Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said at the recent annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that, “preconditions for a pickup in growth in 2011 appear to remain in place.” However, what we see is continued high unemployment constraining consumer spending and dampening home sales contributing to low consumer confidence. Why then is Northwest Children’s Home’s confidence so high? You would think that with all the economic gloom reported in the daily headlines that we would be preparing for the worst when in fact we are doing the opposite. Believe me, we have challenges looming ahead, but we have taken measures over the past couple years to position ourselves to excel and respond to opportunity when other organizations have closed their doors. Under normal circumstances, we would have good reason for concern, but we aren’t normal. We’re above normal. The recession impacted us too. It wasn’t too long ago we needed to close programs and reduce staff to meet our obligations. However, taking the appropriate action when needed made our agency stronger. We have the ability to respond favorably to the changing environment in children’s services. Thanks to a committed staff, caring volunteers and a devoted Board of Directors, I would echo Mr. Bernanke that preconditions for Northwest Children’s Home’s growth in 2011 appears to remain in place. I look forward to the coming year as we provide the best care available for children and families.
Thank you,
Rod Wilson, Executive Director
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said at the recent annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that, “preconditions for a pickup in growth in 2011 appear to remain in place.” However, what we see is continued high unemployment constraining consumer spending and dampening home sales contributing to low consumer confidence. Why then is Northwest Children’s Home’s confidence so high? You would think that with all the economic gloom reported in the daily headlines that we would be preparing for the worst when in fact we are doing the opposite. Believe me, we have challenges looming ahead, but we have taken measures over the past couple years to position ourselves to excel and respond to opportunity when other organizations have closed their doors. Under normal circumstances, we would have good reason for concern, but we aren’t normal. We’re above normal. The recession impacted us too. It wasn’t too long ago we needed to close programs and reduce staff to meet our obligations. However, taking the appropriate action when needed made our agency stronger. We have the ability to respond favorably to the changing environment in children’s services. Thanks to a committed staff, caring volunteers and a devoted Board of Directors, I would echo Mr. Bernanke that preconditions for Northwest Children’s Home’s growth in 2011 appears to remain in place. I look forward to the coming year as we provide the best care available for children and families.
Thank you,
Rod Wilson, Executive Director