Dear Friends,
It is with a profoundly grateful heart that I announce my retirement as Circle of Hope’s Executive Director at the end of this June.
As the founder, I know Circle of Hope is ready to launch this next chapter with a new Executive Director joining our talented, passionate, and dedicated team. With the help of this incredible community of generous supporters like you, Circle of Hope will continue its vital service helping thousands of our neighbors experiencing homelessness every year.
In 2008, I founded Circle of Hope when homelessness was increasing dramatically. My phone rang with frantic calls from a family shelter in Dorchester looking for baby clothes and winter coats for children and their moms. I didn’t have what they needed and believed mobilizing our community was a way forward. I never dreamed 15 years later, Circle of Hope would be answering calls for help from 25 partner shelters, clinics, and neighborhood programs. I’m proud of this highly impactful nonprofit that serves thousands of infants, children, and adults experiencing homelessness every year in Boston, Cambridge, and MetroWest.
In collaboration with executive search consultants from Third Sector New England (TSNE), the Board of Directors is working closely with staff and other stakeholders to hire a new Executive Director. I am grateful for the search committee’s dedication and know Circle of Hope’s new Executive Director will be a strong leader capable of furthering our humanitarian mission.
While I am stepping away from my position on the Circle of Hope staff, I’m not going far! I look forward to transitioning into a new role on Circle of Hope’s Advisory Council. I’m so excited to spend more time with my family and hope to be cross-country skiing, biking, and doing things reminiscent of summer camp.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support over these past fifteen years. Please stay tuned for news and updates!
With my deepest gratitude,
Barbara Waterhouse
