Dear LIFTers,
This time last year, as we were gearing up for LIFT’s 25th anniversary, we embarked on what seemed like a wild idea: launching #LIFT25for25. What began as an exciting challenge quickly grew bigger than we imagined. Coordinating across four regions, engaging with our national program and policy teams, and bringing in veterans required more planning than I could have ever imagined. But looking back, it was absolutely worth it.
When we first started planning, I recognized the scale of the challenge ahead, but I was also excited about the prospect of creating a campaign that would not only span the timeline of LIFT’s history but also its scope. We wanted to share insights from key donors, program partners, board members, and LIFT’s founders and leaders—all while keeping the voices and experiences of our LIFT members front and center. Thanks to the incredible effort from the entire LIFT team, we did just that, sharing some truly inspiring stories that highlighted the transformative power of Hope, Money, and Love.
As a relative newcomer to LIFT, this campaign offered me a deep dive into the essence of our organization. I got to see firsthand the lives we impact, the partnerships we build, and the rich history that shapes our work. This journey has deepened my appreciation for the work we do and the amazing people who make it all possible.
Some of my favorite stories from the past year include Stephanie, a dance teacher who found renewed hope and stability through LIFT-Chicago; the journey of three of LIFT’s founders, Brian Kreiter, Billy Rahm, and Marne Obernauer, Jr.,who transformed youthful ambition into a nationwide movement; Samantha’s journey from teaching to social work to LIFT Coach to LIFT program staff; an interview with new Board Co-Chairs Will Darman and Emilio Diez Barroso on expanding LIFT’s impact and reach; and Dominga’s entrepreneurial success through LIFT-LA’s support.
I am immensely proud of this campaign and grateful to everyone who helped showcase LIFT’s evolution — from our leaders reflecting on our history and how LIFT can unlock uncharted potential, to our members and staff highlighting the success of our two-generational approach to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the entire LIFT community coming together to celebrate our vision for the future.
As we wrap up summer and head into a new fiscal year, I’m excited to share that we’ll be building on the momentum of our communications effort by expanding our reach and sharing even more LIFT stories. This year, we’re launching the Hope, Money, Love campaign to spotlight core tenets of LIFT’s mission and how we’re leading the fight to transform lives and systems at scale.
Together, as we write, share, and tell these stories, we amplify LIFT’s mission and presence and become an integral part of the transformative change that LIFT is creating. I hope you’ll continue to join us on this journey in making a difference in the lives of families.
With love and gratitude,
Abigail Shirley
Communications Coordinator, LIFT