By:  Kathy Nelson, CPO, United Way of Adams County

 A few days before Christmas 2011, nine local nonprofit execs gathered at UWAC. We were there to talk issues, share solutions and enjoy a bit of holiday cheer.  The collective experience, wisdom and institutional knowledge in the room that evening was staggering. 

 The conversation bounced from topic to topic, with someone always having a great insight or tale of dread to share. Inside jokes flew as well—with one or two exceptions, we had all worked together for decades. Yes, the members of the “don’t trust anyone over 30” generation had through hard work, determination and sheer stamina become the tribal elders.

 What strikes me most as I reflect on the evening is how very blessed I am to know and work with these execs and how very fortunate Adams County is to have these leaders in place now. The last few years have been the most challenging of our careers—funding cuts, case load increases, staff cuts, societal demands, and the list goes on. But the level of cooperation, collaboration and trust among us has helped us—and our agencies—weather the ongoing storms. No one is ready to throw in the towel and walk away from the challenges and the craziness that is the day-to-day life of a nonprofit exec.  That is a very good thing.

 Twenty-five years ago today I walked into the United Way office in the Old Courthouse for my first day on the job. I cannot begin to thank the agency execs, board members, volunteers, and the community for joining us through the years as we’ve worked to make things better for everyone in Adams County.  Nor could I have survived without the support and love of the best of the best—Vickie, Meghan, MJ, Judi, Erin, and LJ. They are the wind beneath my wings.

 I am reminded daily of the generosity of county residents—you write checks large or small, you walk or run or bike for all kinds of causes, you buy purses or cookies or bricks, you pick up trash or paint or read to kids, you sit in endless meetings, and you volunteer anywhere and everywhere at the drop of a hat. The list of your good deeds is long indeed.

 Tonight there might be a toast or two with those same nonprofit execs somewhere in the ‘burg. But our talk will turn as it always does to the unfinished work. Tomorrow we will go back to work and do what we do to the best of our abilities until we can meet the needs in our communities.

 I am so very grateful. Thank you.