2020 started as a time of excitement. In January, we began the New Year with a long-awaited strategic planning session. Prior to the session, interviews were conducted with individuals who regularly interact with NPEF and those who do not know us well, bringing to the forefront insights on the impact of our mission across the community. It introduced meaningful discussions about where we are and where we hope to go and provided a roadmap to the future vision of ourselves.

In late January, we were invited to partner with Monument Health to provide CVSI Free Children’s Vision Screenings for Monument’s first Health Summit at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. This allowed NPEF to expand its CVSI Free Children’s Vision Screening outreach to rural families who we are delighted to serve.

Then in February the coronavirus pandemic became a new term in our vocabulary, and 2020 pivoted drastically to a year of unexpected changes and unanticipated challenges – interruptions, safety concerns, increased critical needs, financial instability, to name a few. But also, innovation and inspiration.