The people we serve, their families, our staff, and the community are important to us. As we continue to evolve as an organization, we must always embrace our clients’ voices, first and foremost, to enhance quality care and unmatched services. Whether it is sharing our expertise in education and prevention, providing substance use treatment, or assisting with training and professional development for partnering organizations, our ultimate goal is to promote the well-being of every person who seeks our services. We want clients to choose us because we are their best option.

However, we would be remiss if we did not mention the difficult challenges that lie ahead. As we work to achieve our strategic goals over the next five years, we are faced with much uncertainty, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing, impacting everyone at all levels and will continue to impact our future work. This only means we will need to continue to be innovative: innovate how we provide services, innovate how we incorporate technology, and innovate how we better leverage our resources.

To rise above these challenges and continue to serve our community, we must not forget our amazing team. To be the best option for our clients, we must continue to invest in our dedicated and talented staff who come to work every day with a servant’s heart and practice our values of integrity, excellence, courage, hope, and diversity. It is through their passion and commitment, engaging clients and their families every day, that we will successfully achieve our strategic goals in these next five years.

We must work together as a community to strengthen our relationships and build our partnerships. The phrase, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” especially applies to an advancing city that desires to reach its fullest potential. Working together can maximize resources that promote ingenuity and innovation, but, on a larger scale, can provide a more powerful voice representing the border region as it applies to long-term initiatives that impact policy and create positive change.

Thank you, everyone, for your service and your commitment to our shared mission and vision.