To Our Ignite Community

 

To Our Ignite Community,

Every day young people seek safety, support, shelter and a sense of family with us. Each one is unique, beautiful and deserving of all of the opportunities our country has to offer. They are the rich fabric of who Ignite is, whom we celebrate, and what gives meaning to our staff and community of stakeholders each day. And, they each have names.

We are broken and devastated today because it pains us to imagine that their names could be added to this list: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Laquan McDonald. All who unjustly and wrongly had their lives taken away from them because of racism, because they are Black. We know there are so many more, too many whose lives and souls are now forever connected to moments of violence and racist behavior..

Our nation, city, staff, youth and community are in deep pain. We see the inequities and civil rights violations experienced in our Black and Brown communities. We see the disinvestment and systems designed to further disparities. We see the violent and inhumane treatment. And we know to be silent would be wrong. We have a responsibility to speak up and be part of the change that corrects the inequity, racism and unjust experiences that destroy families, take lives and shatter our community. And while many need to rest their hearts and minds right now, know that you are not alone.

In partnership with you and others who share our vision, Ignite will be a part of the solution. As a community of supporters we ask you to join us as we:

  • Work to change systems that have been designed to perpetuate inequalities and disparities in Black and Brown communities and families.

  • Listen to, learn from and take action with people of color.

  • Use our platform to end disparities that affect health, economic advancement, education, housing, safety, and human rights.

  • Remain committed to ensuring all youth have the same opportunities, regardless of race or ethnicity, to create a future with promise.

What’s brought us here together at Ignite is the shared belief that we all want to be an active part of change. That change begins with each one of us. The Ignite Community has faced difficult times before - feeling pulled in and unsure. It did not overtake us. We were able to rise out of it and prevent others from being pulled in. It’s the inspired, soulful part of who we are - what Ignite is all about.

Thank you for giving all you do to care for our youth, especially during this difficult time. For those who need space, time and support, we will be there for you, keep a watch and speak up as we are called to do.

We stand in solidarity with our youth, staff, community, and stakeholders and affirm that #BlackLivesMatter.

In solidarity and love,

Isaac Stanley, Jeri Linas & Stephanie Piccirilli

Isaac Stanley
Chairperson of the Board

Jeri Linas
CEO

Stephanie Piccirilli
SVP and Incoming CEO

ERP Team