The following letter was sent out to our mailing list on October 9. We wanted to make sure our entire network received it, so we are also posting on our blog. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be, please let Mary Kay Townley know at info@newcityneighbors.org.
Dear friend of New City Neighbors,
On behalf of the board and staff of New City Neighbors, I’m writing to inform you that we will be going through a leadership transition at NCN. Alaina Dobkowski, our current Executive Director, will be stepping down at the end of October to seek new opportunities.
Alaina began her work with NCN in 2015 as our first Program Director. Her collaborative style and casting of vision led to the implementation of New City Afterschool. Alaina was subsequently promoted to Executive Director and has served in that capacity for the past two years. Her commitment to our mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential is clear and has been realized through her ability to lead our organization through continued growth. Alaina helped oversee the completion of New City Café, finished a successful Seeds of Growth Campaign, grew our programming through the addition of a High School and Internship Director, Kitchen Manager, and new part-time support staff. Alaina took a servant leader approach to her role, working alongside staff and supporting them in all capacities. Her commitment to anti-racism has helped us take positive steps toward greater empowerment and justice within the organization.
We are so grateful for the gifts God has given Alaina to effectively lead NCN and are excited to see how God continues to use her moving forward. Please pray for Alaina as she works through this process and seeks new opportunities.
As we move forward, we have a Fall Fundraiser Team in place planning a great night for us on November 8, to celebrate what God has done at New City Neighbors and all that is yet to come. Alaina has been focused on helping us make this transition, and will continue to do so over the next couple weeks. We have talented staff, a committed board, incredible youth, and a community of which we are proud and thankful to be a part. Please pray for discernment as we work together to determine this next phase of leadership at NCN.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
In Christ,
Christie Van Dyke, Board President
cvandyk1@gmail.com
