We Are the Medicine

Dear Friends,

Outside our team member Ashley’s house in Durham, a cherry blossom tree blooms each spring. Its soft pink petals dance through the air for a few brief weeks—light, fleeting, and full of promise. We’re reminded that renewal is always possible. Spring invites us to begin anew, notice what’s blooming, and imagine what else might be possible.

Last week, Ashley had the gift of attending the Positive Childhood Alliance Summit in Durham—a space filled with heart, brilliance, and vision. One message she brought back to our team stayed with me: “We are the medicine.” Christina Bethell’s words reminded us that healing happens within and between us. Our relationships—especially between children and the adults who care for them—are protective, powerful, and essential.

The summit explored how systems change requires a deep culture of hope. Teachers, providers, and caregivers are not just part of a child’s environment—they are the environment. We cannot transform systems without transforming our relationships with one another and fostering trust, dignity, and care.

Christina Bethell also shared, “We are hopeless without each other.” But we also give each other hope.

I feel renewed in my commitment to building relational care, nurturing family- child connections, and centering joy and belonging in all we do. Joy and justice are braided together. If we want more joyful and connected communities, we must practice joy together, intentionally and often.

To our grantee partners and community collaborators: Thank you for teaching us what’s possible and creating beauty, even in the most challenging seasons. We are honored to walk alongside you.

With gratitude and care,

Kellan