Our Sector is Built for These Times

June 16, 2025

by Victor Valentine, CEO of NHSA

NHSA proudly stands as a nonpartisan voice for the individuals and organizations that serve millions of people across the country. In a moment when polarization increasingly tests our sector, NHSA draws strength from more than a century of experience, and a steady vision rooted in focus, reflection, and purpose. We let our work speak for itself—and for the human services community we serve.

Our efforts are anchored in a simple but powerful belief: NHSA will lead when and where our sector needs clarity, support, and connection. Through our community of practice, we champion the shared infrastructure and values that unite us. We also remain a committed partner to public-sector professionals, nonprofit peers, and philanthropic allies navigating the same turbulent waters.

These are indeed challenging times—but we believe the human services sector is uniquely built to face them. We saw this truth clearly during the pandemic when our doors couldn’t close, and our workforce couldn’t quarantine. We rose to that challenge, just as we can now—by standing together, staying grounded and refusing to fragment our message centered on first building healthy communities efficiently that then lead to a more productive society.

To our fellow leaders: as you work tirelessly to sustain your organizations, communities, and causes, we urge you to lean into collaboration. Share your lessons, connect with your peers, and deploy unified advocacy strategies when called upon.

NHSA is your partner as we help guide the sector through what’s next. Join our convenings, and share and contribute to our resources on crucial “backbone” support such as scenario planning, risk mitigation, strategic group savings, navigating AI, well-being and resilience.

To our current partners, thank you for your steadfast support. To those who’ve traveled with us in the past, we warmly invite you back. Bring a colleague. The path ahead may be uneven, but our direction is clear: forward—united, prepared, and purpose-driven.

Again, with the knowledge that our sector is well-constructed for the challenge ahead, let’s walk this road together – keeping “humanity” at the forefront of human services.