The new year offers a rare moment to take stock of the year behind us and imagine the future we want to create.

As we reflect, we need no reminder of the tragic wildfires that struck Los Angeles in January 2025 or the loss we grieve. Also striking was the sight of Angelenos coming together to begin the community’s healing. I think of this often when envisioning UniHealth Foundation’s road ahead. UniHealth dedicated $4.35 million to wildfire recovery while continuing to support our core strategies. And we have continued to support incoming requests related to the wildfires as part of our continued commitment to the long-term recovery of the community, as well as being a responsive grantmaker.

This year, UniHealth reaffirms our commitment to responsiveness with the opening of our new building on Green Street in Pasadena. We began this journey after hearing from our grantee partners about the ongoing need for community space that fosters problem-solving and collaboration.

After a two-year, community-centered renovation, UniHealth will offer free convening spaces to nonprofits championing health-related initiatives. We also will have office space available for rent to qualified non-profits. We invite our grantee partners and community stakeholders to use our space for trainings, retreats, panels, small conferences, and other activities that strengthen community health.

These past two years have marked significant transition for us – we have had four Board members step down from our Board, each having served from 15 to 25 years. In that time, we have also welcomed three new board members and five new staff. Yet in the wake of this change, our commitment to growth, learning, iteration, and responsiveness to serve our community and fund innovation has never been more critical.

From our new home in Pasadena, UniHealth enters 2026 fortified by the strength of a community united in advancing health.