Dear John,

I am thrilled to share with you CLASP’s 2020-2021 Impact Report! As friends, supporters, and partners of our work, you will be encouraged to see the highlights of the important progress we’ve accomplished in this last year – at a time of devastating hardship yet strong public response and deep on-the-ground engagement. The achievements highlighted in this report would not be possible without your unwavering support, and we are incredibly grateful.

Before you dig into the report, I encourage you to take a moment to look forward with me. At a time of such turmoil, we are nonetheless on the cusp of an extraordinary moment of transformation and progress, should Congress pass the reconciliation legislation being considered just as I write this. Consider what it will mean to achieve this groundbreaking legislation for workers, children and families, immigrants, people with low incomes, and communities of color. All of this comes on the heels of new census data (out just this week) that shows the undeniable success of federal programs in reducing poverty during one of the most challenging times in our nation's history.

If this bill passes in the coming weeks, it stands to create the most consequential legislation for people with low incomes in decades. The legislation, which reflects issues that CLASP has worked on throughout our history, and with partners in the field and on the Hill, addresses the most urgent needs of children, individuals, and families. Based on language we are just seeing this week, the legislation likely creates the first-ever permanent national policy for paid family and medical leave; dramatically improves families' access to affordable, quality child care and to pre-k programs; extends refundable tax credits that are sharply reducing child poverty, especially among children of color; and potentially includes major initiatives to create jobs for young and excluded workers, promote mental health, and create a pathway to citizenship. 

The proposed legislation centers those most impacted by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and historical racism. With your help, we will continue our deep involvement throughout the development, enactment, and implementation of this legislation. The extraordinary impact on people’s lives would make it a hugely significant victory, and I hope you feel proud of all we have achieved, together.

The efforts of the past year have been building to this moment. We look forward to continuing CLASP's efforts to enact transformative policies with equity at the forefront, while maintaining our unwavering commitment to centering people of color with lived experiences in our policy, advocacy, and partnership efforts. While you are flipping through this report, please do so with a forward-looking lens. Know that the figures presented in this report -- while impressive -- are just the beginning and our momentum is continuing.

We are grateful for another strong year, especially as we continue to wade through the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties it brings. Thank you again for your continued dedication to CLASP, and, on a personal note - thank you for your kind words upon the announcement of my decision to step down as CLASP’s Executive Director in early 2022. I have been so grateful for your support over the years – and I am so excited to join the ranks of CLASP alumni and know the organization will continue to advance a powerful vision for people with low incomes and communities of color.

If you have any questions about the report or how you can more deeply support our mission, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Yours,

Olivia Golden