A Foundation Built on Hope
This blog post is authored by Veronda L. Durden, President and CEO of Any Baby Can.
When you work with babies and families, hope is not just a feeling; it’s a requirement. We must prepare for the future, even when we can’t see it. I’m carrying this mindset with me as we step into a new fiscal year, one filled with both unknowns and great potential.
The environment around us is complex, with shifting priorities, policies and funding. Yet, we have never been passive observers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted and stood by families through every challenge. When the baby formula crisis hit, we opened our doors as a resource for parents across our community. Today, we’re creating safe spaces where families can continue to find the critical support they need.
Planning for the Future
Last year, we introduced a new strategic plan to guide us through the next five years. This plan helps us measure progress while giving us the flexibility to respond to community changes. That flexibility is something we learned to value during our last plan, released in the fall of 2019, just months before the world shifted dramatically. The lessons of the past few years have taught us to stay both creative and adaptable.
Although federal funding remains uncertain, we’re taking destiny into our own hands. We're determined to make progress toward our mission, no matter what.
Focused on the Reality of Our Community
Even in times of uncertainty, families can count on Any Baby Can to stand beside them. We actively listen to the voices of those most directly impacted by our services. Here are some of the ways we stay connected to what families need most:
- Annual family survey: Strong response rates give us valuable insights into what is working well and what needs to improve.
- Parent Advisory Committee: A group of current and former families who provide advice on our services, outreach and messaging.
- Dedicated staff: Our team works directly in homes and has a deep understanding of the realities families face.
- Board of Directors: Leaders who bring lived experience and professional expertise to guide our strategic direction.
Partnerships for Greater Reach and Impact
We have taken intentional steps to go deeper into our communities and steward resources wisely. Recently, Any Baby Can became an official Family Resource Center, a designation recognized at both the state and national level. The National Family Support Network describes family resource centers as welcoming hubs designed to strengthen families. This designation affirms the work we have been doing for years and expands our ability to reach more parents and children.
We have also taken on more leadership roles and partnerships. The Ready Families Collaborative has helped us expand our reach by connecting us with families who receive complementary services at other organizations. In addition, we’re honored to have received the Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support (HOPES) grant from Texas Health and Human Services. Serving as the lead organization for HOPES in Central Texas allows us to use our voice and resources to partner with other nonprofits. Together, we can create a stronger safety net for families across our region.
An Unwavering Commitment
It’s been said that you can’t climb a smooth mountain. We know this journey is challenging, but we’re climbing together and supporting each other along the way. We refuse to be discouraged or weary. Instead, we continue to find new and creative ways to move forward and support the families who need us most.
Our success is not measured only in dollars but in outcomes. Healthy birth weights, higher immunization rates, and families who share how their lives have been transformed—these are the markers of lasting, generational change. We’re proud of our time-tested results, and we’re committed to building on them for generations to come.
Join Us
We can’t do this work alone. We need partners and supporters who believe in brighter futures for families. Community support helps us consistently meet needs while waiting on state or federal funding decisions. But support is not always financial. Businesses can offer in-kind services, individuals can volunteer, and everyone can help spread the word about the critical work being done.
I invite you to join us. Learn more about how to get involved, or reach out to me directly. One great way to connect is by attending Any Baby Can’s upcoming Big Hearts, Bright Futures luncheon. There you’ll hear directly from staff and families whose lives have been impacted.
Together, we can build a foundation of hope that lifts families today and strengthens our community for tomorrow.
Share:
Share:
Share:
RELATED LINKS
Mission and Impact
We focus on a whole-family approach to creating stability and addressing well-being.
Strategic Plan 2024-2029
Our plan is focused on team cohesion, internal systems, advocacy, and community engagement.
Support Our Work
Be a part of our impact by volunteering, donating or coming to an event.
THANKS TO OUR MISSION PARTNERS
Investments from our supporters create long-term benefits for thousands of families across Central Texas. Join us in building a community where all families and children thrive.
