Dear friends & neighbors,

We hosted our second annual Be the God storytelling event April 18, and this one was extra special because it was also Goodman's 70th birthday party. We celebrated the wonderful work the center has been doing for the last seven decades, and even more importantly, we celebrated the people who have made that work possible: volunteers, donors, staff and community members.

We heard from Peter and David Vogel, a family who has been supporting our center for as long as it's existed (That's right! David was a member of the Kiwanis Club that helped open the Atwood Community Center back in 1954.) Becky Steinhoff took the stage, and we all know the unbelievable impact she had on Goodman's growth in the 30 years she led the organization. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for her dedication and vision.

Edith Hilliard — former staff member, current volunteer and participant, and all-around Madison icon — shared a beautiful story about cake and how it has created community at Goodman. And OG Goodman staffer Arthur Morgan looked back on the 30+ years he's spent getting to know youth through his work at the center, including his current role as Family Advocacy Manager.

Each story shared wisdom and love, and I left the evening feeling inspired and invigorated. If you were there, I hope you did too!

Here's to 70 more years of strengthening lives and securing futures while building community in Madison!

Warmly,

Letesha Nelson, President & Executive Director

P.S. If you have the capacity, I hope you'll consider making a gift in honor of Goodman's 70th birthday. $7, $70 or $700 – any amount will go a long way in supporting our work!