Written by Nicole M. Augustine, Innovation Strategist
Nicole M. Augustine is a social entrepreneur, public health professional, and social justice advocate. She was born in Inglewood, CA, in the early 80s during the decade in America known for the "crack epidemic ."
The festive lights shimmer along the shoreline of Destin, Florida, casting a golden glow on this special Christmas Eve. The air is alive with a blend of celebration and quiet reflection, creating an ideal atmosphere for marking the close of an extraordinary year. Sitting here among a group that feels like family, I’m reminded of the winding road that brought us all to this very moment. Tonight isn’t just about Christmas; it’s about celebrating a partnership, acknowledging success, and reflecting on the transformation and shared purpose that have carried us this far.
Although Destin isn’t my home, nor is it the home of the client I’m here with, this beautiful spot was chosen for a reason. My client, the remarkable leader of a recovery community center, rented this space to bring their team of devoted recovery coaches together. We’ve gathered not just to celebrate the holiday but to honor the extraordinary work we’ve accomplished together. The gentle crash of waves and the festive atmosphere seem to echo our gratitude—not for where we are, but for how far we’ve come.
The dinner that changed everything
It all began with a consulting project. That’s how I met the husband-and-wife duo whose hearts and determination instantly left an impression. They were running a recovery community center in Pennsylvania, a place where hope thrives against all odds. After one of our meetings, a group of us went out for dinner, a simple gathering that unexpectedly became a turning point.
Over the course of the evening, they shared their story, their personal journeys through recovery, and the vision that grew out of their struggle. They dreamed of building a sanctuary for others, a place with the kinds of support and resources they had wished for during their own hardest days.
Their mission was both profound and urgent, but they were operating on an impossibly tight budget and relying on a small yet passionate team of volunteers. I remember sitting there, moved to my very core, grappling with the realization that such life-changing work deserved so much more. Without hesitation, I said, “I’m going to find you some money.”
I didn’t know how, but I meant it. That evening wasn’t just a dinner; it was the spark that ignited a shared mission. Their dream became my purpose, too.
Measuring success through impact
That promise led to a transformation neither of us could have imagined. It started with one thoughtfully crafted grant proposal. Together, we worked to secure critical funding, not just to keep the center’s doors open but to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Year by year, we grew alongside each other, crafting new programs and building sustainability for the center’s vital work.
But success isn’t about dollars or grants; it’s about people. One individual shared with us, “I never thought I’d find a place where I belonged, but this community became my family.” Those words represent more than one story. They are the heartbeat of the center’s mission. Every person welcomed through those doors has felt the ripple effect of hope, healing, and belonging, and that’s what fuels all of us to continue.
The meaning of this Christmas eve
And that’s why tonight, this Christmas Eve in Destin, Florida, feels so significant. Far from our usual workspaces and the communities we serve, we’ve come together to pause, reflect, and celebrate. It’s more than a festive gathering; it’s a chance to honor the resilience and connection that bind us and to recognize the partnership that has enabled us to touch so many lives.
Looking around this room filled with laughter and warmth, I’m reminded of the victories that brought us here, not just the ones that are easy to measure but the countless quiet triumphs. Every life changed, every barrier overcome, every new beginning born from a place of despair, it all culminates in this moment.
It strikes me that transformation is rarely the result of individual effort. It is built on connection. It requires a collective commitment to hope and a shared belief in the possibility of something greater. Whether it’s the clients we serve, the leaders we empower, or the work we sustain, our progress reflects the power of working as one.
Looking ahead–together
As we prepare to leave both this holiday season and this year behind, I can’t help but look forward to what’s ahead. There’s still so much to accomplish. There are more lives to touch, more programs to nurture, and more faces that will walk through those doors and find a second chance. But for tonight, we acknowledge the milestones we’ve reached. We honor the courage it took to get here and the unwavering dedication it will take to continue.
This Christmas Eve, I urge you to reflect on your own path. Think about the places and people who have shaped your transformation. Think about the roles you’ve played in someone else’s story of change. True transformation, after all, isn’t a solitary act. It is woven through collaboration, fueled by a shared mission, and anchored in the belief that we are better together.
Wherever you are tonight, and whatever this season looks like for you, know this: every step forward matters. Every effort, no matter how small, adds up to something larger than ourselves.
My heart overflows with gratitude tonight, not just for this gathering in Florida but for the lives we’ve touched and the future we’re building. Together, we’ve created something extraordinary. One life. One connection. One community at a time.
Here’s to resilience, to hope, and to the partnerships that make transformation possible.
Nicole M. Augustine, Innovation Strategist
Nicole M. Augustine is a social entrepreneur, public health professional, and social justice advocate. She was born in Inglewood, CA, in the early 80s during the decade in America known for the "crack epidemic ." This was her first experience with social injustice, racial inequality, and the roots of trauma that plague many people. Her tale is one of resilience and opportunity, as her grandmother relocated the family to moved Edmond, OK, in the early 90s. After experiencing the stark contrast of both living environments, she became intrigued by the core reasons for differences in community outcomes. Nicole found herself studying sociology and public health and was drawn to understanding the root causes of health disparities. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Cornell University and her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University School of Public Health. Throughout her career in public health, she has focused her work on understanding health disparities and social inequality. Her personal life mission is to drive community and societal change while creating generational shifts in community wellness outcomes.
