Closing Remarks #40

A few weeks ago, I was listening to the Marketplace radio show and I heard about something called the “birth-death” model. It is a complex methodology used by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to try and estimate the number of businesses that opened ("birth") or closed ("death") in any given month.

The part of the story that really made my ears perk up was when the owner of a now-shuttered cat cafe was asked whether she had reported the closure. She replied, "Honestly, I have no idea if I was supposed to or not. I guess I kinda figured that at the end of the year when my guy does the taxes something will happen then.” It, once again, reminded me of how much needless confusion surrounds endings.

It certainly feels like this kind of information --- which offers insights into things like people losing their jobs, communities losing certain amenities, and possibly even shifts in real estate --- would be valuable data. I can definitely see how this kind of information would help the nonprofit sector see things more clearly, and I can't help but wonder who benefits when this data isn't there. Someone must, right?

Here are the links:

2) Black veterans org waves the white flag
After over 20 years, the Oklahoma City chapter of The National Association for Black Veterans, a nonprofit built by and for veterans, is closing its doors at the end of November. The group, which helps Black veterans in the area build community and adjust to civilian life after service, cites funding cuts from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as a key cause of the shutdown.

According to local news sources, this is only one of over 300 programs due to close in the state after a budget shortfall reportedly forced a massive reduction in contracts.

3) TX veteran service provider closes in critical time of need
Operation Phantom Support in Killeen, Texas provided food assistance, low-cost necessities and support services to military families, veterans and first responders. Founded by Army veteran John Valentine, OPS worked to ensure that no one in their community would "ever have to struggle alone.”

While many of organization’s programs are shutting down, they were able to transfer one program — Infinite Possibilities, a day support program for adults with special needs — to new management.

The Zomba Action Project (ZAP) was an initiative of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to distribute charitable funds to efforts in the Zomba region of Malawi, Africa. The effort grew out of an earlier initiative that delivered clean water, improved healthcare, and enhanced education to people in the region.

The planned closure was triggered by elderly board members realizing they were unable to continue on and had failed to bring in successors. They plan to completely wind down by mid-2026.

5) Christian college gives up the ghost
Amidst a seemingly unending spate of college cuts and closures, Illinois's Trinity Christian College has added itself to the list with plans to nark this 2025-26 school year as its last.

Among the many causes, the school administration cites financial losses following the pandemic, operating deficits, and declining enrollment. Despite recent efforts to increase class size by offering cheaper tuition, the school has just under 1,000 students.

6) Lawsuits, lack of confidence tank a Michigan youth facility
Founded in 1883 as a safe haven for women and girls, Vista Maria opened a residential treatment program on its Dearborn Heights campus in 1976. At its height, they were able to serve 150 girls in crisis, but residence has dropped to only 10, owing in part to lawsuits, mounting insurance claims, and the state government sanctioning the facility for disrepair and employee misconduct.

On Dec. 19, 2025, the official last day, remaining residents will be transferred to other facilities or foster care organizations, and roughly 150 staff will be out of a job.

7) Opinion: A CT nonprofit closes one door to keep others open
"For 75 years, we have opened doors of opportunity for people who were too often left out. We recognize the irony that, in closing our café operation, we also closed one of those doors. Yet leadership sometimes requires closing one door so that many others can remain open."

In this Stamford Advocate opinion piece, Richard Sebastian shares how strategic project shut downs can help protect mission-driven organizations. Sebastian is the president and CEO of The Kennedy Collective, a Connecticut based nonprofit that creates employment, residential and community opportunities for people with disabilities.

8) Two Founders, Two Sunsets, Too Brilliant!
Looking for great insights from leaders who've overseen admirable closures? First start here with a joyful article by Ruth Hollis, who facilitated the sunsetting of Spirit of 2012 the social legacy organisation for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Then, slide over here and listen to this interview with the great Katya Fels Smith who just successfully shuttered the Full Frame Initiative. Here are two juicy quotes to nudge you over there:

"It’s a privilege to see an organisation through from conception to closure. What began as an idea with potential funding and high-profile trustees has become an organisation leaving a significant legacy. As we approach the finish line, I’m reminded of the journey we’ve taken and the lives we’ve touched. It’s bittersweet, but I know we’re ending as we started. With purpose and with impact."
- Ruth Hollis

"Whether you are an individual leaving a relationship, or a board deciding to close an organization, or a funder deciding to end a funding relationship, the decision to leave is an expression of power."
- Katya Fels Smyth

It’s a privilege to see an organisation through from conception to closure. What began as an idea with potential funding and high-profile trustees has become an organisation leaving a significant legacy. As we approach the finish line, I’m reminded of the journey we’ve taken and the lives we’ve touched. It’s bittersweet, but I know we’re ending as we started. With purpose and with impact. - See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/voices/ruth-hollis-spending-out-managing-a-planned-closure.html#sthash.skn63Oii.dpuf

Closing Remarks is brought to you by The Wind Down, a consultancy for exploring, building, designing, and delivering better endings for mission-driven projects and organizations, and also raising closure consciousness. If you're enjoying it, please support my work.