Diane Cowles, Honorable Board Advisor for Helping Link, shares outcomes and goals from gathering of leaders.

 

On Seafair Weekend in early August, within a pocket of quietness at Helping Link’s new hub’s meeting facility, a dedicated group of Helping Link staff, Board Members and volunteers met for a Strategic Planning Retreat. Under the expert guidance of Amadeo Cruz Guiao of Lunas Consulting, the two-day session was an opportunity to look forward by reflecting on our history and mission. With a new location in Renton and the chances therein for reaching and helping the Vietnamese population located in Seattle and regionwide, the retreat was a timely revisioning exercise.

The group achieved its goal of assessment and the development of strategic priorities for the next three years. Helping Link’s new home in Renton was a key point and catalyst for what can be achieved. Some ideas put forth include:

•Connections and relationship with community leaders
•Expansion of services
•Diversification of funding
•Program transformation
•Addressing societal issues that adversely affect Vietnamese families

Such lofty goals require a dose of reality for finances and achievable steps. A whole day was spent examining chunks of priorities through do-able terms. In the coming months, more achievable work on priorities will continue through sub-committees and individuals as assigned.

In wrapping up, the retreat participants were content with the plans and goals set forth for Helping Link’s future success.