Desert Mission 2008 Annual Report: Stepping Up to Greater Possibilities
Letter from the vice president
I love the image our mission statement brings to mind, especially the part about building a community where a helping hand is available for our most vulnerable members. I imagine a human chain: people connected hand-in-hand; offering strength, one neighbor supporting the other.
This image becomes even more relevant as today's economy reminds us that any one of us is susceptible to becoming a "most vulnerable member."
Toward the end of 2008, and into 2009, many who had never before lost a job or been in dire economic straits have been shocked to find themselves out of work and accessing human services for the first time. In fact, 18 percent of those accessing Desert Mission programs in 2008 were doing so for the very first time.
We are seeing a very diverse and growing population in need. With federal and state programs being slashed and more strain being placed on human services, it becomes ever more important that agencies such as the Desert Mission remain intact.
Each quarter, market transactions at the Food Bank increased, with end of the year transactions being up 54 percent from the first quarter. We served 30 percent more retirees than the previous year. For more than 30,000 people, Desert Mission was a lifeline in 2008—an increase of 12 percent from 2007.
So, to our 86 employees, Desert Mission Board of Directors, many generous volunteers—who provided more than 35,000 hours of service—funders and donors, thank you. Thank you for becoming a part of this human chain and making sure our community’s most vulnerable members have what they need to achieve their fullest potential.
Cindy Hallman
Executive Director, Desert Mission
Vice President, John C. Lincoln Health Network