“You matter more than you know to the children, families, and communities you serve.”

This time of year has its own rhythm for my children (ages 9 and 7) and me. In the fall, we enter a season of gratitude. In the winter, a season of kindness, and as the new year begins, we move into a season of reflection. This year, we are participating in an “adopt a family” initiative. For my children, the act of picking out a pair of shoes for a three-year-old boy in our community helped bring the meaning of both seasons of kindness and gratitude to life.

As a parent, I could not be more thankful that my children have a place where they are seen, safe, positively engaged, and truly feel like they belong. That place is their after school and summer learning program. I want you to know that you are a critical support for the families you serve, and all of us at CAN are deeply grateful for you. You are the reason we show up to do this work every day.  

We often share that “love is a research-based approach.” You create the very conditions proven to promote long-term success in life for the children and youth you serve. In this season of kindness, we want to acknowledge that the work you do, day in and day out, is what love and kindness look like in action. 

This winter, I hope you will offer yourself that same kindness. I wish you joy, community, rest, and space for self-care. I am also asking the same of our team at CAN. Beginning December 15th, we will shift into a period of reflection and end-of-year wrap-up and will not be scheduling external meetings. To support the CAN team’s wellness, we will also be closed for the winter break from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026. 

As the year comes to an end, I hope you will care for yourself and reflect on the impact you make every day, in all the ways big and small, seen and unseen. You matter more than you know to the children, families, and communities you serve. 

With love,

Jeff Davis
Executive Director
California AfterSchool Network