By Karen Zandi, Mary Cariola President and CEO
November is traditionally a month to give thanks as we gather with family and friends. It is also an opportunity to express my appreciation to our staff, students, residents, their families and to you and the entire Cariola community. I am grateful that 75 years ago Mary Cariola founded our agency. Think about it, she stated her mission in 1949 and it still resonates with us today.
Thanksgiving and our 75th Anniversary! It’s a great combination and a time to reflect on our past as we move forward to impact our future. We’ve had so many wonderful 75th Anniversary celebrations this year with our Eat, Drink & Be Mary event, we had the 16th annual Walking on Sunshine fundraiser, classroom parties and bulletin board competitions, dances for our residents and of course, we were thrilled when about 200 agency friends joined us and celebrated at our Party Like it’s 1949 event to wrap up our anniversary year.
Aside from the obvious over-arching theme of 75 years of serving our community, there is a common thread throughout. The connection to all our celebrations and the work we do on a daily basis is our staff. Without the dedicated Cariola team, past and present, 75 years would have been impossible. I often say that we need to take care of the people who take care of our students, residents and their families and I appreciate all they do.
We frequently hear from families, expressing their deep appreciation for every effort our staff makes for their children, youth and young adults. It is heartwarming to hear these stories and I know Mary would be proud as one of the things she always said to staff was “take care of my kids.”
To our staff in school, residences, and administration, thank you for all you do to care and educate those we serve. Thanks to our donors and friends of Cariola, each of you have a direct impact on the agency in all we do and the services we provide.
Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for a great 75 years.
