“The more things change, the more they stay the same…”  

Translated from the French phrase “plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.” The phrase is attributed to Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr.  
 

I rejoined Children’s Institute as Interim Executive Director in March of this year, returning after previously serving 8+ years as Director of Finance & Operations. I was struck with the fact that while in the middle of significant changes, Children’s Institute — CI — demonstrates the same values and goals as we have held for over 60 years.

Quoting from a recent grant application: “Since 1957 Children’s Institute has been serving unmet needs of children, educators, and families by applying its practice and research duality model to its offerings. Through rigorous evaluation and research, we demonstrate that our services result in positive outcomes for children and youth, provide effective support for families, and sustain transformative partnerships with educators through evidence-based programs and initiatives.” 

So, what’s new? 

• We’ve moved to 205 Saint Paul Street. This Rochester location demonstrates our commitment to our city and leverages a great building renovation by our landlord Rainaldi & Associates. We had a small open house and received really positive comments on this new space. More open houses to come! 
• We are not alone in needing to respond to funding challenges. Long-term funders are reallocating their spending, and this includes partners and donors. Some of our larger grants are ending, such as the federal Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health) through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and ARPA (of American Rescue Plan Act) funding. Please know that your continued support is needed more than ever. 
• Our partner, COMET Informatics, is also undergoing the challenges of a shift to new technology and organizational structure. More to come on this as the COMET Board works with their leadership on strategy. 
• New programs and offerings. For example, The Rochester Area Parent Program (RAPP) partnered with two new organizations, Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach (SCPO) and Judicial Process Commission (JPC) in an effort to serve and support parents wherever they may be.  These two organizations serve adults re-entering their lives after time connected to the criminal justice system. 
• A search is underway for an Executive Director for CI. The board has engaged Peter Gray Executive Search firm in this task and the process is now underway. Click here for more details. 
   

So, what’s not new? 

• We continue to serve Rochester as well as state-wide and country-wide communities with proven, research-based offerings that support the social and emotional development of all children. Our partnerships are key to the work we do. 
• The culture of CI remains strong with dedicated, welcoming staff. Our folks focus on strength-based, play-centered, inclusive approaches, both internally and externally. For example, we still love our walking meetings, staff potlucks, and food of the season days! 
• CI has a truly committed board of amazing talent. For fiscal year 2025, we celebrate three new board members and four returning after a short hiatus to join our current board of fifteen. Click here for more details. 
   

It’s good to be back – and we are looking forward to overcoming our current challenges with efforts that affirm our values and continue to partner in service to children & families.   

—Terry Hartmann
Interim Executive Director