|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALAN KEARL
|
|
|
AIO welcomes Alan Kearl who joins our outstanding staff team as our new Executive Director. Here’s a little bit about Alan. We hope you’ll get to know him better as he settles into his position.
|
|
|
|
AIO welcomes Alan Kearl who joins our outstanding staff team as our new Executive Director. Here’s a little bit about Alan. We hope you’ll get to know him better as he settles into his position.
After 12 years of commuting 7-9 hours each way, each week, to his work home, his wife Beckie, who held down their Tenants Harbor home, had enough. Last fall, Alan left a nearly 40-year career in the beauty industry to live and work year-round in the community they’ve grown to love. Most weekends, they’ll be out on long walks on trails and backroads, listening simultaneously to a mystery. Beckie is a writer and has two novels, both set in Maine.
Alan started volunteering at AIO six months ago and was excited to learn that the Executive Director role was open. Along with shelter, health, employment, and community, having enough food is among the top five needs humans must satisfy to thrive. Alan is excited to join AIO full-time and join forces with a deep bench of committed and passionate volunteers and donors to build a strong food network in our community.
Alan says, “AIO is a great personal opportunity to join two of my great passions: 1) providing food for family and friends, and 2) community service.” He has taken numerous courses at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, grew up sampling his mother’s annual holiday chocolate creations, and then followed in her footsteps, making and dipping more than 50 pounds of chocolates each year, and even completed an online restaurant management course from Cornell’s School of Culinary Education. In addition to this passion for food, Alan has volunteered with various organizations, including the Scouting organization, the PTA, the Visiting Nurse Association, serving as a language partner in an ESL program, and many years of church service.
Alan considers himself lucky to have joined such a strong organization as AIO and looks forward to meeting and working with so many of you who give so much. AIO is fortunate to have him!
Alan can be reached at alan@aiofoodpantry.org or at the office at 207-596-1043.
|
|
|
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: JUDI SCHELBE
|
|
|
|
Volunteers are an integral part of AIO’s community - and we enjoy sharing who these amazing individuals are with you. In this newsletter we are delighted to introduce you to Judi Schelbe.
After retiring from her position as a special ed teacher at Camden Hills Regional High School and taking some time for herself, Judi decided she wanted to get back into doing something that made a difference in the community. She shared with us that she wanted to try something entirely different and an online search for volunteer opportunities in this area led her to AIO.
Judi began volunteering with the AIO Energy Assistance Program in 2019 and within a year added a shift with the Wednesday evening food program crew just before COVID forced us to shift to a drive up delivery model. Judi shares, “I loved the age diversity & camaraderie of the Wed crew who worked so well together to meet client needs under challenging circumstances. I have seen both programs evolve over time — moving from paper applications & file cabinets to a much more efficient online application process for both programs, while still maintaining the human contact & respect that makes AIO special.” During COVID Judi also helped find grant funding for individuals who had needs beyond the scope of the energy and food programs—from temp housing to new eye glasses. Since 2022 Judi has volunteered 146 hours of her time!
Judi shared with us, “Like teaching I find the contact and opportunity to support people struggling with circumstances beyond their control very rewarding. Though it may be only a brief connection with clients—taking time to listen to their story or providing them with information, just knowing I may be their only friendly, empathetic contact that day is very satisfying. An added reward was discovering a staff at AIO that shares my values of treating people with respect & dignity, reducing any feelings of shame or embarrassment that arise about seeking help in difficult times. Being part of an organization that constantly strives to embrace & implement those values gives me a sense of pride.
I love that we — the entire AIO organization, from the director to program supervisors and volunteers— all share a common goal of not only meeting the very real needs of people in our community but doing so with respect and dignity so no one accessing our programs ever has to feel shamed or inferior when seeking out help. The AIO full time staff have developed programs & model behaviors that foster a sense of dignity & empowerment for all AIO clients. Just one simple example of this is the way the marketplace is set up and run; it is truly a market where people come in and shop just as they would at Hannaford or Shaws. This mindset informs all AIO does. I’m proud to be part of it.”
When Judi is not volunteering with us at AIO she enjoys reading, knitting/sewing, walking/hiking, volunteering, photography, substitute teaching (less & less), spending time with her daughters in NYC & Italy and best of all finally doing the traveling around the world that she put off while raising 4 daughters and teaching.
Thank you Judi for all that you do for AIO and our clients. We are immensely grateful for your dedication of time and good energy.
|
|
|
To recognize Joe's accomplishments at AIO, a special donation fund has been established to purchase a food transportation vehicle. While focused on raising funds for programs, Joe wanted AIO to acquire a vehicle for the safe pick up and delivery of food. He shares, "Establishing a local food network where food can safely move from suppliers, farmers, food rescue sources, and donors to our food pantry and then safely deliver to those who are homebound will be the next level of services to combat food insecurity."
