Dear friends and supporters,
As we begin this new year, many in our community are feeling uncertain and anxious about the sweeping changes in policies and priorities emerging from the new administration. At Lifelong, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve and advocate for our neighbors in need, especially during times of great change. The challenges ahead will demand creativity, resilience, and solidarity – values that have defined us for decades. As we embark on this work in a new reality, I want to express my deep gratitude for your unwavering support and share my excitement for what lies ahead at Lifelong.
This spring, we will move from our current Lucile Street location to a new, larger facility in Georgetown. This move will enable us to significantly enhance our kitchen and warehouse operations, paving the way to better serve the growing needs of our neighbors. The new facility, located in Georgetown Yards on East Marginal Way South, is more than twice the size of our current space. It will feature a larger kitchen, increased warehouse storage, secured parking for our delivery fleet, and improved administrative and programmatic space. These improvements will allow us to boost meal production, streamline grocery distribution, and expand our services to meet future needs.
In preparation for this exciting expansion, we must also make thoughtful decisions to ensure our resources align with our mission and the evolving needs of the communities we serve. This is especially critical in an uncertain political landscape, where funding and policies vital to our work may shift dramatically. To navigate this reality, Lifelong must remain strategic and focused on our core, mission-driven programs.
As part of this planning, we have made the difficult decision to close the Lifelong Thrift Store in Capitol Hill when our lease ends on March 31. For years, the Thrift Store has been a cherished community hub, and its legacy is a testament to the care and compassion that defines Lifelong. I am deeply grateful to the Thrift Store team for creating a welcoming space and cultivating meaningful connections within our community.
During this time of change and societal upheaval, prioritizing our core service programs – including food and nutrition, housing, insurance, dental care, aging and disability services, and medical case management – will allow us to maximize our impact and better serve our clients.
Thank you for standing with us, not just today but for more than 40 years. From the early days of the HIV crisis to our move to the Lucile building a decade ago, you have been an integral part of our journey. Together, we’ve built a legacy of care and resilience that will carry us into this next chapter and help us, and those we serve, navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.
With gratitude,
Erica Sessle, CEO