2021-Annual-Report-FINAL-Single-Pages - Flipbook - Page 3
Dear friends,
2020 was a year like no other. Tragedy after tragedy descended upon our
community. We survived devastating tornadoes. We woke up to a shocking
Christmas Day explosion. And the surreal reality of COVID-19 crashed
through our lives like a tidal wave, taking with it our routines, our sense of
security, our children’s school days, our time with friends and loved ones.
But, for many, it took so much more. It took jobs, homes and child care.
Mental and physical health. Lives and livelihoods.
It has been a year like no other. A hard year. One that we will not easily
forget. That will forever change how we live, work and interact with the
world around us.
But this report is not about that. It is not about the losses.
It’s about the gains. The many moments of hope, of inspiration and of joy
that were found through the darkness. It’s about the ways that so many
members of this community stood up and refused to accept defeat. The
everyday heroes who gave their time, skills, money and support to help out
their neighbors who were struggling. To help those whose lives were turned
upside down by these unexpected events. Some who were already living on
the edge, just trying to survive. Others who were humbly looking for help for
the very first time.
We hope that as you peruse these pages, you are reminded not of the pain
and sorrow of this past year, but of the bright rays of light shining through the
clouds. The simple stories that illustrate just how much good is all around
us. Of the countless caring people who want, more than anything, for every
single person in our community—no matter their circumstances or their zip
code—to not just survive, but to thrive.
We hope it reminds you of how in this year—a year like no other—you showed
this community, once and for all, what it truly means to Live United.
And for that, we are so grateful.
Sincerely,
Jenneen Kaufman
2020 Board Chair
United Way Board of Trustees
Brian Hassett
President & CEO
United Way of Greater Nashville
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