Hope In Action

Finding Strength in Small Wins and Purpose When the System Feels Broken

Let’s be honest: leading in the home visiting field right now isn’t for the faint of heart.

You’re navigating budget cuts that threaten the future of programs you’ve poured yourself into. You’re fielding questions from worried staff—some of whom are personally impacted by immigration policy—and trying to provide reassurance you don’t always feel. And then there’s the wider political landscape, where every news alert seems to bring more uncertainty.

It’s a lot. And if no one’s told you recently—you’re doing an incredible job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

But let’s also talk about something that often gets overlooked during these heavy moments: the quiet power of small wins and the unshakable strength that comes from staying connected to your purpose. Because when the system feels broken, that’s where hope lives.

Start Where You Are: Small Wins Matter More Than Ever

When everything around you feels big and out of control, it’s tempting to freeze—or to feel like nothing you do will ever be enough. But in these moments, small wins aren’t just nice—they’re necessary. Maybe it’s a home visitor finding a way to keep a connection with a family going despite transportation barriers. Maybe it’s a team member coming up with a simple form that saves hours each week. Maybe it’s you, taking a deep breath before a tough meeting and choosing to lead with empathy instead of fear.

These things matter. They’re the breadcrumbs that lead us forward when the trail feels lost.

And as a leader, one of your greatest tools is your ability to recognize and lift up these small wins. Name them. Celebrate them. Use them to remind your team that progress is still happening—even if it’s not making headlines.

Your Mission Hasn’t Changed—But How You Hold It Might Need To

Most of us came into this work because we believe deeply in equity, in early connection, in the power of prevention. That hasn’t changed. But in difficult times, the weight of that mission can start to feel impossibly heavy.

Here’s something to consider: You don’t have to carry the entire mission alone.

It’s okay if your version of showing up looks different right now. Maybe your bandwidth is lower. Maybe you’re focusing more on staff well-being than program expansion. That’s not failure—that’s leadership that adapts to what the moment needs.

When we give ourselves and our teams permission to adjust the “how” while staying rooted in the “why,” we make space for sustainability. And in this field, that’s gold.

Let Your Team Be Human—And Let Yourself Be, Too

Political uncertainty, immigration issues, the economy - they all hit people in deeply personal ways. As a leader, you might be the one folks turn to for reassurance—but you’re also human, and these things affect you, too.

One of the most powerful things you can do is to create a space where people can be real. That doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers (spoiler: you won’t). But acknowledging emotions—fear, grief, anger, even numbness—builds trust.

Try having a daily or weekly simple check-in. Make space for people to speak (or not). Remind your team it’s okay to not be okay.

And then—help them remember why they got into this work in the first place.

Because when people feel seen, they can reconnect with their own resilience. And when leaders model that it’s okay to be both hopeful and honest, it gives everyone else permission to do the same.

When the System Feels Broken, Focus on What You’re Building

Let’s name the frustration out loud: Sometimes it feels like you’re pouring your heart into something that you know will be gone in a few years. Maybe your funding is in limbo. Maybe staff are in denial that they could face some serious cuts in the future. Maybe you’ve watched good staff walk away because burnout finally caught up.

None of that is fair. And none of it means your work isn’t making a difference.

Because here’s the truth: You’re building something bigger than the program. You’re building trust with families who’ve been let down before. You’re building a team culture that values empathy over efficiency. You’re building resilience—every time you choose to show up with heart, even when it would be easier to check out.

These things last. They outlive program changes and budget cycles. They ripple out in ways you may never fully see.

Reclaiming Hope Isn’t Naive—It’s Strategic

In times like these, hope can feel like a luxury. But hope—real, grounded hope—is actually a strategy. It’s what helps people keep going. It’s what allows teams to think creatively, support one another, and stay committed when the road is hard.

So, how do we reclaim hope when things feel bleak?

We zoom in. We tell stories. We lift up the quiet successes. We remind one another that one caring relationship can change a life. We build community with our teams and with the families we serve. We choose, again and again, to focus on what is still possible.

And we remember that even on the hardest days, this work is full of moments that matter.

Keep Going. You're Not Alone.

If you’re reading this and feeling weary—you’re not alone. If you’re holding onto your team with one hand and your own mental health with the other—you’re not alone. And if you’re still choosing to show up, to care, to try—you are the kind of leader this field needs.

Your work matters. Your voice matters. And even in the midst of political uncertainty, immigration fear, and funding shifts—you’re making a difference.

So celebrate that next small win. Take a breath. Ask for help. Laugh with your team. Cry if you need to. And most of all, keep going. You’re building something beautiful—and it’s stronger than you think.