Speaking Up for All of Us - A Letter From the CEO

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  In this current environment, it is imperative to remember who we are working for and why. During this month of honoring Dr. King’s legacy, it has remained clear how much our voices matter. We work every day advocating and working together to empower and serve our most vulnerable neighbors. If we do not speak up, they are not heard.  

Interfaith Works was founded on our core values of inclusion, respect, compassion, empowerment, and social justice. For over 50 years, these values have shaped the ethos guiding how we care for and serve our neighbors. Today, it feels as though these values are under attack. We know that now is not the time to be silent. Now is the time to stand on these principles as we continue to meet the needs of our neighbors.  

As we also approach Black History Month, I am reminded of the social justice warriors who came before us. All of us at IW -- staff, volunteers, donors -- aim to continue the legacy of those leaders and support everyone to feel empowered to fight for their rights to be here. We are a community built on the beauty of diversity and service, and nothing can take that away. I implore all of us to remain steadfast in upholding the values that make this community thrive.  

Too many of our neighbors are feeling uneasy and fearful. I hope they and all our community members know that Interfaith Works will remain. We will stay true to our values and those we serve. We will be here for every person who reaches out to us for assistance. Our community matters, and the Interfaith Works community and I will always speak up for all of us.  

Courtney Hall, IW CEO