Laura C. for Georgians for a Healthy Future
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Georgians for a Healthy FutureFor the energy & rest needed to build a healthy, equitable Georgia for all of us
$1,295
raised by 17 people
$1,000 goal
Back at GHF following my summer sabbatical!
I rested from Memorial Day to July 4, 2022--a 5-week sabbatical. What a joy that time was! I was able to travel to see loved ones and go on a Grand Canyon adventure with my husband. I slept better than I have in years!
And I came back to work on July 5th enthusiastic about jumping back into the advocacy marathon required to build a state where all Georgians have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health.
This fall has been a whirlwind of activity as GHF pushes for more access to mental health and addiction recovery health services; urges and supports state leaders to adequately prepare for one of the biggest health insurance disruptions in more than a decade; and advocates for laws that embed health care as a human right for all Georgians.
The pace of our work has not slowed and the need for our work grows every day. I am only able to keep up because this organization said yes when I asked to rest.
I am so proud of GHF for that compassion--a compassion that shows up in our work every day.
Earlier this year, I took a 5-week sabbatical from my role as Executive Director at GHF. I also celebrated my 8-year work anniversary. In recognition of 8 incredible years and in support of an organization that makes the time and space needed for their employees to rest, I am asking my family, friends, and peers to donate to GHF!
Please give $80 as a one-time gift or commit to being a monthly donor at $8! (Or pick your favorite multiple of 8 if you're nerdy like that.)
I came to GHF in 2014. The Affordable Care Act was in its first few years and Georgians were gaining coverage in numbers never seen before. Our work to monitor and improve how the federal law is implemented in Georgia was enthusiastically embraced by Georgians and community leaders. Our work wasn't easy but it was joyful and we had the wind at our backs.
In 2017, just as Congress was in the throws of an attempted repeal of the ACA, I stepped into the Executive Director role. I didn't know then that this would be the most challenging and exciting job I've ever had. I have the distinct privilege to be a voice for the Georgia that we deserve--where health care is a human right, everyone lives in a community that supports their health, and each of us has the resources we need to reach our highest level of health.
I stand alongside an incredibly dedicated team of advocates and a deep network of partner groups. Together, we work directly with Georgians and their families to support their advocacy, their story telling, and their leadership for a healthier Georgia.
Earlier this year, GHF was among a coalition of advocacy groups and Georgians in recovery to pass the Georgia Mental Health Parity Act--one of the most meaningful laws I have been a part of to date.
Even among the excitement and celebration of this incredible accomplishment, it was hard for me to fully enjoy it. I already knew that I was more than a little tired after 4 years of rebuilding an organization and leading our team through a few difficult and uncertain years. My exhaustion confirmed it for me: I needed to rest. I love this work and I want to be a part of it for the long haul but every marathon runner needs rest days.
I am lucky to lead an organization that practices its values every day. When I asked GHF's Board of Directors for a short sabbatical, they immediately agreed. They recognized that in order to have a healthy, sustainable organization, we must build in ways for our team to rest and rejuvenate.
In recognition of my 8th work anniversary and in celebration of an organization that is giving me the space to rest so I can run even farther, I have committed to personally giving $800 to GHF and fundraising an additional $1000 this year. Will you give today?
Donations can be made on this fundraising page, or directly at healthyfuturega.org/donate. If you wish to donate by check, please it make out to "Georgians for a Healthy Future" and mail to Attn: Laura Colbert, Georgians for a Healthy Future, 50 Hurt Plaza SE, Atlanta, GA 30303.
THANK YOU!