Last week, I had the pleasure of looking out into a sold out crowd at one of our events and seeing so many faces… and while I always love the familiar ones, what excited me most were all of the new ones, especially the young ones.
Every organization has moments that define its future. There are moments when we pause, look at where we’ve been, and ask how we can best serve the mission entrusted to us. At Vitae Foundation, we have always believed that our work must be both deeply rooted, but also forward moving. We are rooted in our founding community and the warriors for life who gave us our start, while also moving boldly toward new ways to reach the hearts and minds of the next generation.
The balance of honoring the past while preparing for what comes next isn’t always easy, but it is essential. As you read this letter, our team is preparing to take another look at our strategic plan. This meaningful moment will provide space for us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and to look ahead for opportunities for renewal and change.
Over the past several years, we have seen extraordinary shifts in the landscape of pro-life work. The needs of women are changing. The ways people consume information are changing. The strategies that once worked beautifully sometimes need to be reimagined so we can continue to reach people effectively. And as we have listened, learned, and evaluated, one truth has become clear: staying mission-focused means being innovative and flexible.
That’s why we’ve been taking a thoughtful look at our events, programs, and outreach efforts, as part of our strategic plan. Each one has played a meaningful role in building the Vitae community. Many have become beloved traditions with opportunities to gather, celebrate, and invest in the mission together.
As we plan for the future, we are committed to ensuring that every event we host, every dollar we spend, and every hour we invest is aligned with the impact we want to make. That means asking hard questions. It means evaluating what is bearing the most fruit. And sometimes, it means making decisions that reflect both where we have been, but also where we are going.
In the coming months, you may notice some of the fruits of our time together during this intentional planning time. We’re refining how we gather, how we engage, and how we invite people into the mission. Some of our longstanding activities will take on new shapes or new purposes as we focus our energy on the opportunities that promise the greatest impact. These shifts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that everything we do is intentional, mission driven, and poised for the future so we can change more hearts and minds.
We know that many of our traditions hold a special place in your hearts. They hold a special place in ours, too. They’ve brought joy, connection, and generosity to this mission for many years. And while some of the ways we come together may evolve, the spirit behind those gatherings, the fellowship, the purpose, and the shared commitment, remains as strong as ever.
As we step into this next chapter, we are excited about what is ahead. We are exploring new ways to engage our supporters with methods that reflect the evolving needs of our communities and the innovative direction of our research-based approach. We are imagining opportunities that bring people together in fresh, meaningful ways. We are looking at possibilities that will allow us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue leading the way in pro-life communication strategies.
Most importantly, we are doing all of this with you in mind. Your generosity, your trust, and your belief in this mission are what make our work possible. You have walked with us through seasons of growth before, and each time, your support has propelled us to new heights. We have no doubt that this moment will be no different.
Change is a sign of a thriving and united organization. It means we are moving, learning, and striving to do better. And at Vitae Foundation, we are committed to doing better every single day for the people we serve, for the mothers, fathers, and babies, and for the culture we are working to transform. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for embracing this season of growth with the same courage and hope that have always defined the Vitae Foundation family. Together, we will continue to move forward boldly, faithfully, and with hearts open to the good that change can bring. Thank you for being a part of it!
Left to right: Carl Landwehr, Ruth Ann Schnieders, Debbie Stokes, and Brandy Meeks at the Jeffferson City event planning meeting