January 2024 Foundation Update
Since 1981, The Blanche Fischer Foundation has provided over 1.5 million dollars in grants to Oregonian’s with permanent physical disabilities. Incredible blessings have been bestowed throughout the years stewarding Blanche Fischer's original intention to assist people with permanent physical disabilities and lead independent and productive lives.
After forty three years, we’ve reached a point where it’s time to re-envision the organization. As we prepare to move further into 2024, we reflect on this past year. 2023 held many transitions for the Foundation, many we are still sorting through. In August, our long-time office administrator, Sheila, had a need to leave the organization due to growing physical illness. Unfinished business struck deep into our organizational structure. In December, Angie, our bookkeeper with years of service, realized she too needed to transition, and hand over the reins to meet pressing life and work obligations. Both of these individuals have been the backbone of stewarding the foundation for many years. We intend to make them proud as we take our commitment to the next level. We at the Foundation wish them both the best on their future journeys.
In October, the Board of Directors chose to upgrade the only paid position in the organization from an Office Administrator to an Executive Director level. There was a strong need identified for leadership, focus, reorganization, and team building. Kristin Fay Venus, co-founder and grassroots leader of a successful non profit serving the disadvantaged in Eugene Oregon, was hired to be the Foundation’s Executive Director. With Kristin’s leadership we are working towards building to new heights from our roots and reinvigorating the Foundation.
Going forward into 2024, our review will entail all aspects which contribute to the continued growth and operations of the Blanche Fischer Foundation. We will make relevant changes and improvements to expand the reach in serving the mission of our founder. We are actively recruiting new board members, as we seek fresh energy, new and relevant perspectives, and to expand the skill and abilities within the Foundation. With a rapidly changing economy, our non profit designation will be carefully considered as we have a desire to raise funds to augment our asset portfolio. Expertise in financial portfolio review and revisioning will help us consider how to maximize return on investments in an uncertain market. Organizational governance and operational updates to meet current needs is critical for future stability. We have much work ahead.
2024 is about rebuilding the organization inspired by the original intentions of our founder, Blanche Fischer. She lived her elder years in Lincoln City and was instrumental in the acquisition of the Lincoln City Driftwood Library. The Foundation owns a quarry in Lincoln City. We recently met with the City Manager of Lincoln City who is excited to support the changes and growth ahead for the Foundation. She invited us to plan a trip this Summer to visit Lincoln City and the library which hosts much of Blanche’s art and artifacts from her home as well as tour the Cedar Creek - Fischer rock quarry. We will be revisiting our roots and infusing inspiration into the future of the foundation.
We look ahead to the many aspects of revisioning and rejuvenating the Foundation in 2024 - all in service to increasing our capacity to serve a community to which Blanche dedicated herself to 43 years ago, Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities.
In dedication,
Blanche Fischer Foundation family
Since 1981, The Blanche Fischer Foundation has provided over 1.5 million dollars in grants to Oregonian’s with permanent physical disabilities. Incredible blessings have been bestowed throughout the years stewarding Blanche Fischer's original intention to assist people with permanent physical disabilities and lead independent and productive lives.
After forty three years, we’ve reached a point where it’s time to re-envision the organization. As we prepare to move further into 2024, we reflect on this past year. 2023 held many transitions for the Foundation, many we are still sorting through. In August, our long-time office administrator, Sheila, had a need to leave the organization due to growing physical illness. Unfinished business struck deep into our organizational structure. In December, Angie, our bookkeeper with years of service, realized she too needed to transition, and hand over the reins to meet pressing life and work obligations. Both of these individuals have been the backbone of stewarding the foundation for many years. We intend to make them proud as we take our commitment to the next level. We at the Foundation wish them both the best on their future journeys.
In October, the Board of Directors chose to upgrade the only paid position in the organization from an Office Administrator to an Executive Director level. There was a strong need identified for leadership, focus, reorganization, and team building. Kristin Fay Venus, co-founder and grassroots leader of a successful non profit serving the disadvantaged in Eugene Oregon, was hired to be the Foundation’s Executive Director. With Kristin’s leadership we are working towards building to new heights from our roots and reinvigorating the Foundation.
Going forward into 2024, our review will entail all aspects which contribute to the continued growth and operations of the Blanche Fischer Foundation. We will make relevant changes and improvements to expand the reach in serving the mission of our founder. We are actively recruiting new board members, as we seek fresh energy, new and relevant perspectives, and to expand the skill and abilities within the Foundation. With a rapidly changing economy, our non profit designation will be carefully considered as we have a desire to raise funds to augment our asset portfolio. Expertise in financial portfolio review and revisioning will help us consider how to maximize return on investments in an uncertain market. Organizational governance and operational updates to meet current needs is critical for future stability. We have much work ahead.
2024 is about rebuilding the organization inspired by the original intentions of our founder, Blanche Fischer. She lived her elder years in Lincoln City and was instrumental in the acquisition of the Lincoln City Driftwood Library. The Foundation owns a quarry in Lincoln City. We recently met with the City Manager of Lincoln City who is excited to support the changes and growth ahead for the Foundation. She invited us to plan a trip this Summer to visit Lincoln City and the library which hosts much of Blanche’s art and artifacts from her home as well as tour the Cedar Creek - Fischer rock quarry. We will be revisiting our roots and infusing inspiration into the future of the foundation.
We look ahead to the many aspects of revisioning and rejuvenating the Foundation in 2024 - all in service to increasing our capacity to serve a community to which Blanche dedicated herself to 43 years ago, Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities.
In dedication,
Blanche Fischer Foundation family
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