Helen Waukazoo Executive Director of Friendship House

Exectutive Director's Corner

December 2002

Ya' a t'eeh to all our brothers and sisters!

I am excited and proud to report that we have progressed half way to our long time dream of a new and expanded facility for our services! As you may know, while we have generated much of the funds necessary to build our new building, we are still very much in need of the rest of the money needed to complete the project. It is important for us to continue to work together to raise this money. Your contributions towards this goal, whether in the form of your time, advocacy or donations, are so very much appreciated.

Warm thanks to those of you in our community who were able to join us for a day we have all been looking forward to for many years- the Groundbreaking Ceremony for our brand new facility. To many of you, the Groundbreaking Ceremony symbolized a new marker or beginning point for community involvement. May the Creator continue to bless our community as it moves forward into a healthy future for our people.

During this time, when our country is in the rebuilding phase after the tragic and momentous events of Sept. 11, 2001, I am proud that our new building has come to represent a symbol of hope, courage and dedication to a people who have known tragedy first hand for hundreds of years --- and have persevered. I thank all of you who have contributed to the Building Fund, through contributions, prayers and good wishes. YOU are reason this new facility will be built.

We are looking toward Winter 2003 with great anticipation and pride, as we will be able to show the community a building that has been built not only with the generous funding of foundations, the City of San Francisco, and community members, but with the love and care of our community. We thank the Creator for giving us the strength, wisdom, courage and knowledge that we needed to make this dream a reality.