Dear Casa Chirilagua Family,

 

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21

 

I and the other co-founders of Casa Chirilagua read this passage over and over from our apartment in Chirilagua in 2007. Then we watched God do much more than we could have ever imagined…

 

Since then, we’ve witnessed the building of new relationships, the development of new programs, the establishment of partnerships and the opening of a community center in the heart of the Chirilagua neighborhood. Thanks to your help, Casa is a thriving and fully sustainable non profit organization.

 

From Casa’s inception, one of our long-term goals was to build something that would last, to not only function without its founders but flourish beyond their departure. We believe we have arrived at the completion of this goal. As such, through much prayer and reflection, I have discerned it is my time to pass the baton to the next executive director of Casa Chirilagua and will be stepping down from my position on June 28.

 

For a number of years our board and staffing team have been working to build a solid organizational foundation for Casa’s future. We are confident this structure and intentionality will enable the next leader–with the participation of the community–to take Casa farther and lead the organization beyond all that has already been accomplished.

 

The board of directors has initiated a director search to review both external and internal applications. Please join me in trusting the board to make this leadership selection in favor of the community and the organization, and pray for them through the process. In the event the board has not made a final selection by June 28, Adriana Gomez Schellhaas, our programs director, will be named the interim executive director.

 

Together, we have built a strong, healthy, and flourishing organization with a stellar staffing team and local leaders who are rising through the ranks. I am excited about helping my successor succeed in his or her new role. In submission to the leadership of the board of directors of Casa Chirilagua, as far as it depends on me, I will ensure this transition is carried out as seamlessly as possible. I love Casa. This neighborhood is still my home. I look forward to continuing to be a neighbor who is active in our city, supporting Casa and the families who make it so amazing.

 

Casa Chirilagua is a community movement founded in the love of God, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. What an honor to be a part of a fantastic team and an incredible community.

 

Words cannot express my gratitude for the love I have received and all I have learned from my Chirilagua neighbors and the Casa family. The past twelve years have been more than I could have ever imagined. I look forward to watching even greater things happen as we build on this foundation together and continue the journey of “learning together to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

 

Exceedingly Grateful,

Dawnielle Miller

Executive Director & Co-Founder