From Mission to Purpose: A Heartfelt Evolution at Encompass 
By Kim Darby, Encompass Board President, and Nela Cumming, Encompass Executive Director

In 2024, the Encompass Board of Directors embarked on a journey—one rooted in reflection, community, and hope for the future. Our goal was to chart a bold and thoughtful course for the next five years. To do this, we formed a strategic planning committee made up of board members and staff leaders. Together, we listened to voices from across our community — families, staff, and partners — and studied data that revealed both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.

This collective effort led to the creation of our new strategic plan: Encompass 2030.

From Mission to Purpose

As part of our planning process, we revisited our mission and vision. We asked ourselves: Are these words still true to who we are? Do they reflect the heart of our work and the needs of our community?

What emerged was a powerful realization. While our mission had served us well, we needed something more immediate. A statement that could live in every interaction, every decision, every child’s story.

So, we made a meaningful shift: from a mission statement to a purpose statement.

Why a Purpose Statement?

Mission statements can sometimes feel abstract or distant. But purpose? Purpose is personal. It’s the heartbeat of an organization. It answers the question: Why does Encompass exist?

Our former mission, “Encompass partners with families to build healthy foundations for children,” has evolved into a clearer purpose: “The purpose of Encompass is to improve the well-being of children by partnering with families and the community.”

What Does “Well-Being” Really Mean?

The word “well-being” may seem simple, but for us, it carries deep meaning. It reflects the whole child: their physical health, emotional resilience, developmental growth, and sense of belonging.

At Encompass, we serve children of all abilities, from birth through elementary school. Whether we’re providing early support, pediatric therapy, mental health support, or early learning programs, our goal is always the same: to nurture every aspect of a child’s development.

“Well-being” captures this holistic vision. It’s not just about where a child starts; it’s about where they can go and who they can become.

The Power of Partnership

We know that children don’t grow in isolation. They thrive when their families, caregivers, and communities are supported. That’s why our purpose centers on partnership.

Our tagline, “Children. Families. Community.”, is more than a slogan. It’s a promise. We believe that parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers. We’re here to walk alongside them, offering tools, encouragement, and care every step of the way. When we partner with families and communities, we create a circle of support that surrounds each child with love, strength, and possibility.

Purpose and Vision: Hand in Hand

While our purpose has evolved, our vision remains steadfast:

“A community where ALL children thrive.”

This vision is our north star for our purpose of improving the well-being of children.   Partnership is the path that leads us there. We believe that our purpose will lead us to our vision by keeping our focus on the unique needs of the child, in partnership with their family and with the support of their community.

Encompass 2030 and Beyond

With Encompass 2030, we’re setting our sights on a future where every child in the Snoqualmie Valley has access to the support they need and where at least half of the children in surrounding areas can benefit from our programs by 2030.

We’re committed to expanding services like Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), Community-Based Pediatric Therapy, and Mental Health programs because we know the need is great and growing.

Before we launch any new service, we ask ourselves three guiding questions:

• Does this service meet a real community need that supports children’s well-being?
• Is Encompass the right organization to provide it?
• Do we have the resources to do it well?

These questions keep us grounded in our purpose and focused on impact.

Looking Ahead with Heart

For nearly 60 years, Encompass has been a trusted partner to families in our community. We’ve celebrated milestones, weathered challenges, and grown alongside the children and families we serve.

As we look to the future, our purpose will continue to guide us. It’s more than a statement; it’s a commitment. A commitment to every child’s well-being. A commitment to families. A commitment to the community.

And most of all, it’s a commitment to generations to come.