Each year, the Mission Society’s students, parents, and educators reaffirm that there is unyielding hope and possibility around every corner. With creativity, dedication, and heart, they pen the stories of a better tomorrow, and show us the brighter futures we can build together.

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That is why, when we set out to reflect on the last twelve months, our first thoughts were of the lessons we learned from the individuals that make our work possible.

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From our students, we learned resiliency, watching as they developed new literacy and critical thinking skills, thrived in unique internships, and sparked important advocacy and service projects in their communities during a challenging time. Our educators taught us innovation, while they worked around the clock to adapt our programs to a virtual environment and shape exciting, new opportunities for young people across our city.

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And unforgettably, when families were met with unprecedented hardship, they showed us the true meaning of compassion. Hundreds of individuals across New York came together to share vital resources with those who needed them most, and with their ongoing efforts, we hope no one will be left behind.

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Though we are fortunate to have accomplished so much in 2020, we also faced unimaginable heartbreak. It would be easy to look back and feel discouraged and overwhelmed, but instead we choose to join our community in turning our grief into a powerful force of change.

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The Mission Society is shaped by people who lead with courage, perform simple acts of kindness, and face challenges with unrelenting hope, and we are grateful for these lessons and their example as we enter a new year. Thank you for bringing your own creativity, dedication, and heart to our work, and for teaching us about who we are and who we can be every day.

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With this in mind, we are excited to share the impact we’ve achieved together last year, and to see what new stories we write together in the days ahead.