As we step into a brand-new year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on our hopes and dreams for the months ahead. At Sierra Community House, our team is inspired by the opportunity to continue serving the North Tahoe/Truckee community and to grow together in meaningful ways. Here are heartfelt wishes from two of our dedicated team members as we look forward to 2025:
Karin Paris’s New Year’s Wish
“My New Year’s wish for Sierra Community House is that even more people in our community come to know who we are, and the incredible work being done here to make our community healthier, stronger, and more connected. I hope our mission and impact continue to grow, touching the lives of those who need it most and inspiring others to join in creating positive change.
Personally, my New Year’s wish is to find even more ways to foster meaningful connections—both professionally and personally. I hope to embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to making our community a place where everyone feels supported and valued.”
— Karin Paris, Human Resources Manager
Shannon Falker’s New Year’s Wish
“My personal New Year’s wish is to be more present in my everyday life and enjoy the small moments with my children while they are still young. My hope for Sierra Community House in 2025 is that we continue to have a meaningful impact across our services and find new ways to raise awareness and understanding of our mission with community members who are not familiar with our work.”
— Shannon Falker, Communications Director
Virginia Kantz’s New Year’s Wish
“My New Years wish for Sierra Community House this year is that our work will promote justice, equality, freedom from fear, and the opportunity for joy in our community. My New Years wish for myself is to pause often and take time to experience the joy and gratitude I feel for family, friends, meaningful work, and our beautiful community.”
— Virginia Kantz, Controller
Mayra Islas’s New Year’s Wish
“My personal goal is to be more creative. I have a couple books I’ve been meaning to write, more pressing a multi-generational cookbook. I want to showcase my grandmothers’ recipes especially for my generation of siblings and cousins who are forgetting how to cook and are losing traditions. For work, I want to get out of my desk and office more. I want to attend more outreach events and meet clients and community members in the field. Be a more active member in the community.”
— Mayra Islas, Advocacy Integration Manager
Looking Ahead Together
As an organization, Sierra Community House is committed to fostering a healthier, more connected community in 2025. We strive to:
- Expand awareness of our programs and services, ensuring no one in our community feels unsupported or unheard.
- Build stronger partnerships and connections with individuals and organizations who share our vision for a thriving community.
- Continue growing and adapting to meet the needs of North Tahoe/Truckee residents.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether through volunteering, spreading the word about our work, or simply connecting with us to learn more, every action contributes to a stronger, more vibrant community.
Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and meaningful impact. From all of us at Sierra Community House, Happy New Year!
