News & Blog

Executive Director and Guest Blogs

multi-colored chalk lettering on sidewalk that spells Hope

February 14, 2023

The Path Forward

The Path Forward Finding Hope was the theme for the 2022 Gala and going forward in 2023. It’s also my personal goal this year. I recently had a conversation with someone, and they asked me how do I know if I’m finding hope? What does it mean for my physical… Read More

lbsa client and supporter at 2022 flannel gala

November 7, 2022

Finding Hope

Finding hope, finding the light, can seem more and more difficult in these crazy times. Community support, families who tell their stories and the good they see remind us that the work we do is life-giving, and that the people we work with deserve to be moved from society’s margins to receive the support they need and deserve. Read More

painted rocks spelling out hope

July 28, 2022

Finding Hope

For me, finding hope is essential to continuing to work through the enormous existential challenges we face every day. Read More

happy Staff and Client

February 9, 2022

Challenges and Triumphs

Challenges and Triumphs Well, it’s been an interesting few years at Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) – and the challenges and triumphs continue into 2022. It’s messy. The pathway that once seemed relatively clear is now subject to unexpected twists and turns, or to disappearing in the forest with little… Read More

happy LBSA clients

November 18, 2021

Embrace the Mess, Every Step of the Way

Embrace the Mess, Every Step of the Way 2020 AND 2021 HAVE BEEN VERY MESSY YEARS. Both internally at Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), and in the world at large. At LBSA, our biggest challenge continues to be finding enough staff members to support our services. We’re joining with other… Read More

Award winner Holly Ciffra

August 17, 2021

Expectations and Challenges

Expectations and Challenges So how about 2020? What a year! We’re all grateful to be able to be mostly done with quarantine and moving forward with our lives. At Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), 2020 was about keeping people safe from COVID-19 (both clients and staff) and examining and adjusting… Read More

employee appreciation event

July 14, 2021

Hope for the Future

Hope for the Future So how about 2020? What a year! We’re all grateful to be able to be mostly done with quarantine and moving forward with our lives. At LBSA, 2020 was about keeping people safe from COVID-19 (both clients and staff) and examining and adjusting our business model… Read More

Gratitude

January 29, 2021

Gratitude.

Gratitude. Unadulterated thankfulness that I don’t do this work alone. Navigating the COVID-19 landscape, often in small circles or alone, has made it clearer that we need each other: for social purposes, for mental health purposes, for emotional support, for recreation. We are social animals. Isolation is chafing. If you’re… Read More

client outdoors on trail

November 16, 2020

The Pathway to Tomorrow

The Pathway to Tomorrow Change, The Art of Possibility, Beacons of Hope – I’ve written about all of them over the years. We’re definitely in a sea of change. I am inspired by the people who are finding ways to adapt their businesses and personal lives to meet the changes. Read More

creative arts group wearing maks

August 6, 2020

Beacons of Hope

Beacons of Hope It’s a time of uncertainty, heightened emotion – especially emotions we prefer to minimize: fear, sadness, fatigue. We struggle with our ability to feel a host of emotions at the same time: How do we hold fear and joy, sadness and pride, humility and anger? Instead of… Read More