Dear Friends,

Every year at the Board of Trustees’ Annual Meeting, I deliver a report on the State of The Actors Fund. At this year's meeting, I was proud to report that, thanks to your generous support, The Actors Fund continues to provide our performing arts and entertainment community with vital programs and services in times of need, crisis or transition. Here is a brief snapshot of the State of The Actors Fund based on the services we provided last year:

• 6,000 individuals received help from our social services programs, 700 participated in support or educational groups, and 1,320 people received $1.8 million in emergency financial assistance for help in facing a health emergency or other serious crises.
• The Fund began managing the seniors program at Manhattan Plaza in New York City where more than 1,110 residents over the age of 60 reside.
• In California, we added the Entertainment Industry Referral and Assistance Center, expanding our capacity to help people with addiction and mental health issues. We also became the fiscal sponsor for the Research Center for Arts and Culture.
• We integrated Career Transition For Dancers into our suite of services for the dance community.
• The Actors Fund Work Program was rebranded as The Career Center and 2,800 people participated in their services.
• Additionally, 733 people were housed in our residences and 400 people used our Housing Resource Center and Affordable Housing seminars.

As we plan for the future, we begin the second phase of our $31 million expansion and modernization of The Actors Fund Home. The philanthropic requirement is $11 million, with an additional $600,000 to offset taking five beds out of service during construction. This support will be complemented by a Tax Exempt Bond. This project will end recent deficits in operation of The Home. Completion prevents anticipated shortfalls of $10 million over the next 10 years. When we are fully operational in 2019, The Home will enjoy operating surpluses. We have so far raised more than $9.8 million and, with your help, we will reach our goal and secure our Home for the next generation, helping more than 7,500 people in the next 20 years. 

This will enable The Actors Fund to chart a course for the future, keeping in mind that everything we do must honor our mission and reflect the challenges of the creative community. You can learn more about the campaign for The Home by visiting our webpage.

I encourage you to explore the many ways you can support our work with a donation, a gift of membership, attending a special event, including The Fund in your estate plans and much more. Your support helps thousands in our community every year. Thanks for all you do to give back to those in performing arts and entertainment who bring so much joy to our lives.