End of Fiscal Year Wrap-Up & Reflections from the Executive Director
As we come to the close of another fiscal year, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the shared journey we’ve taken over the past twelve months. At Karis, our work is rooted in the power of hope, healing, and human connection — and this year has been a vivid testament to all three.
Serving as Executive Director remains one of the greatest honors of my life. Each day, I witness the quiet courage of individuals choosing to heal, the steady hands of our staff supporting that process, and the generosity of spirit from people like you — our community of donors, volunteers, advocates, and friends. Together, we’ve created a home that’s more than just a place to stay. It’s a place of restoration and rediscovery.
What We've Accomplished
This year, Karis not only held steady — we grew, and we thrived.
We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goals for both Colorado Gives Day and our 49 Years of Hope & Healing Spring Fundraiser, two key events that help sustain and expand the work we do. Your support didn’t just meet needs — it created breathing room, supporting improvements to our space and our services to better meet the needs of our Community.
We also celebrated a truly remarkable milestone: 100% staff retention across our full-time and part-time teams. In a field where burnout is all too common, this speaks volumes about the culture of care, mutual respect, and shared mission that defines our organization.
Perhaps most meaningfully, we maintained a steady census of Community Members at Karis and watched the occupancy at Stepping Stone Cottage grow. This consistent rhythm tells us we are providing something essential — an environment where individuals feel safe, seen, and supported in their own time and way.
Lessons from the Past Year
This past year has been marked by continued progress and a deepening awareness of the landscape we’re navigating.
The ongoing mental health crisis affecting so many continues to bring both urgency and clarity to our work. We’ve witnessed the impact that under-supported mental health can have — not just on individuals but on families, systems, and the fabric of entire communities.
We also encountered the complexities that come with walking alongside individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness. Amid some unexpected transitions, we were reminded of the importance of flexibility, consistency, and deep compassion in the face of fluctuating symptoms and evolving needs.
These moments have reinforced our commitment to providing thoughtful, trauma-informed care rooted in dignity and choice. Healing is rarely linear — but with the right support and space, it is possible.
Looking Ahead
As we step into a new fiscal year this July, our vision is one of deeper integration — of practices, people, and purpose.
We’re excited to incorporate more integrative approaches into our program, with a particular emphasis on the role of nutrition in mental health and the broader importance of whole-person wellness. This means paying attention not only to psychiatric support but also to how food, movement, rest, and emotional safety contribute to stability and growth. We’re exploring partnerships and tools that will help our Community Members develop sustainable, empowering approaches to managing symptoms and building life skills.
We are also focusing on fostering a greater sense of connection across the full spectrum of Karis — our current Community Members, the residents at Stepping Stone Cottage, and our growing network of alums. We envision a program where those pieces are not separate chapters but part of a continuous, connected journey. Whether someone is just arriving at Karis, preparing to transition into more independent living, or reflecting on their experience as an Alum, they remain part of the Karis community in meaningful ways
Thank You
To our Board of Directors: Thank you for your forward-thinking leadership and the thoughtful wisdom shared in each conversation.
To our staff: Your hearts are on full display every day. Your steadfastness, patience, and presence are nothing short of sacred.
To our volunteers and donors: Your generosity is more than just resources — it’s love in action. You show up again and again, and it matters more than words can say.
And to our Community Members — those living at Karis today, those who have journeyed through Stepping Stone Cottage, and those building beautiful lives beyond our walls: Thank you for trusting us. Your strength is humbling. Your vulnerability is powerful. Your stories are the foundation of this home we’ve built together.
A Final Thought
Closing a fiscal year gives us the chance to pause — not just to tally achievements but to honor the quieter triumphs, the resilience, and the relationships that make this work matter.
We move forward with open hearts, clear intentions, and a deep belief in the potential that lives inside each person we serve. Thank you for being part of this mission and this community.
Here’s to another year of healing, growth, and walking alongside one another!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Annie Wharton
Executive Director
Karis Community