Dear CFLS Family:

It is truly an honor and privilege to be the Executive Director of Community Family Life Services (CFLS). Since its founding by members of First Trinity Lutheran Church thirty seven years ago,  CFLS has served the needs of individuals and families who find themselves homeless or living in poverty at any given point in the District of Columbia.  CFLS provides not only transitional and permanent housing, but also essential social services such as food, clothing, emergency assistance, substance abuse counseling, employment and training, and youth development activities.  With the  commitment of a   talented board, a dedicated staff, energetic volunteers, generous donors, and funding from the federal and District of Columbia governments, CFLS serves over 200 people each day. 

 Our goal over the next year is to bring together a dynamic group of leaders who will work with us to create opportunities for individuals and  families in transition through Partners in Prosperity.  We embark upon this program with excitement and a clear vision for the future.  I am asking for your personal involvement and support, because we believe that you care about and want the same things that we do: a strong, thriving economy - able to offer a variety of employment opportunities offering a livable wage; an educated workforce - supported through an effective system that builds skills through learning experiences; affordable housing - to ensure that those who live and work in our community can find suitable place to reside ; and  secure, crime-free neighborhoods that encourage active participation and  involvement in building a safe community.

CFLS - efforts have remained steadfast. We also know that without others joining in our effort, we will not see change in this community.  For the next year, I plan to work closely with the most innovative leaders of the community to create and implement workable strategies that can build on our 37-year old track record of model programs to create Partners in Prosperity.  For those of you who have supported CFLS with your time, talent and treasure, I sincerely thank you.  For those who are new to CFLS, I invite you to take your place in CFLS legacy of service and support.

Welcome home. You are the blessing!

Claudia Thorne