The December Hybrid Open Forum from Renton celebrated our Mission, raised awareness of our raffle benefitting Grace Campus, highlighted 2023 accomplishments, and previewed the IS & RESO 2024 strategy. And Santa provided a special send off!
Turnout in Renton was amazing, with approximately 300 caregivers in person. We had another 1,500 online and watch parties took place in Portland, Olympia, and Lubbock. In all, over 2,000 IS & RESO caregivers joined the December Hybrid Open Forum. These events will continue in 2024 offering additional opportunities for human connection.
For those who missed it, a summary of highlights and links to the slide deck and recording are below. Don’t forget to mark your calendars to connect with BJ and our other leaders at the next Open Forum on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
December Open Forum Highlights
- BJ welcomed in-room and virtual caregivers and introduced RESO GVP, Mike Denney, who introduced a very special guest, Sister Barbara Schamber, provincial leader, who provided a prayer and reflection. (Mike worked closely with Sister Barbara through the Sisters of Providence Provincial Administrative Office recent remodel.)
- BJ’s update included:
- Appreciation for our caregivers joining in-person, across seven states, and from India
- He acknowledged that this is our fifth Hybrid Open Forum as part of our Year of Connection, which will continue through 2024 and include new locations
- He encouraged caregivers to participate in our social and Mission activities this holiday season
- As of Dec. 11, our Mission raffle had raised $1,500 (that number is above $5,000 now, THANK YOU!)
- BJ celebrated two big milestones. Both Sheila Bailey and Paula Mena were recognized for 45 years of service at Providence.
- Sister Barbara and the Provincial Council, Sister Margarita Hernandez and Sister Jacqualine Fernandes, were brought on stage to discuss the importance of our Mission, to connect the dots between all of our work and that of our sisters, and share a few important resources located on our Mission Integration Program SharePoint site, Session 13: Hope and Aspirations. We encourage you to check them out.
- BJ quickly flipped through slides recognizing our 2023 accomplishments in a number of strategic priority areas, slides 9-18 in the deck.
- Sister Susanne highlighted the Mission Ambassador Program with her colorful commentary, as always, and introduced our Mission raffle recipient guest speaker, Jerri Ann Moore.
- Jerri Ann Moore shared the history and purpose of Grace Campus, a transitional home for men and women in Lubbock, TX.
- After a few Q&As, Santa joined the meeting for a special Christmas message for IS & RESO caregivers.
Related
Visit the IS & RESO Communications page to access our archive of past Open Forums