Blog
ASCI Releases Its 2020 Impact Report
Click here to access ASCI’s 2020 Impact Report!
A letter from ASCI president and CEO Dr. Sharon McDaniel
Before reflecting on 2020, I first want to thank our families, staff, and government and community partners for sticking by us and one another through what was an extremely trying year (and now, another trying year). But that’s the point—we did it together. Through our shared kinship, shared community, and shared hope, we managed to continue ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families in our charge despite our society’s turmoil amid systemic racism, police violence and COVID-19.
We have had to adapt and do things differently, that is true. We have shared resources to be able to offer those struggling with free meal delivery, hybrid learning assistance and other supportive services. We have mastered digital platforms in order to share our time with children and families, continue our support groups, offer online youth activities, nurture community partnerships and bring together leaders across the country for crucial discussions on racial equity and justice.
And we have made sacrifices, as well. Staff miss sharing handshakes and hugs, holding events and visiting with clients. And I think each of us misses sharing in our respective communities’ togetherness and being with our extended families and friends. Plainly, life has changed.
But the daily trauma of COVID-19 and violence against people of color has not stopped us from fighting to keep families together; keep children connected to their communities and cultures; ensure youth achieve permanency; fulfill essential needs of families and individuals in our communities; or break down the child welfare system in the name of racial equity.
Our mission prior to the pandemic was to strengthen and preserve healthy kinship families for children, and that mission will remain uncompromised once the pandemic is behind us. My sincerest wish is for that to happen as soon as possible, but if 2020 taught me only one lesson, it is that even if this new way of life persists, we will make the most of it and continue moving forward together.
Knowing this to be true, I am feeling hopeful in 2021. Did you know it is the Year of the Ox? It represents honesty, hard work, diligence, strength, positivity and determination. I see these qualities every day in our families and communities, and in our staff and partners. I see them in all those fighting for equity and reform. I see them in all of us who are doing the work.
Remember, each day offers another opportunity to service others, fulfill our missions and make lasting change, together.
With hope,
Dr. Sharon McDaniel