October 2023: Letter from the Director of Philanthropy

Oct. 12, 2023


The leaves outside are one of nature’s boldest expressions of change. See how the trees are filled with beautiful colors that were not there a month ago and begin to appreciate the greater meaning behind them. It’s a time to reflect on what’s been accomplished in the past year and what changes are still to come.


Like the seasons we experience throughout the year, everything in our organization has its cycles—building of huts, welcoming new clients, transitioning leaders—and all of that sustains us. However, most things in life have a way of showing us when it’s time to maintain the status quo and when it’s time to move on.


With a full heart, we’d like to formally announce that Karissa Moden has stepped down from their role as Director of Community Impact to focus on their family, including baby Remi who was welcomed into the world earlier this summer. The absence of our third Director has been both challenging and informative for Tabitha and me, though it’s given us an opportunity to reflect on how important shared leadership is for the entire organization. We’ll be interviewing candidates for this position later this month and hope to announce a new leader in mid-November.

This leads me to our next announcement—the creation of CSS’s shared mid-level management team. Please join me in celebrating the promotion of Pujita Mayeda to the role of Development Manager and Danyell Rejcek to the role of Community Manager. Pujita has been with CSS since nearly the beginning and Dani since our rapid expansion in 2020; their historical knowledge and fervent commitment to the organization have been immensely helpful as leadership has transitioned over the last year. These two amazing individuals will join Caiti Morrell (Personnel Manager), Dustin Foskett (Facilities Manager), and Mellinda Poor (Navigation Manager) to provide the on-the-ground, day-to-day direction of CSS.


In some ways, CSS is going back to its roots, including the re-engagement of clients as volunteers and the focus on hiring individuals from our Safe Spot Communities. In other ways, we’re continuing to branch out—engaging with the broader community in new and unique ways, partnering with outside organizations, and looking for chances to expand our reach outside of Lane County. We encourage you to follow us on social media as we frequently highlight our activities and outreach efforts there.


Seasons change, and some seasons come back around, but we’re never quite the same as we were the last time through. Saying goodbye to what we know brings new beginnings, uncertainty, joy, and excitement. Thank you for your continued support throughout all of our seasons.


With immense gratitude,


Heather Quaas-Annsa 
Director of Philanthropy

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