In this season of gratitude, we have much to be thankful for. Our loyal family of donors continues to grow, allowing us to thrive in uncertain times. Paula LeDuc Leadership Society scholarships have helped students in need, and gifts to our tech lab, our recreation program, and our Standardized Apartment Furnishings Project have meant that The Hatlen Center has not missed a beat. Students continue to arrive at the Center, as they have for 38 years, with hope and enthusiasm for the future.
Here is a little story that illustrates that enthusiasm: A few days ago, Michelle Chackerian, the wife of one our board members, came by for a visit. Ara and Michelle have hosted and attended some of our field trips, including our last kayak trip. During that trip, they met a brand new student, Priscilla Jimenez. On the day of this current visit, as Michelle was getting ready to leave, we were walking down the hall behind Priscilla. Michelle said, "I can't believe the change in Priscilla since the kayak trip, she's so animated now! How long has she been here?" I called out to Priscilla and asked her, "Hey, Priscilla, when did you come to The Hatlen Center?" She said, "On July 10th!" Then behind us, another student yelled out, "I came on January 2nd!" Whereupon Priscilla turned around with a big grin and said to Michelle, "We all remember the day we moved into The Hatlen Center, because that's the day our lives changed!" Many "Stories of Triumph" written by our students are featured on our website.
There is no question that The Hatlen Center has always had a huge impact on the lives of students, and as the Center's reputation and number of graduates has continued to grow over the years, it has became increasingly clear that we needed to set a long term strategic goal to move the Center to a permanent home. Over the last two years we have focused intently on this goal, and amazingly, we are getting very close to realizing our dream! I hope you will all take the time to scroll down and read about our building project and our capital campaign. As friends of The Hatlen Center, I believe you will be as excited as we are. We've secured $2.3 million of the $2.8 million that we need to raise by January 31st. We are so grateful for your support in the past, and hope that you can PLEASE HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE.
We wish all of our many friends and supporters a Happy Holiday Season!
Patricia C. Williams
Executive Director
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