Dear Growing Hope Friends,

As I write this, 2019 seems eons ago. But, in these uncertain times it has been a good, grounding exercise to reflect on and account for what Growing Hope accomplished in 2019. Little did we know, we were laying the groundwork that would help us respond to an unprecedented 2020. 

2019 was a time to strengthen Growing Hope’s governance, operations, and finance. We added six new board members who bring a diverse set of skills and experience to our work. The board created a new Anti-Racism Board/Staff Committee to review and guide our anti-racism work in 2020 and beyond. We continued to find efficiencies in our operational and administrative costs and increase our connection to and fundraising from the local community. While maintaining staffing across the organization we grew our summer teen program, made many necessary renovations to our farm, and more fully utilized our indoor space at the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace.

Our theme for this Annual Report centers around our Value Statements — declarations that we lean on to be accountable to our community and ourselves. Developed in late 2018, we took 2019 (and continue in 2020) to embed them in our daily work. They challenge us each day to think about our purpose, our impact, and how we can do better. 

None of this work would be possible without you, members of our community who generously supported us through your volunteer time, support of our mission, and financial gifts. From all of us at Growing Hope, thank you. 

Sincerely,

Cynthia VanRenterghem

Executive Director

Take a look at our highlights from last year in our full 2019 Annual Report.