This, the 50th year of Quaker Center's existence, was a year of continued strengthening and growth for the Center. Now, three years after putting it in place, the Center has completed 80% of the Long-Range plan. Building on 1998's completion of the Directors' house and the new Office and Intern's quarters in the Manley house, Quaker Center has continued to improve its grounds and expand its programs, including Quaker Center on the Road, camps for teens, and the internship program.

Importantly, Quaker Center has begun to emerge as an important resource for Quaker leadership development, not only in the Bay Area, but also throughout Pacific Yearly Meeting. This has shown up not only in the overt leadership development efforts, such as the Quaker Center on the Road program on Ministers and Elders, but also in the experiences that many of us in Pacific Yearly Meeting have had in working with Quaker Center. Through the internship program, Quaker programs, teen camps, and participation on the Board of Directors, many of us involved with the Center have had unique opportunities to experience and learn the art of leadership in the manner of Friends.

On top of it all, the Center had a wonderful 50th Anniversary celebration with over 100 of its closest friends, a very successful Silent Auction, and dancing by our Ohlone cousins with whom the Center has begun to develop a relationship of mutual respect and support.

Thanks to the support of many of you and many invisible friends, the Strengthening the Center capital campaign has made great progress this year. The Center has acheived its initial goal $250,000. The Campaign remains open to contributions through the end of December, 2000. The Board and staff have been enheartened by the willingness of those who gave early to give again. We are grateful to be entrusted with these gifts and proud to be able to show such success with their use.

In 1999, Quaker Center programs continued to grow and attract attendees from throughout Pacific Yearly meeting. During the calendar year 1999, there were 14 Quaker Center programs with an average of 26 attendees each, as well as 150 people who attended the Quaker Center on the Road program. Most importantly, attendees continue to report how much these programs have challenged them, refreshed them, and given them additional strength and clarity to live out their faith in the world.

The Intern Program started its second year with its third intern, Stephen Myers. It is now a regular part of Quaker Center and a wonderful way for a young adult Quaker to learn how to run a business in the manner of Friends. In 1999, for the first time, campers aged out of the existing program after attending camp six years in a row. Right now, we are accepting registrations for an expanded program for the summer of 2000, including an Senior Camp for Friends in 11th and 12th grades. While these take a great deal of time and effort, the Center will continue working to make teen exposure to Quaker ways of cooperation and recreation a priority for the Center.

Quaker Center on the Road was held for a second year, moving it into the mainstream of Quaker Center programs. While it was subsidized significantly by the Center, the Board and staff feel that the opportunity to help tie together the wider Quaker community is an important part of the Center's mission, and that the theme this year - Ministers and Elders - is a vital one to the ongoing development of our community.

Finally, in order to ensure Quaker Center's momentum continues, the Board has begun to review the roles staff perform, job descriptions, and the Board/staff relationship. While there is no date set for the departure of Traci and Walter Sullivan and their children, this work helps the Board identify potential future Board members and staff. It will improve future transitions and is one more sign of the maturity of Quaker Center.

In summary, Quaker Center has had a wonderful year. The Center continues to grow healthier financially, in its buildings and grounds, and in its relationships with the wider Quaker community. Even more importantly, the Center is emerging as an important focal point for Quaker leadership development through the internship, through Board participation and, most importantly, through its programs.

Quaker Center thanks you for your continued support and invites you to participate in this exciting time in its history.