Letter from the President and CEO August 2026
Dear Reader,
As we near the peak of the summer season, I hope you are staying cool in body, mind, and spirit. To me, one of the best qualities of summer is the opportunity to change the pace of things, shifting from the buzz of spring to a quieter, more inwardly-focused season filled with reflection and strategizing. Here at the Institute, that means budgeting, charting out a coming year of programs, and publishing our 2025-2026 Impact Report, which I am pleased to share with you today.
Looking towards fall activities, please be aware that the Institute is currently seeking applications for this year’s Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Faith Community Leadership Cohort. This unique, two year program empowers faith communities to strengthen health programs and healthcare access for their congregations and surrounding communities.
The cohort of nine congregations that began the program last fall has achieved remarkable milestones over the past year. Working from the diverse perspectives of six faith traditions and three languages, the teams have conducted robust needs and capacity assessments, authored custom five-year “FaithHealth Improvement Plans,” and learned that they are uniquely placed to reach neighbors that are disconnected from traditional health systems. Armed with data and new partnerships, these houses of faith are meeting people right where they gather, in their own languages and traditions.
Do you know of a faith community - perhaps your own - that could benefit from the opportunity to join this year’s cohort? Please help us connect with leaders who may be interested in applying. We have a number of info sessions scheduled through the month, and applications are due on Friday, August 28th, so don’t delay! Together, we can help the communities we care for take steps towards enhanced well-being.
May August unfold with peace and grace - I look forward to connecting soon.
Warmly,
Stuart
Stuart C. Nelson
President & CEO
Loise Henderson Wessendorff Chair