It is immensely gratifying to look back on the strides that HSC made in 2006 and to look forward to our plans for the future. As Executive Director, I am privileged to work with the leaders in human services in New York City. Their commitment to the common good of the sector and their willingness to support each other is a source of inspiration and has driven our success. 

Our achievement in securing $70 million in cost-of-living adjustments to the salaries of staff in not-for-profit agencies, in promoting procurement reform to help agencies with government funding, and in increasing the sector's readiness to respond to disaster has shown the strength of shared effort for shared goals.

HSC has also made significant organizational progress. We have implemented a new dues structure to assure our financial stability and have increased our revenue from grants and contracts. We have enhanced our visibility and solidified our position as the "go to" people for anyone who wants to work with the human services sector in NYC as a whole.

These achievements and others, guided by our 2004-2007 Strategic Plan, are reflected in our Annual Report. I encourage you to read the details.

HSC owes its success to many people. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with the professional and proficient HSC staff. Our Board is a continual source of talent and support, and its Executive Committee leads with steadfast skill. Our new Chair, Gordon J. Campbell, has already demonstrated the tremendous skill and energy that can guide HSC into a promising future. 

I must make special mention of outgoing Board Chair Alan B. Siskind, Ph.D., who has been so generous with his wisdom and insight. I am profoundly grateful.

By speaking for the human services sector, bringing together its many agencies and coalitions, HSC strengthens the voice of our members and the clients they serve. The most vulnerable of New Yorkers are well served by our commitment to work together to fortify the sector.