Hi everyone,

Some of the posters who've been around for years may remember me. I used to be here all the time until Phoenix (your admin) asked me to apply to become the Executive Director. I did, and here I am nearly 2.5 years later, THRILLED with where the organization is going! Let me tell you a bit about what SSN is doing and where we're headed.

1.  We're currently working on an amazing new website, slated for roll-out in March of 2021. The new site will be powerful, friendly to handheld devices, and will be much easier to navigate. We'll have search functions, and a new layout that shows the newest blog posts (which there will be a LOT more of!), the most recent podcast, any new news articles, etc. We'll also have a much stronger SEO, which means that we'll be found and be able to help even more straight partners than ever.

2.  The Open Forum will be integrated with the new website. Which means that the Forum will also be friendly to hand-held devices!

3.  The org now has 19 staff members. Two years ago we had 5. Some of them are just now rolling on and being trained and gaining their footing. We used to be like a busy shop with 3 employees - one doing everything up front, one doing everything in the back, and one doing the books and keeping the lights on. Not anymore though - now we have actual departments and people dedicated to specific tasks. Which means that each person can concentrate on not only keeping their area running smoothly, but also on growth, new ideas, and collaboration with other team members. The team is AMAZING - they are kind, open-minded, respectful and hard-working. They are all straight spouses, and passionate about giving back to the organization that gave them so much.

4. We now have a Director of Research. This is a straight spouse who went looking for stats on how often mixed orientation marriages work, how long healing takes, etc., and found.... nothing. He has a strong background in research and writing peer-reviewed white papers. SSN will be embarking on doing our own ongoing research, which will then be peer-reviewed - hopefully by the American Psychological Association. We want to become the preeminent source of information about and for straight partners. This will allow us to reach even more people - especially the general public, which needs education about the unique journey and needs of straight partners.

5. In the not-so-far future, we hope to begin offering training courses for counselors who want education on how to help straight partners. Then we can list counselors who have this training so our straight partners have more choices for how to get good personal counseling.

The future is limitless! We envision a time where SSN offers virtual workshops and even getaways where straight partners can join together to process, heal and grow (along with having some fun)! We want to pull in more International volunteers to spread our services more fully to the rest of the world. There is so much to do!

YOU can help - in one of several ways:

A) Donate.  Right now we're having our year-end fundraiser through Dec. 31st. This year has been lean for all of us, and giving is consequently down as a result. The needs of straight partners is no less than it ever was though. As a matter of fact, we've had to get create in how we support them since the pandemic has prevented group gatherings. We have virtual meetings via Zoom, which of course is not free. Straight partners are in more crisis than ever from being holed up with their LGBT+ partner, straining their mental capacity to the breaking point. We're doing more than ever with less funds. We could really use the help! (((Donate)))

B) You can apply to become a volunteer Support Contact. We receive over 1,700 support requests a year for individual, personal help. Our Support Contacts are the trained individuals who reach out to support these straight partners in crisis. They listen, they offer compassion and understanding, and walk beside the straight partner in their journey. They are non-judgemental and neutral. They are also able to offer resources that are only available to individuals who have put in a support request and been fully vetted. This includes but is not limited to support group meetings (currently virtual). We keep all information private and confidential.

C) Join our team. Join the Board of Directors or the Staff to make a difference at the administrative level. Are you good with social media and can post some blasts several times a month? We can use you! Do you have prior fundraising or grant writing / management experience? We NEED you! Got a few extra hours per month and a desire to help? Come on over - we'll match your talents and passion to something that can help straight partners.

If you feel that you would benefit from personal, individual support, feel free to put in a support request.

Happy holidays!

Kel