Dear Friends,
The question I’ve been asked most often by clients and community members since our rebranding has been “What’s changed besides the name—are you still a nonprofit, or were you purchased by another health care organization?” During our research preparing for the rebrand, we learned that people overwhelmingly view our programs, services, and staff positively, so I understand their concern. But they are relieved when I tell them that 1) we are still the same nonprofit, community-based organization, with the same staff and volunteers, and 2) that we changed our name to better describe our continuum of care, and better align services to.
But they are relieved when I tell them that 1) we are still the same nonprofit, community-based organization, with the same staff and volunteers, and 2) that we changed our name to better describe our continuum of care, and better align services to meet the present and future needs. This change was critical to our future sustainability, but the fact that we remained a nonprofit and independently operated was just as critical.
Here’s why:
• As a nonprofit, we are not driven by corporate earnings. While any organization—for-profit or nonprofit—has to have a positive bottom line to remain sustainable, there is a difference: a for-profit will not continue a service, even if it’s critical when it loses money. But as a nonprofit, we are investing in our community, not creating profits for shareholders. So our criteria are 1) is this a critical need not being met? 2) do we have the expertise to fill it? If so, our board focuses on ways to raise funds to provide the service while protecting our sustainability. Their hard work and our community’s generosity allow us to offer hospice and day services regardless of the participant’s ability to pay, and for example, provide spiritual care in person rather than by phone, as is common among for-profit hospice programs. For us, the community benefit drives the decision.
• As a long-time, local, community-based program, we are responsive. Being headquartered in Napa—not a corporate park in another city or state—our directors, staff, and volunteers live in this community and understand it. And those we serve can be assured help is always nearby. For nearly 40 years, we have supported those navigating the medical, practical and emotional transitions of aging, serious illness, or end of life. And now, we are positioned to do so for the next 40 years—and beyond.
Best wishes for a healthy, happy 2017 and heartfelt thanks for your support—past, present, and future.
Linda Gibson
President & CEO