January 2024 – Sharon’s Shorts

Happy 2024! A new year equates to a new calendar to fill with opportunities for growth, learning, travel, and joy. For me, there is something exhilarating about looking at all those blank dates and dreaming about all the things I can add to them. Personally, I already have a few things added to my calendar which will make my heart sing: my annual trip to Kansas City with my adult son to watch the Big 12 women’s basketball tournament, my daughter graduating from Iowa State University, and a long, awaited, rescheduled anniversary trip with my husband which includes beaches and oceans. What about you? What is on your calendar that you are looking forward to?

The Prevent Child Abuse Iowa calendar is also starting to fill up with great trainings, outreach events, fundraising events, and so much more. One event is highlighted in this newsletter, the annual Child Abuse Prevention conference. I am so appreciative of all the hard work the conference planning committee and staff have devoted to making sure this is the best conference yet! I hear the draft conference agenda may possibly be out by the end of the month. We are excited that Desi and Vanessa are going to be our opening and closing keynotes. I hope you will join us.

Finally, I recently had a coffee with a prevention partner. She asked me if I made a New Year’s resolution. I don’t, but I do try to have a different mantra that transcends both my personal and professional life. This year my mantra is health, joy, and purpose. It will help me remember to take care of my personal well-being, take joy derived from the meaningful work we do at PCA Iowa, and a sense of purpose when working with partners, volunteers, families, donors, and the Board of Directors. I will keep you informed on how I am doing in the future. Let me know your resolution and/or mantra. I would love to hear from you!

With deepest gratitude,