An Open Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends &  Supporters, 

I’m writing to you today with a heavy heart. 

As I told the staff of North Shore Senior Center on Monday, I have personally struggled to find the right words to respond to the tragic killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protest movement that has spread throughout our country. But such moments do require words because silence is often just as loud.

Let me begin with the most important thing that I can say: The unjustified killings of George Floyd and countless others within communities of color are unconscionable. 

The Center is a community organization. As such, we are nothing if not a reflection of the people we serve, the people who work here, and the people who support us. Right now, part of our community is in profound pain. I want you to know that we are here for you. 

As they have with so many organizations, the past week’s events have us asking hard questions at the Center: How can we support one another? How can we seek to understand? How can we be a better version of the organization than we are today?

This self-reflection is exhausting and the difficult work is only just beginning. We will not pretend that we have all the answers. But here is the last thing I can definitively say: North Shore Senior Center is dedicated to doing the work required to ensure that every part of our community thrives. We will share this purpose, embrace diversity and take responsibility. 

On behalf of the Center, I wish every person in our community the strength required to grieve, process, and reflect in the weeks ahead.

Tish Rudnicki, MSW

Executive Director