Dear Stakeholders, Supporters, and Friends,
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Executive Director, John Friedel. John died unexpectedly from a cardiac event at the age of 60 on July 30, 2023, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by all those whose lives he touched. On behalf of The Baltimore Station, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
John was an exemplary leader, mentor, and driving force behind The Baltimore Station’s mission. His unwavering dedication to helping veterans struggling with homelessness and substance abuse issues has transformed countless lives. Since joining the organization in 2015, he worked tirelessly to create a supportive environment, where individuals could rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose – fully helping homeless veterans turn their lives around.
As we come to terms with this unexpected loss, we want to assure all supporters and friends of the organization that The Baltimore Station remains resolute in its commitment to fulfilling our mission. John’s passion and vision have laid a strong foundation, and we will honor his memory by continuing his important work.
For those with questions and concerns regarding the organization’s future, we want to begin to address them here:
- Leadership Continuity: In light of John’s passing, The Baltimore Station’s Board of Directors has appointed Deputy Director Kim Callari as Interim Executive Director
- Mission Continuation: The Baltimore Station’s mission remains at the core of everything we do. While we mourn the loss of our dear leader, we are determined to continue providing essential services and support to our veterans. We will stand by our – and John’s — commitment to helping them overcome adversity and achieve lasting change in their lives.
- Program and Service Continuity: Our programs and services will continue without interruption. Our dedicated staff and volunteers will work diligently to maintain the quality and effectiveness of our initiatives, just as John would have wanted.
- Transparent Communication: We understand the importance of open communication with our stakeholders. We will keep you informed about any developments regarding leadership changes, organizational plans, and initiatives as they unfold.
John Friedel’s legacy will live on in the lives of the veterans he touched and in the continued efforts of The Baltimore Station. We ask for your understanding, support, and patience during this period of transition. Together, we can ensure that John’s vision and passion remain alive in the work we do.
Thank you for being a part of The Baltimore Station’s journey. We are grateful for your ongoing support. Our hearts and prayers are with John’s family and friends as they process this tremendous loss, and we ask for privacy for his family in the coming days and weeks as we all take our next steps forward. A Celebration of Life will take place at a much later date. We will share that information on our website and social media as soon as it becomes available.
Sincerely,
Danielle Gofstein
President
The Baltimore Station Board of Directors
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