Every few months, I create a mini-newsletter that I send to the chief professional officers of our 140-plus certified partner agencies. This time, I began the newsletter with this message, which I wanted to share with you:

I mean this sincerely: I stand in awe of those of you who are out there “in the trenches,” finding ways to continue delivering quality services in response to record levels of need despite severe economic restraints. I continue to be amazed by your resourcefulness in a time of diminished resources; by your tenacity at finding ways to fulfill your organization’s mission despite the battering you are taking. As I said in one of these ‘non-newsletters’ a few months ago, running a nonprofit agency is not for sissies. I know that most of the time you’re feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. So just in case no one else does it, I want to congratulate you for what you’ve achieved and to thank you on behalf of the regional community that benefits from it.

If you agree with me, I’d ask that you take a moment and send a message to the CPO of your favorite nonprofit, letting him or her know. This is an especially difficult holiday season in the nonprofit world and I know it will be appreciated. Thanks.