Over the past year, AIO has raised $22,500, including a generous grant from Hannaford Supermarket, towards the $60,000 goal. AIO's Directors invite the community to help complete this effort by donating to the vehicle purchase fund in honor of Joe. Donations can be made online at www.aiofoodpantry.org/vehicle or by mail to AIO Food & Energy Assistance, P.O. Box 113, Rockland, ME 04841. Please note “vehicle purchase” so gifts are designated correctly. |
|
|
ITEMS MOST NEEDED!
AIO counts on generous community donations as a part of what we are able to distribute to families each week. We always need and welcome donations of a variety of food and personal care items including spices, cereal, canned goods, toothpaste and diapers.
This Spring we are putting out a special request for TOILET PAPER, which is an item we offer families, but often we don't have as much as is needed. If you are inspired to donate toilet paper-- you can purchase at Hannaford and drop in one of the bins by the front doors or drop it off at AIO, Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-12pm.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
|
|
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please email Keisha or Sara if you have time and are interested in volunteering in the following areas.
**ENERGY ASSISTANCE**: URGENT NEED
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 10am - 12pm
Must have computer, phone, multi-tasking, and customer service skills. Will be interacting with members and fuel companies.
DRIVERS:
Substitute Driver for Walmart at 8am: Mondays April 8, 15, & 22
Driver for Rockland Hannaford at 8am: Ongoing starting ASAP
Driver for Shaw’s at 8am: Ongoing starting ASAP
MARKET
Wednesdays (4:00-6:00pm)
WAREHOUSE:
Mondays: 8:00-10:00am, 10:00am-2:00pm & 2:00-6:00pm
Wednesdays: 10:00am-2:00pm & 2:00-6:00pm
AIO GARDEN:
Calling all garden enthusiasts! The planting season will begin in late March/early April. If you are interested in joining the AIO community garden team please contact Sara at sara@aiofoodpantry.org or Keisha at keisha@aiofoodpantry.org
THANK YOU!
|
|
|
ARTFEEDS 2024: Open Call to Artists
|
|
|
|
|
3rd Annual ARTFEEDS EVENT!
OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS / SAVE THE DATE
We are excited to share that plans are under way for AIO's 3rd annual ArtFeeds, Artists in Action Against Food Insecurity event in partnership with the community's vibrant artists, Page Gallery, and the Maine State Correctional Facility.
CALL FOR ARTISTS! We are expanding the number of participating artists this year, given the enthusiastic response to the event last year. We invite artists interested in participating to submit their interest by April 15. Details on submitting can be found at aiofoodpantry.org/artfeeds. Each artist will create their own bowl or work with a wooden bowl carved and donated by residents of the Maine State Correctional Facility’s woodworking program.
Save the Date!
An exhibition of participating artist bowls will be on display at Page Gallery, September 19-28, culminating with a reception and an auction on September 28. All funds raised will support AIO's programs. Planning is underway so keep an eye out for more details here.
|
|
|
Recurring monthly donation provides consistent funding that AIO can rely on all year round, providing fresh and healthy food for our market. We purchase milk, eggs, and fresh produce from local wholesale distributors weekly.
Last year, we distributed nearly one million pounds of food to support our food assistance programs! Your monthly donation will help us keep pace with the increasing need and allow us to continue to provide quality food for families in our community.
Learn more about Annie Mahle's "At Home and At Sea" cookbooks and this special offer for new recurring monthly donors here.
|
|
|
Join, Connect & Support AIO!
|
|
|
THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP TODAY:
1. MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION. Your dollars go further as AIO is able to purchase food at a discounted price. When you make a financial gift you are helping to provide food, energy and diaper assistance to families who need help. You can donate online here.
2. VOLUNTEER. Volunteering at AIO is a great way to help people in your community, meet new friends, and be part of one of the most innovative food pantries in Maine. Whichever opportunities you choose, you will be an important part of the work we do.To get started click here.
3. DROPOFF DONATIONS. There is a wide variety of food, household and personal items that the families we serve need. To learn about our most needed items check here. |
|
|
You could also...
Share this newsletter with your friends, family and colleagues
Follow us on social media to stay updated on our activities.
Hold a Food or Diaper drive!
The majority of the food and diapers we distribute come from donations. Hold a fundraiser in honor of your birthday or anniversary.
Other Ways to Give
Learn more at our website
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
