10/09/2026
30 Years. Countless Lives Touched. One Extraordinary ATOU Family!
Some celebrations are about milestones. Others are about memories. And sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations remind us of the PEOPLE who made it all possible.
On Saturday, October 3rd, A Touch of Understanding brought together generations of volunteers, Board members, staff, and friends for a very special 30th Anniversary Volunteer Gathering.
And what a remarkable celebration it was!
There were familiar faces, heartfelt reunions, wonderful stories, plenty of laughter, and opportunities to reconnect with people who hadn't seen one another in years. It was a beautiful reminder that while time moves forward, the connections we make through service can last a lifetime.
Throughout the gathering, we reflected on the journey that brought us here:
💙 Our founder, Leslie DeDora, shared memories of ATOU's beginnings and the vision that started it all.
💙 Executive Director Meghan Adamski reflected on how our mission has come full circle, continuing to touch lives in ways we could never have imagined 30 years ago.
💙 Mia Johnson, one of our newest interns, shared her inspiring story of experiencing an ATOU workshop as a 10-year-old student and how that experience created a ripple effect that eventually brought her back to ATOU.
💙 Susie shared memories of Youth Force and the lasting impact of that special part of ATOU's history.
One especially meaningful moment was the presentation of the Ed Ennis Award to longtime Board member Mike Wilson, who served as President of our Board of Directors for an extraordinary 20 years. Presented by Leslie and Meghan, this recognition honored Mike's remarkable dedication, leadership, and years of service to ATOU.
Another touching part of our celebration was the ATOU Memory Wall, honoring treasured volunteers, friends, and supporters who are no longer with us. Their contributions, friendships, and belief in our mission remain woven into the fabric of ATOU. Though they could not be with us in person, they will always be part of our story.
As we looked around the room, we were reminded that ATOU's story has never been about one person or one generation. It has been written by hundreds of caring individuals who believed that understanding, empathy, and inclusion could change lives.
Thirty years later, that belief continues to bring us together.
To everyone who has been part of our journey, whether for a few months or three decades, THANK YOU. You are part of our history, our heart, and our future.
As we celebrate 30 years of A Touch of Understanding, one thing becomes beautifully clear: Our greatest legacy isn't measured only by the number of workshops we've presented or the students we've reached. It's reflected in the friendships we've built, the lives we've touched, the volunteers who have given so much of themselves, and the next generation inspired to carry our mission forward.
Thirty years of memories. Thirty years of friendships. Thirty years of making a difference...TOGETHER!
