Welcome to Lena’s Look-In, a monthly edition featuring Vista’s CEO Lena Wilson; offering her expertise, insight, and personal experience on issues that impact the families and children we serve...
Here’s a bold but true statement. Women and their leadership forged Vista into the progressive and dynamic agency it is today. While it’s true women comprise 73% of the workforce in most nonprofits, only 21% are in leadership roles. Compare those numbers to Vista Del Mar where women in leadership positions represent eight out of…
As I reflect on a month of celebrating black history, and teaching what these achievements mean to the children of Vista Del Mar, I am left with these thoughts. When you share black history with students and residents who have faced challenges, and represent a minority you are teaching that excellence can be achieved…
When describing the role of a mentor, “supportive” is a word many would choose but ask an at-risk youth and you might get another answer – lifesaver. January is National Mentor Month where we recognize those who have helped us become who we are today. From professional achievements to wellness, we have all been impacted…
Like the snow coming down in my native Michigan the holiday spirit is swirling about and for some of us that’s a great thing, and for others not as much. Although our opinion of the holiday season may vary, one constant is that this time of year for a foster youth can be a difficult…
Every November we celebrate National Adoption Month by asking how we can best support both the biological and adoptive families in this life-changing process. This month I would like to share my insights on openness in adoption, a practice that I believe has a tremendous healing impact for both families. Openness in adoption is a…
Driving through Vista’s beautiful and vibrant campus each morning, I am reminded of just how important a positive surrounding is for one’s mindset. This is especially the case for our residents, many of whom come from chaotic environments and are here because of difficult life circumstances. Knowing this, I am heartened that these children have…
As a parent of two, it was not long ago that I can recall the deep sense of relief that came with receiving a text from my daughters that they were home safe from school. In today’s landscape, the concept of school safety has changed dramatically. Active shooter drills are routine and entering onto a…
It’s that time of year again. You know? School supplies, new teachers, new schedules… Okay, if I’m stressing you out just by mentioning those things then know this- you are not alone. I can’t help but think back to those mornings with my two daughters. As a working mom, I vividly recall the series of…
Welcome to Lena’s Look-In, a monthly edition featuring Vista’s CEO Lena Wilson; offering her expertise, insight, and personal experience on issues that impact the families and children we serve...
Here’s a bold but true statement. Women and their leadership forged Vista into the progressive and dynamic agency it is today. While it’s true women comprise 73% of the workforce in most nonprofits, only 21% are in leadership roles. Compare those numbers to Vista Del Mar where women in leadership positions represent eight out of…
As I reflect on a month of celebrating black history, and teaching what these achievements mean to the children of Vista Del Mar, I am left with these thoughts. When you share black history with students and residents who have faced challenges, and represent a minority you are teaching that excellence can be achieved…
When describing the role of a mentor, “supportive” is a word many would choose but ask an at-risk youth and you might get another answer – lifesaver. January is National Mentor Month where we recognize those who have helped us become who we are today. From professional achievements to wellness, we have all been impacted…
Like the snow coming down in my native Michigan the holiday spirit is swirling about and for some of us that’s a great thing, and for others not as much. Although our opinion of the holiday season may vary, one constant is that this time of year for a foster youth can be a difficult…
Every November we celebrate National Adoption Month by asking how we can best support both the biological and adoptive families in this life-changing process. This month I would like to share my insights on openness in adoption, a practice that I believe has a tremendous healing impact for both families. Openness in adoption is a…
Driving through Vista’s beautiful and vibrant campus each morning, I am reminded of just how important a positive surrounding is for one’s mindset. This is especially the case for our residents, many of whom come from chaotic environments and are here because of difficult life circumstances. Knowing this, I am heartened that these children have…
As a parent of two, it was not long ago that I can recall the deep sense of relief that came with receiving a text from my daughters that they were home safe from school. In today’s landscape, the concept of school safety has changed dramatically. Active shooter drills are routine and entering onto a…
It’s that time of year again. You know? School supplies, new teachers, new schedules… Okay, if I’m stressing you out just by mentioning those things then know this- you are not alone. I can’t help but think back to those mornings with my two daughters. As a working mom, I vividly recall the series of…