Casa Youth Shelter Executive Director Luciann Maulhardt to retire

The following is the text of a letter from Casa Youth Shelter Executive Director Luciann Maulhardt.

Dear Casa Youth Shelter Friend:

Goodbye.
On July 1, 2012, Casa Youth Shelter will begin a new fiscal year and with it, a fresh new chapter in our history. And so will I, as I retire from my position as Executive Director after 25 wonderful years.

And Hello.
Twenty-five years ago when I first walked through the doors of Casa Youth Shelter for a volunteer porject with the Junior League of Long Beach, I knew that a commitment to Casa Youth Shelter on any level would be no small promise. Though I step down as Executive Director on July 1, I am still bound by passion and promise. I will be serving as Director Emeritus and will be joining the Casa Youth Shelter Board of Directors. In my capacity as a Board member, I will oversee Casa Youth Shelter’s 34th Anniversary Commander’s Ball to be held Saturday, September 29, 2012. And equally important, I will continue to serve you, our faithful supporters, so that Casa Youth Shelter can in turn continue to serve our mission to provide a safe haven for homeless and runaway youth.

Looking back on over two decades of achievement at the shelter, I am grateful to the shelter’s enthusiastic supporters, all of whom have contributed to Casa Youth Shelter’s preeminence as a provider of excellent shelter care and service for youth in crisis. Every year, just when I think nothing could surprise me after 25 years, there is always something special which makes me wonder how one fortunate Shelter could have so many partners who are one in a million. This past year, for example, when our shelter was in danger of being damaged by rain, Orange County United Way and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County came to the rescue with vital roof repairs. Their joint venture, Build United, also provided much needed bathroom refurbishment, something that gave our residents a sense of dignity and pride, two things oftentimes lacking during a very difficult period in their young lives. It is always exciting to welcome such new donors into our Casa Youth Shelter family, and it is especially heartwarming to embrace our longstanding supporters who through the years have provided strong and dependable shoulders to lean on.

I am amazed at my good fortune to have worked for the best Board of Directors that any Executive Director could possibly dream of. And am overwhelmed by the love and support received from the caring staff, interns and volunteers. Most importantly, I have been profoundly and positively affected by the tens of thousands of youth who have been nurtured and cared for at Casa Youth Shelter. It will be my pleasure to introduce the incoming Executive Director to all of these joys.

Thank you for what I know will be your continuing support of Casa Youth Shelter.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Luciann