National WIC Association

A Final Message from Rev. Douglas Greenaway, NWA President & CEO

January 7, 2022

Dear WIC Friends,

These are the last words I will share with you as your President & CEO. 

Some of us are fortunate to have a vocation. Most of us have an avocation. But when the two become one, we are most blessed to discover our life’s calling.

Serving this community and the mothers, babies, young children, and their families who participate in WIC has for the past thirty-one years been my calling. Perhaps you too have discovered that your time in WIC has become your calling. 

Many of us are motivated by these words: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.

To these I would add, for I suffered racism and you stood up and said enough.

Whatever it is that motivates you to offer your gifts and talents to the families you serve, I applaud you for your witness to public health and to social justice. Whether you realize it or not, you are agents of love, and when you give generously of yourselves, you are changing lives in indescribable ways and passing on love that will, in turn, be shared and passed on by others. 

Stay vigilant, my sisters and brothers. Stand as living, enduring witnesses to the contributions of WIC, to the power of your love, and to their extraordinary life transformations. As you labor in the vineyard, may you know, as I have known, the peace that passes all understanding. What more can any of us ask for? 

I am grateful for the love you have generously poured out on me. Thanks to the gifted members of the thirty-one boards and countless committees and task forces I have partnered with. I am beyond grateful to my sisters and brothers in the National Indian & Native American WIC Coalition and the many ways you have changed my life. 

I leave you in the extraordinarily capable hands of your amazing NWA National Office Team – Cecilia, Georgia, Brian, Darlena, Noora, Chandra, Kay, Emily, Briana, Karin, Whitney, Chris, Christina, Brittany, Maureen, and Stacy. I am extremely proud of them, and I have every confidence that they will do everything in their power to help you assure WIC’s continued success. I know that they’ve got your backs!  

Yours in love and with Blessings,

Rev. Douglas A. Greenaway

President & CEO