Letter from Stephanie

The time has come for me to transition out of the role of Executive Director at Full Circle of Lake County. It has been an incredible period in my life and an experience that I will always cherish. I joined the organization in 2017 as part of Full Circle’s first ever leadership transition. We as an organization have grown in significant ways, with some accomplishments that will forever stick with me. A few achievements that I am most proud of include the purchasing of our first ever home for Full Circle with a major renovation to convert a brewery into a community center; launching of a family & immigrant resource center with an incredible staff connecting folks to necessary resources to survive and thrive; and co-leading a collaborative crisis relief effort through COVID that helped keep over 1000 community members housed and connected, with over $800,000 dollars fundraised and distributed, and national recognition for our eviction prevention efforts. I have learned and grown so much during my time with Full Circle, and will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to lead an incredible team of community leaders who dedicate themselves to making Lake County a more inclusive and incredible place to call home. I love this community and will continue to be involved and advocate for our neighbors who don’t have the privilege or platforms to have their voices heard, and continue to push each of us with power to use it for good. It is also the privilege of a lifetime to work closely with on incoming CEO, Eudelia Contreras. Eudelia represents everything that Full Circle values, and it has already been a fun month of onboarding her, and I will continue to support her after my June transition from behind the scenes. I have great confidence that her leadership will deeply benefit the organization and community, and she will take Full Circle to new heights. Thanks to each and every one of you who have made my time at Full Circle so impactful.