PVLF Says "Goodbye" to Kristal, Welcomes New ED
A Message from the President, JM Brown:
Dear Friends,
It’s been quite a year so far at Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes — one full of exciting change and growth. As we look forward to our Empty Bowls fundraising and celebration dinner on September 10 at Pajaro Dunes, I want to take this opportunity to share some wonderful news.
First, as many of you have seen when you drive by or stop in to volunteer, the Solari House that is home to PVLF looks dramatically different than at this time a year ago. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, local contractors and volunteers, PVLF made $80,000 in safety and security improvements to the facility. In addition to an ADA accessible ramp, sun shade over the lunch service area, and new energy-efficient windows, the house also was painted and outfitted with new landscaping that exudes the peace we want clients to feel when they visit us.
Second, we are thankful to Kristal Caballero for her two years of service as Executive Director, during which she raised the organization’s profile, increased our annual budget, and was a strong advocate for nutrition education. On August 3, we will say goodbye to Kristal as she moves on to work with Community Bridges while pursuing her Master's Degree in Public Health from UC Berkeley. Please enjoy her goodbye letter below:
______________________________________
Dear Friends of Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes,
The last two years at PVLF have been a time of great excitement, growth and satisfaction, a time that I have treasured deeply. Today, though, I am writing to inform you that, in light of beginning a Master’s Program in Public Health, I have accepted a position with Community Bridges, and have decided to resign from my position as Executive Director of Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes.
While I have many exciting and challenging journeys ahead, it is difficult leaving you and the wonderful work we do together. What we have accomplished over the last several years in the Pajaro Valley has fundamentally improved the lives of families and individuals experiencing hunger. As is often the case, it’s the people who have made these experiences exceptional. The staff, volunteers, Board members, participants and supporters of Loaves and Fishes are all connected by one simple yet profound vision – that everyone in our community has access to the nutritious foods and support they need to thrive.
Together, we have inspired action in ourselves and others that has led to outstanding accomplishments. We completed our ADA compliant ramp, remodeled our facility, purchased an agency truck, and fed more people than we ever have before. Not only has it been gratifying and enjoyable, most importantly it has resulted in better, more accessible services for our program participants. Now it is my goal to build on these rich experiences while serving the entire Santa Cruz County and beyond.
It has been a true honor to work and grow with this organization, and to be able to serve the Pajaro Valley in such a meaningful way. Although I am leaving this position in the Pajaro Valley, I will continue to be a part of the county-wide efforts to combat poverty. So, this is not good-bye, but merely see you next time, albeit in a different capacity.
Thank you for the opportunity and pleasure to work with you all.
Sincerely,
Kristal Caballero
After two years of serving as PVLF's Executive Director,
Kristal Caballero will say "goodbye" to PVLF on August 3 as shes moves on to work with Community Bridges while pursuing her Master's in Public Health.
__________________________________
While we congratulate Kristal on her new adventures, we excitedly welcome back former PVLF Executive Director Brooke Johnson Sampson, who will step into that role once again, effective August 1.
After serving as PVLF's Executive Director from 2006-2008, Brooke went on to serve as the Warehouse Manager and, later, Chief Operations and Programs Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank, a key partner of PVLF. Brooke is a graduate of Watsonville High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and has a master’s degree in community development from UC Davis.
PVLF will welcome back former Executive Director
Brooke Johnson Sampson on August 1.
With this terrific transition in leadership, Loaves & Fishes is well positioned to continue succeeding expectations in the Pajaro Valley and serving a growing population of adults and children who are experiencing food insecurity. We hope you’ll join us at Empty Bowls to show your support for our mighty little organization, say goodbye to Kristal, and welcome back Brooke. We thank you for your commitment to ending hunger, and joining us in our mission to nourish the Pajaro Valley.
Yours in Service,
J.M. Brown
President, Board of Directors
|
