Not Leaving the Same “Kevin”
Back in 2002, I never would have expected that this experiment - idealistic college students attempting to authentically live out our faith to the best of our understanding at that time - would eventually develop into a 21+ year organization with deep ties to the neighbors in the Garnet & Maple neighborhood. Solidarity is all I have known professionally as an adult, and has been a place that shaped my character, my faith, professional skills, and my perspective on life. I am incredibly grateful for all the staff & friends I have met in the past two decades, the founding ED (Tommy Nixon) who entrusted me to lead for five years, my board that helped me navigate difficult times, the faithful church partners, the countless volunteers, the selfless donors, & the hundreds of neighbors who are are making our communities and the city a better place to live.
Solidarity’s original Leadership Advisory Board (2002)One of the greatest gifts that I have received in this time with Solidarity, is the relationships that I have made over the years. I cannot help but to feel a silly grin come across my face when I think back to the early years forming Solidarity, the young students who are now parents, business owners, and leaders within the community/city, and the partners I worked with throughout all different sectors here in Fullerton. I hope that the relationships I have made are life-long ones, and the work we all did together continues to be fruitful long after my time comes to a close.
- Christmas caroling with the Garnet elementary students (2004) -I would like to believe that the “Kevin“ leaving Solidarity is not the same as the young, green, attention starved Kevin that helped found Solidarity. I really think that my growth and self-awareness has occured because of you all. You have been so patient and kind to me, you have helped me navigate mistakes, shown grace when I have offended, and intentionally chose to support and cheer me on. My growth is due, in part, to the relationships I have made through Solidarity, and for that I am so grateful, probably even more than I can even comprehend as I write this letter.
Solidarity has been, and will remain, a relationally driven organization where dignity and love inform what Solidarity does to help our neighbors overcome barriers and truly flourish. I leave feeling proud that this has driven us over the years. Having a deep friendship and working relationships with the new Interim Executive Director, Tim Anderson, for nearly 25 years, I deeply believe that he and the staff will continue to elevate neighbors, uplift dignifying programing, and amplify the voices of the neighbors that will help transform the communities. I trust his character and cultural competency to help lead Solidarity in this next season.
Thank you to you all for being with me on this journey.
With much gratitude,
Kev
