Letter to the Editor: Executive Director of HKYFS stepping down

The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received September 17, 2021.

Dear Community Partner and Supporter of Youth and Their Families,

I write to let you know that I will be stepping down from my position as Executive Director with Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth (HKYFS) effective October 31, 2021.  I leave to begin a new chapter and find time for my family. My last day falls on the day of our 28^th annual Pumpkin Run (and I hope you will join us that day as a runner or sponsor!)

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for working with the agency, and with me, over the past three, eventful, odd, sometimes difficult and constantly surprising, years. I admire, deeply, the collective passion and love of/for community that is felt everywhere one turns in HK and the willingness, of all, to support youth, families and build on shared strengths. The work of HKYFS is vital to the community.  This we know, now, more than ever. And with the continued support of the dedicated Board, wonderful staff and its statewide association, I firmly believe the agency is well-positioned for growth.

During the next weeks, I will do everything possible to wrap up my duties as Director and make the transition as seamless as possible.  If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out.  I will be in the office (860.345.7498) or available by work cell (203-653.8884) until the end of October.  After that time, feel free to use my personal email should anything come up: GPSConsult.12@gmail.com.

For those of you who I will not be able to reach, I wanted to take this time to thank you for the myriad of things you have done with or for us over the past few years.

Thank you for:

• Being part of the HK Community Coalition and for the time you have donated, and your caring and part of a process to make HK a community that supports all families and children
• Time you have served on our Board of Directors and our Juvenile Review Board or as a Mentor or as a member of the Mentor Advisory Committee and working with us virtually
• Donating to the HKYFS holiday giving and back-to-school collections/programs that help support youth and their families
• Being part of the HKYFS family and for trusting us as we work with you to sort out issues or challenges you face
• Being a volunteer or a runner or a supporter of our annual Pumpkin Run (and you have another chance to do so again this Halloween!)
• Following and liking us on social media
• Your notes of thanks and encouragement and your suggestions on how we can do things differently
• Giving to our annual appeals, the Day of Giving and other fundraising efforts that we sponsor to support our work and HK families
• Sharing the messages that we post that resonate with you
• Taking time to tell others about the importance of our work
• Joining us at community and educational events and talking to us about your thoughts or ideas on collaborating with others
• Caring for kids and neighbors and community in ways large and small
• Your patience with Mikko (our sometimes resident pup) when you visit our office!

I wish you all the best in the work that you do in and for HK and send wishes for a healthy and meaningful year. Most sincerely yours,

Laurie Ruderfer