Dear CBA Family and Friends,
At the start of 2020 many declared this would be their best year yet—a year of open vision and clarity—a defining period that would characterize the rest of their lives. Yet, at the close of the first quarter these same many appear to be over 2020; asking for a do over because of the uncertainty, anxiety, and fear which COVID-19 has unleashed; destroying in its wake well-made plans and derailing the strong economic projections we were assured for the immediate future.
As we brace ourselves to continue our sojourn into the unknown of whether schools will re-open this semester, businesses will recover from the required closures, and social distancing and work from home measures will develop permanence beyond recovery from the global pandemic, we are encouraged to stay calm and maintain hope. South Florida is no stranger to disaster and the by-products of resilience and resourcefulness it produces to help us ride out the proverbial storm. In short, there are opportunities that times of adversity present which we must not miss; opportunities to reflect, refocus, and regroup. Difficulties also compel us to consider our humanity, our interdependence, and our responsibility to those among us who are most vulnerable.
While we shelter with our families and collaborate with our colleagues through technological platforms, let us not miss the opportunity to connect with and advocate for those who are less capable of adapting to the new reality of financial instability. Let us help those who need the resources offered by the government’s $2 trillion stimulus to gain access quickly with sound understanding of the requirements.
We don’t have to enter the second quarter of 2020 the same way we closed out the first. We can be less tentative. We should regroup. We should focus on what we know and how we can help. In so doing we will keep hope alive and maintain the degree of momentum we will need to adjust to our new normal. In sum, stay safe, get engaged, and most importantly maintain optimism!
Sincerely,
Tricia-Gaye Cotterell
Tricia-Gaye L. Cotterell
