With spring comes renewed hope, and my hope for the future is greater than ever. While the past year has brought unimaginable loss, I am inspired by the commitment and flexibility of my PLC colleagues. Even as they grieve, respond to increased parenting demands, cope with uncertainty, suffer from a lack of contact with family and other loved ones, and experience illness themselves, PLC staff has remained on course, prioritizing the needs of those we support. While necessity has helped us develop new ways to serve our children and youth, like you, we look forward to connecting in person. Social interaction is essential to every aspect of our health, and though virtual options have offered some relief, we cannot deny the increased potential and power of a face-to-face connection. 

Indeed, our work has continued to make a significant impact. But those who were in jeopardy before the pandemic are struggling more than ever. There is so much more we can do. PLC will continue our existing effort, which is primarily funded through local and federal grants tied to specific essential services. Our ability to do more relies on private funding and community support. As we strive to provide vulnerable children and youth with much-needed, in-person academic, career and emotional support through our ACE Centers (ProgressiveLifeCenter.org/ACE), we ask for your increased commitment. 

Please consider donating to our spring campaign, becoming a sponsor of our golf tournament or conference, volunteering for an event, or introducing PLC to others who will help advance our work. Together, we will go beyond ensuring the currently-funded basics, and begin empowering our overlooked children to become fulfilled and valued members of their community.    

Together, we are stronger.

Sincerely,       

Dr. Laurence E. Jackson
President and CEO