“Being with you all confirms my faith in goodness, in the power of loving.” Myrna Quan Holden, Strategic Planning Facilitator

In February 2023, CERI embarked on a transformative journey to create a new strategic plan—one that honors the past 18 years while preparing us for a vibrant future.

Over the last 18 months, we held 16 all-day sessions, each deeply rooted in reflection and dialogue. Together, we examined where we’ve been, who we are now, and where we want to go. Our discussions focused on what to preserve, what to change, and how to keep the heart and soul of CERI alive as we move forward.

We were fortunate to be supported and directed by the remarkable Myrna Quan Holden, Ph.D. (Social/Clinical Psychology), whose dedication to CERI has been unwavering. As a founding supporter and former Board Chair (2006–2014), Myrna was instrumental in establishing CERI’s infrastructure and mental health programs. With over 30 years of clinical and organizational expertise, Myrna graciously agreed to facilitate this strategic process pro bono, bringing with her an unmatched depth of knowledge, compassion, and leadership. Her wisdom and guidance have been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for her ongoing support.

In August 2024, we held a staff retreat to bring all of our work together. When 37 coworkers can spend three days and three nights together, it signifies a strength of friendship that transcends the workplace. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Pacifica became our sanctuary for CERI’s retreat. The gentle sound of rolling waves calmed us while whales played in the distance, spouting and breaching. Each day began with stunning sunrises that illuminated the sky, awakening our spirits as the enticing aromas of Nepali tea, Burmese noodles, and Afghan tomato egg beckoned us to the kitchen.

As we gathered to work and dove even deeper into our strategic planning process, we discovered not just collaboration but profound connections, weaving our ideas together in an atmosphere filled with shared moments that nourished our minds and souls. As we mapped out CERI's future, a shared vision began to take shape—clear and deeply empowering. Each of us, as individuals and as a collective, felt the weight and importance of our roles in fulfilling CERI’s mission.

Evenings transformed into a symphony of laughter, music, and camaraderie as we cooked together, creating wonderful meals and cherished memories. As the sun dipped below the ocean horizon, we embraced and reflected on the beauty of our time together, cemented by the warmth of friendship and the joy of bonding in this incredible space, filled with gratitude.

With the retreat now a step behind us, we’ll be devoting the coming months to weaving together all that we’ve achieved. We eagerly anticipate the moment when we can share the insights gained from this journey with you.

In closing, we share a glimpse of Myrna’s reflections on the planning process:

“It has been a gift to me to work with you all at CERI, to witness, and to be involved in this precious gift of the capacity to love and the work of it, the loving you give to this community and to the wider world, and which returns to you by your being loved is why CERI is precious. You are CERI.

Let us keep dear and close our capacity to love, our capacity to work on loving. Cherish this essential ember, this essence of spirit.”