Stepping into 2026, Guided by Legacy

Guest Post – Gabriela  Robles, Chief Executive

As we step into 2026, I’ve been sitting with the tension between hope and reality. Last year was not an easy one to feel hopeful about, and this year may not be either. I keep coming back to the idea that hope, by itself, isn’t enough. Hope must be paired with courage. Given our lived experience at the St. Joseph Fund and the work of the last 40 years, this feels like a time to make some bold decisions.

As SJF turns 40, I’m feeling both forward-looking and reflective. This is a moment to ask ourselves how we have evolved, what pivotal moments have shaped us, and what the next horizon for our work is. We know we’re relevant to the community, but how can we be more relevant now? In 2026, we’ll spend more time in direct conversation with communities, really listening to how they want us to show up. We will seek answers on how to think and act in a bolder, more courageous way.

I believe we’re better positioned now than ever to do that. We have the roots in the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange —  strong-willed, determined, passionate women. We have a board that challenges and supports us strategically. And we have the community, which has always been our “why.” We’re rooted in love, in history, and in a heritage that is very much alive.

Just recently, we gathered with the Sisters. They are deeply supportive of where we’re headed, but they also “know their stuff,” so you cannot sugarcoat things with them. Their experience and honesty bring real value to our discernment.

Sister Suzanne, SJF foundress said she is grateful that we continue to honor the Sisters and reminded me that SJF’s legacy continues because of our leadership as well. That affirmation was both humbling and energizing. It reminded me that we stand on strong shoulders, and that our responsibility now is to take what we’ve learned, go deeper, and stand taller in the service of the dear neighbors in our communities we serve.

My hope for 2026 is not soft or passive. It’s a hope that asks all of us to be brave, to trust the community, and to step into bolder territory guided by love, legacy, and shared experience. This is the time to take on more, to move with intention, and to let our roots give us the confidence to reach for what’s next.