Greetings from Anaconda,
Here we are, four days into November, the month so often referred to as the month of gratitude. It is with immense gratitude that I sit down to write this update. I am grateful for the nearly 800 people who work on the AWARE team. I am thankful for the people we serve and their families. I feel lucky that we have dedicated donors who help us fulfill our mission through continued donations, and I welcome and thank all of the new supporters who have contributed this year. Frankly, I am humbled to be the leader of this organization. The people listed above make the work we do possible. Each and every single one of you is a part of our team. Your contributions support our mission of helping people live independent lives. I am thankful for you.
The people who work for AWARE continue to amaze and inspire me. They rise above the challenges we face each day. They are resilient. They are the reason we are on our way to serving more than 5,000 Montanans in 2021 – DESPITE the pandemic! The work our team does day in and day out does not go unnoticed. For that reason, I am excited to do more than say thank you. Our team is critical to our success. Our team is essential to bring our mission to life. On behalf of the AWARE leadership team, it is with great enthusiasm and optimism for the future that I announce significant wage increases at AWARE. We are committed to investing in our workforce as an investment in our future.
In addition to the noted wage increase, we continue to think innovatively to find ways to overcome the workforce crisis and ensure we are maximizing the services offered and people served. Hopefully by now you have seen the appeal we sent out in October. The workforce crisis is compounded by the lack of quality, affordable childcare. We believe we can help our employees, but we need your help. With your support, we can provide employees scholarships to assist with childcare expenses, enabling them to do the important work to fulfill our mission. I urge you to consider making a gift to the AWARE Employee Childcare Scholarship Fund. AWARE is a non-profit organization, and your donation could be tax-deductible. Your gift will help us conquer the workforce crisis.
We have two simple ways for you to make your tax-deductible gift. You may donate online at www.Aware-inc.org/donate or send cash or check directly to AWARE at 205 E. Park Ave, Anaconda, MT 59711. Thank you for considering AWARE in your charitable giving.
Finally, with Veterans Day nearing, I’d like to acknowledge that we are privileged to do the work we do because of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our great country. We have several veterans on the AWARE team. On behalf of all of us at AWARE, thank you for your service. It is our honor to work alongside you to make a difference in the lives of Montanans.
As we move through November, please follow along with the AWARE Facebook page where we will highlight inspiring stories about clients, employees, and supporters for whom we grateful. It is our hope that by reading about these incredible people, you’ll be as inspired as we are.
May the upcoming holidays bring you much joy and happiness.
With much gratitude,
Matt Bugni – AWARE CEO