A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We wish to inform you about a leadership transition for the St. Francis Center (SFC). Our Executive Director, Marianne Kulikov, has decided to move forward with a new venture. We’re delighted for Marianne and wish her the very best after nine successful years with SFC.
One of the responsibilities of the board of directors of SFC is to ensure that we have a strong succession plan in place. As part of the leadership succession, effective September 1, 2020, Jasmine Bravo, our Controller and Human Resources Director, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director. Jasmine has worked with SFC for 3 years and knows the organization well and will ensure that we continue to follow the mission of St. Francis of Assisi.
With Jasmine in place as Interim Executive Director, we have commenced a comprehensive search for a new director. We feel the future candidate will have much to build on given the recent accomplishments of Marianne during her tenure as Executive Director. While we miss Marianne and are incredibly grateful for her contributions, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and confident about the strength of the organization.
SFC remains committed to meeting any and all the challenges we face during this time. Our remodeled kitchen makes it even easier to reheat and serve donated foods from restaurant partners, allowing even less food to go to waste. We continue to offer modified programs to our guests including our to-go hot breakfast, which is served six days a week. We’ve modified our pantry program to allow for online registration, proper social distancing pickups, and drive-through options to safely serve around 660 pantry program families, individuals, and students in a week. In addition to our on-site pantry program, we also provide pantry services at various pop-up sites around Los Angeles. Our Resource Services team continues to meet with prior case management clients, as well as offering daily help to our guests with referral services, rent and utility assistance, and various resources.
We are so appreciative of the support from our staff, dedicated volunteers, and faithful donors who help us make a pivotal difference in the lives of those we serve. As long as we have guests in need, we remain committed to providing essential services and serving hope to our community on Hope Street and beyond.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors