Dear OBI Friends and Family,

As 2020 comes to an end, many of us are looking to the New Year to bring a sense of healing and optimism, as we reset and rediscover ourselves in a post pandemic world. Here at OBI, we have been rediscovering and redefining ourselves over the past several months, as we have adjusted practically every aspect of our services in order to meet the needs of the individuals we support throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We have learned many lessons from this experience, one of which is simply how much we all need each other. By continuing to pull together and support each other, I am confident that we can continue to “weather the storm” and come out even stronger on the other side…

This year, our annual ask for a financial gift is arguably more important than ever. Never before have we been faced with the need to adapt to so many new ways of doing business, and as proud as I am of our accomplishments, we have also felt a very real financial impact.

Our 2020 annual fund will allow for the continuation of uninterrupted services for the individuals we support. We anticipate a difficult winter and are hard at work planning new and exciting virtual activities, as well as identifying indoor venues that allow for socially-distanced activities for those who depend on our in-person supports. We are also using this time to prepare our beautiful building, which has been closed for services since mid-March, for safely reopening… but all of this comes with a cost.

If you are in a position to financially help, please do so by donating online.

If you are not in a position to financially help at this time, please contact Sarah Ledford at sledford@obiworks.org to find out how else you can get involved.

‘Tis the season of giving, and also for giving thanks. We realize that you are likely bombarded with charitable “asks” at this time of year, and that you have many choices regarding where you choose to invest your money and time. We couldn’t be more grateful for your choice to support OBI, and for the continued privilege of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families through some of the toughest times we have faced as a nation.

From our family to yours - here’s wishing you a holiday season full of health and happiness, and a New Year that brings positive change and good fortune for all!

Sincerely,

Marsha L. Legg
Chief Executive Officer