With the closing of another year at Reach Out Morongo Basin, I was doing some reflecting. It has been a bit over six years now since I came on as Director for Reach Out, and I remember my first holiday season. There was so much to learn, so much to do, and so many new people to meet that my days just seemed to fly by. Everything and everyone was still new to me, and, like a child on Christmas morning, I felt a joyous excitement on my new path here.
With the passing of each year we had ups and downs – our programs and services grew, we gained new neighbors, and we had some amazing new people join our staff and board of directors. We have also lost many volunteers and neighbors that were like well-treasured gifts to us and were near and dear to our hearts.
The year 2017 has been especially good to us, and for that I am so very thankful. Because of generous donors we added four new Toyota Vans to our transportation program to replace our aging vehicles. With two of the vans being wheelchair accessible we are now able to transport neighbors that are mobility challenged which was a long term dream that came to fruition.
I have the most amazing staff and a wonderful Board of Directors to work with that help make Reach Out great. Their dedication and love of our seniors and mission are truly the backbone of what we do. And we will soon be adding a new part time driver that will be working from our Yucca Valley office to provide additional services there which will help many more of our dear neighbors.
And most importantly we have you – our donors, our volunteers, and our senior and disabled neighbors who so richly fulfill our lives and give us sense of purpose.
And so I sit here early on a cold winter desert morning a few days before Christmas and my heart is full. Because yes, even after all these years each day is like Christmas morning to me – a new adventure, a new friend, a new chance to do good in this world of ours and spread peace, love, and happiness. I am so excited to embark on this next year with you and to see what tomorrow may bring!!
May all peace and blessings be yours this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year!!!
Robin Schlosser
Executive Director