Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you be among the first to know that I have made the very difficult decision to move on as the Pride Connections Center Executive Director effective December 31, 2008. After over three years working with this high impact agency, I have decided to pursue new opportunities within the national movement for LGBT equality and healthy communities. The Board of Directors is working hard on their transition plan with a strategic consultant, and have hired Nancy Caamano as the Interim Executive Director effective January 1st, 2009, while all options for a long-term transition are evaluated during a strategic assessment. A public search for a permanent candidate will begin during 2009. I am leaving HPC in very good shape with an excellent staff and volunteer team, high performing programs, and a growing financial foundation. The Board and Staff are engaged together in a long term strategic planning process to ensure the Center’s success, longevity, and service to the community. I am quite confident that the transition process the Board has adopted will maintain the stability of the organization and its programs, and attract new leadership and support from across the community. I am deeply proud of our accomplishments at Hudson Pride Connections (HPC) since I started over three years ago as the Youth Program Director. Since taking over the organization two and a half years ago, we have had so many successes together. - We purchased a building for our services, taking a leap for the LGBT community across New Jersey, representing the first property the LGBT community has ever owned in the state. - We expanded our HIV outreach programming, and strengthened our services and programs, in some areas tripling our clients served. - We more than doubled our funding from individual donors and special events, added several new foundations to our grant portfolio, and received new service contracts from governmental sources. - We also created an identity with the “Pride Connections Center of New Jersey,” continued our strong relationships with community partners, and raised the Center’s profile locally, statewide, and nationally! Now the Board and myself would like to welcome Nancy Caamano, who has been a vital leader here at HPC for more than two years. Starting as a volunteer, Nancy designed the Leadership Connections Mentoring program. Later, Nancy was brought on as a staff member after we conducted a search for the Director of Programs position. Just eight months into her tenure, Nancy was given the title of Deputy Executive Director, because of the leadership and growth she developed across our programs, services, and operations. HPC and the Pride Connections Center is thriving and healthy, and we look forward to the continued growth yet to come. It is because of the support of all of our friends and allies that we have been able to take such leaps in serving, supporting, and developing our entire community with our services. We look forward to continuing to receive your support as a partner in the work we do and the board, Nancy, and I would be happy to sit down with you to discuss our work together and our plans for the future. After three years of service to the Pride Connections Center, I am more convinced than ever of the role HPC plays in our progress towards a safer space, a healthy LGBT community, and equality. Join Us In Empowering Our Communities Today!

In Community,

Guido A. Sanchez