Cook grateful as he passes baton to new HCS leader

Dear neighbors — This week, I retire as executive director of HCS Family Services. It wouldn’t, however, be right to leave without sharing my deep thanks with our good-hearted community. Even in these days of social distancing, you’ve come together to make an impact right here in our own backyard. You’ve found many important ways to support local hunger relief. You’ve volunteered, made financial donations and organized food drives for our two food pantries. Please know that we couldn’t have responded to the surging demand at our food pantries without your generous support.

During my time at HCS Family Services, my eyes have been opened to the acute, yet often hidden, needs in our own community. At the very same time, I’ve been inspired to see so many partners step forward to help our hungry neighbors. I’m proud to live in such a compassionate, caring place.

Leading a chapter of HCS Family Service’s proud 80+ year history has been an honor for me. I now wish our new executive director, Amy Wickstrom, all the best as she writes the next chapter alongside our special staff, volunteers and community partners. I will always carry with me a great love of this organization and passion for their cause. I will never forget all the generous friends and partners that I’ve met along the way. — Stan Cook, departing executive director, HCS Family Services