary has been an invaluable leader. She skillfully guided Walk-In through the pandemic while strengthening our mission to provide accessible mental health counseling. Her dedication to our clients, community volunteers, staff, and students has left a lasting and profound impact.
Walk-In exists to help people stabilize during times of crisis and resolve problems before they become severe. This mission is more critical than ever in a time when accessible mental health services are in high demand, yet the nonprofit sector faces persistent challenges with funding. Our work is made possible by professional volunteers who embody the values of dignity, compassion, equity, and inclusion, and by the generous support of individuals and families through donations and grants.
Looking ahead, we are committed to securing a strong and sustainable future for Walk-In. To achieve this, we are working closely with staff and a search partner to conduct a rigorous and thoughtful search for our next Executive Director—someone who will uphold our mission and navigate challenges with vision, creativity, and resolve.
As we move through this transition, we invite you to join us in celebrating Mary’s extraordinary contributions over the coming months. We also welcome your ideas, reflections, and referrals for candidates who align with our values and vision. Your input as members of the Walk-In community is invaluable.
Warm regards,
Kendra Allen Popov, President
On behalf of the Board of Directors
From the newsletter: Can you make a donation in Mary’s honor?
On the occasion of Mary’s retirement, you can show your appreciation for her leadership since 2010. Can you make a donation today?
Mary ensured barrier-free access to mental health care through a pandemic and many turbulent years. Thanks to her, Walk-In’s free, no-appointment, anonymous counseling service is still available every weekday to people with urgent needs and few options.
People like “Jeanette,” who came to us a few months ago accompanied by a friend. Jeanette’s partner had just died by suicide, and she was consumed with searing grief. At Walk-In, a skilled and caring counselor listened deeply to her story and helped her think about how to keep on going. Jeanette left tear-stained but no longer feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
You, our supporters, are the reason we can serve people like Jeanette. Please make a generous donation to Walk-In if you can. During this giving season, all gifts from new donors, and any increases in giving over 2023, will be eligible for a 1:1 match up to $25,000, now through Dec. 31. Donations by check, donor-advised fund, stock, and other giving instruments also count toward the match.
Every weekday, volunteer clinicians staff Walk-In’s free counseling clinics (M, W, F, 1-3; M — Th 5:30 – 7:30). They are accessible virtually (phone or internet) and the afternoon clinics are also available in-person/walk-in. Spanish counseling services are also available. Without you, our amazing supporters, we couldn’t provide this critical safety-net service.