On July 1, Our Family Services entered a new chapter in its history by merging with New Beginnings for Women & Children. This merger creates an expanded continuum of care for our clients, and helps Our Family stay strong, efficient and stable.

Our combined new homeless and housing services division, which we're calling New Beginnings, helps homeless children, youth and families into safe, stable housing and on to independence through outreach, shelter, support, education and housing. Where Our Family's programs have traditionally served homeless young people, the addition of housing and shelter for families with children opens up more opportunities to help more people on their path to self-sufficiency.

Our other programs -- counseling, education, services for older and disabled people, information and referral, and the Center for Community Dialogue -- will be called our Strong Communities division.

As I take the helm of the agency, I'm thrilled about the synergy this merger brings. Our Family is already evolving, growing stronger and finding more efficient ways to respond to this community's needs. In the end, it's all about serving people better, and that's why we're here.

Exciting times are ahead! I'll be sure to keep you informed. Thank you for being a part of Our Family. We look forward to your continued support.

Patti Caldwell, MSW

Our Family Services Executive Director