Times Like These, Opportunities Abound.
Written by Sandi Gerdes Executive Director of Laura Baker Services Association.
When times are tough, it’s easy to be turtle-like and pull into our shell, waiting for danger to pass and better times to come. That reaction can be seen as safer. Is it? What do we miss by closing ourselves in?
We miss the chance to grow. To adapt. To discover what we’re truly capable of.
Adversity, while uncomfortable, often reveals hidden strengths. It forces us to think differently, to innovate, to connect more deeply with others who are also navigating uncertainty. When we resist the urge to retreat, we open ourselves to new perspectives and unexpected paths.
Opportunities don’t always come dressed in comfort. Sometimes, they arrive disguised as disruption. Those who dare to stay open – to keep their eyes up and their hearts engaged – are the ones who find the silver linings, the fresh starts, the breakthroughs.
So instead of asking, “When will this end?” we might ask, “What can I begin?”
True for individuals, this is also true for organizations. At LBSA, we’re continuing our commitment to innovation by providing behavior support services that meet people where they are – especially in times of change. We believe that growth happens because of challenges. That’s why we’re investing in new approaches, expanding our reach and deepening our impact.
We know it’s a scary time to innovate. Recent cuts to Medicaid and growing pushback about the costs of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have created real uncertainty. And we also know that retreating isn’t an option – not when people’s lives, dignity and potential are at stake.
That’s why we’re choosing to lean in. To adapt. To lead.
We believe that person-centered support isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. And in times like these, it’s more important than ever to demonstrate that thoughtful, proactive support can be both impactful and sustainable. Innovation doesn’t have to mean expensive – it can mean smarter, more collaborative, more responsive.
At LBSA, we’re not just weathering the storm. We’re building better ways forward.