Thank you, Dear Karen – wayne centrone

As the Executive Director of Health Bridges International (HBI), I’ve come to embrace the notion that change is not only inevitable but can also serve as a powerful catalyst for growth. Every day, as I step out the door, I am reminded that life is constantly in flux. A short walk down the street from our house in Portland, past three historic cemeteries, offers a daily meditation on the passage of time and transformation.

With their timeless presence, these cemeteries hold stories of lives once lived and memories that continue to inspire. One of them has even found new life, doubling as an off-leash dog park where I often walk and run with our standard poodle, Rio. The joyful energy of the dogs contrasts sharply with the silent, reflective beauty of the benches and gravestones—a reminder that even in places of mourning, there is room for renewal and play.

Every time I pass the bench engraved with the profound message, “All things will change, and get better,” I am struck by the optimism that can only come from true resilience. This inscribed truth feels particularly poignant today as it echoes the transition we face at HBI. We are bidding farewell to a pillar of our community, Karen Falkenstein, who has been a treasured member of our team for nearly twenty years. Karen’s departure as the Director of Operations fills us with a deep sense of loss, as her contributions have touched countless lives through her unwavering dedication and infectious passion for our mission.

Karen’s legacy is interwoven into the fabric of HBI. She has been so much more than a colleague—she was a force of compassion and innovation. Under her influence, our programs flourished, and her spirit will forever remain a guiding light in our halls. While we grieve her leaving, we also celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for her and the organization. As I watch the dogs scamper freely in the park—a subtle yet stunning representation of change—I feel a bittersweet echo of our journey: a blend of sorrow for what once was and hope for what lies ahead.

In embracing this transition, I invite you to reflect on how change touches every facet of our lives. It shapes our communities, organizations, and even the places we consider sacred. Though today we part ways with a dear friend and colleague, the spirit of transformation inspires us to continue our work with renewed vigor and openness to the opportunities that change invariably brings.

At HBI, we remain committed to bridging healthcare and community support gaps, even amid change. We are focused on crafting a future that honors our past, cherishes the present, and eagerly anticipates the promise of tomorrow. To Karen, thank you for all you have given us, and I wish you the brightest chapters ahead. To our community, we say: All things will change and get better—and together, we will rise to meet that promise.