Letter: A fond farewell to Mount Hope Farm

Posted 11/28/16

It has been just over 4-½ years since I became the executive director at Mount Hope Farm . I am still awestruck each time I come up the drive, or see a baby goat come into the world. I still …

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Letter: A fond farewell to Mount Hope Farm

Posted

It has been just over 4-½ years since I became the executive director at Mount Hope Farm. I am still awestruck each time I come up the drive, or see a baby goat come into the world. I still celebrate the warmth and community that greets me when I open the Barn door and enter into our Winter Farmers Market; and my eyes still well up when a child tells me that Mount Hope Farm is their favorite place in the world. 

On Friday night, we will host our Annual Holiday Gathering in the Barn. This will be my last official event as the farm’s executive director. Farewells are never easy, but my departure is tempered by the knowledge that we’re on the right track and that the work can and will continue without me.

I have accepted a senior position at The Institute for Mindful Leadership, working with leaders from around the globe on strategies to meet and overcome the challenges and pace of today’s world. Heady stuff, but heck, I am prepared. After all, for four-plus years I have had some of the greatest teachers on the planet. It would take a page (or two or 10!) to name them all, but there are a few I’ll call out here.

To Joe Brito, whose drive and dedication to the farm carried all of us forward, up and over mountains we thought we’d never climb — Thank you.

To Gina Macdonald, who stepped into Joe’s big shoes as board president, and — equal parts friend and mentor — made me a better leader and a better person — Thank you.

To Arnold Gonsalves, who reminded me daily that hard work, compassion, humility and love are all alive and well in this world —Thank you.

To my little goat, Tink, who reminded me that if you believe hard enough, love soft enough and just refuse to give in, miracles happen — I love you, Tinker!

Mount Hope Farm has had her share of struggles, but she has found her way back. I was lucky enough to be a small part of that turnaround, but it is all of you who love her who will continue to honor her past and ensure her future.

My thanks to each one of you who hung in long enough to see it all get better. My love and encouragement to all the children I have had the privilege to serve, to play with and to learn from … You are our future and my heart feels peaceful knowing that. 

My thanks to the Mount Hope Farm Board of Trustees, who trusted me to lead with creativity, integrity and passion. And to the amazing team of staff who each do the job of 10 people and yet still find time to laugh and enjoy it — I am so very proud to have served you.

I will not be going far and will remain close enough to listen, advise and cheer for the next generation of leadership. I guess I’d feel badly if you didn’t miss me a little, but don’t let it be more than a passing thought. I have savored every bump in the road, sweated and celebrated each new partner and program, and tried my best to leave it better than I found it. 

Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be a small part of what’s sure to be just the beginning of something big. Mount Hope Farm — long may she reign.

Jennifer A. Bristol
Mount Hope Farm

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