A note from Nikki
Friends,
There is no doubt that this year has been one of great challenge. Federal policy changes and budget cuts threatened the progress we have made on a number of important public health and health care efforts. Science and health care research have been undermined from the highest levels. Federal layoffs and the longest government shutdown in history harmed many civil servants who live in our community and threw critical services like SNAP into chaos. Rising costs have squeezed so many working families and forced them to make difficult decisions about paying the rent or mortgage or putting food on the table. Many of our nonprofits faced organizational crises. Immigrant communities have been ripped apart. And attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion made many of us who are committed to anti-racism and ending health disparities wonder if the goals we seek to accomplish are even possible anymore.
And yet, with every new challenge thrown our way, I saw members of this community stepping up – for our families, friends and neighbors. I saw Howard Countians from all backgrounds (both new faces and old) come to the table to join us and other organizations to co-create solutions to the problems we know we have to tackle. I saw our local and state elected officials fight to preserve the services our residents rely on. I saw the philanthropic community come together to figure out how we could collectively respond to the needs of our grantees and our community members.
This spirit of solidarity is one I hope we can all take and commit to in the new year. The challenges we face will remain. It is only by coming together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with one another, that we will rise above them. It is only by working together that we will create a better future. I know we will.
In the coming months, you will hear more about what our grantees and coalitions have been working on and opportunities for you to get involved in advancing housing justice, fighting food insecurity and chronic disease, supporting mental health and promoting birth justice. We will be mobilizing support to advance policy change at the local and state levels, as well as to defend our hard won progress in many of these areas. I hope you will join us and get involved.
Despite the threats we face, the Horizon Foundation remains as committed as ever to our mission: to work side-by-side with community to build power, advocate for policy change and dismantle structural racism to achieve better health for everyone in Howard County and greater Maryland. We will continue to co-create policy solutions that will help all people live abundant and healthy lives.
Thank you again for your support and engagement this year, and I look forward to deepening our work together in 2026. On behalf of all of us at the Horizon Foundation, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy, happy and joyful holiday season.
Best,
Nikki Highsmith Vernick
President & CEO, Horizon Foundation
First (Second) Thursdays – January 8
It’s been another wonderful year of First Thursdays! We love these conversations with community members, and we are excited to continue deepening these relationships and connecting with one another in 2026.
Please note the updated date for January! Due to the New Years Day holiday, our next gathering will take place at the Horizon Foundation’s office on January 8 at 10 a.m. Please join us for breakfast and a guided conversation about key issues on the minds of fellow Howard Countians as we plan for the year ahead. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Gerardo Benavides by January 5.
