by PPL's Executive Director, Steve
Cramer
August marked PPL’s
one year anniversary in our new Service Center. The transition
was remarkably smooth, and the facility is all we hoped for and
more. Major construction of PPL’s new Emma B. Howe Learning
Center also began in August. By next spring hundreds of people
will find resources at the Learning Center to improve their future
economic and education prospects.
These buildings are
important physical manifestations of PPL’ s work. They offer
a location for people in search of assistance to find it, and
a space for our staff and volunteers to do their work. But as
important as these buildings are, and as hard as PPL works to
make them attractive and inviting places, what’s really
crucial is the spirit found inside their walls. That spirit is
embodied by two recent events, one planned and the other spontaneous.
In recent weeks we have launched a staff led process called “Commitment
and Connection to Mission,” or “C2M” for short.
C2M will enhance the quality of our work and programs in support
of PPL’ s mission of service to the community. The effort
is aimed at sustaining an environment at PPL where we have a chance
to do our best work by being accountable to and supportive of
one another every day.
The support we share for one another came into clear focus recently
when long-time receptionist Zee Collaso faced a sudden family
crisis. Within a matter of hours, staff, Board and other supporters
had rallied to raise the resources necessary for Zee to address
her difficult situation. She wants all who helped out to know
how grateful she and her family are for the support she received
from her “other family” here at PPL
So we are proud of the four walls that now exist at 11th and Franklin
– the Service Center – and that will soon be in place
at Chicago and Franklin -– the Learning Center. But what’s
really special is what exists inside. Please stop by anytime!
Sincerely,
Steve Cramer
Executive Director |
