Part of our wonderful team

We would like to introduce our director, Sandra Martin.

Sandra has served as the director of the Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry for 5 years. She was born and raised in Coconut Grove and selflessly gives back to her neighbors, many of whom she grew up with.  Sandra is proud of her Bahamian heritage and regularly visits her siblings who re

We would like to introduce our director, Sandra Martin.

Sandra has served as the director of the Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry for 5 years. She was born and raised in Coconut Grove and selflessly gives back to her neighbors, many of whom she grew up with.  Sandra is proud of her Bahamian heritage and regularly visits her siblings who reside in the Bahamas. She is a life-long member of Christ Episcopal Church, the location from which the Pantry operates in Village West-Little Bahamas.

Sandra is a retired US Postal Service worker who spent 33 years working in various offices in the area. In addition to Sandra’s work with the Pantry, she has served as an elections clerk at her local precinct for 12 years. She was honored as one of “Miami’s Women to Watch- Non-Profits” by the New Tropic in 2019. Her deep roots in Coconut Grove motivate her to improve the circumstances of those in our community who need assistance.

Always known as Ms. Brown out of respect and admiration, at 91 years of age she is our oldest volunteer.

Ms. Brown began working at the Pantry when Ethel Felts and Dr. David Wright decided there was a need to fill, and the Pantry was born. In those first days, bags were packed and delivered to the homebound while other clients came in and

Always known as Ms. Brown out of respect and admiration, at 91 years of age she is our oldest volunteer.

Ms. Brown began working at the Pantry when Ethel Felts and Dr. David Wright decided there was a need to fill, and the Pantry was born. In those first days, bags were packed and delivered to the homebound while other clients came in and selected food themselves. Ms. Brown has been coming continuously since then and every Tuesday you can still find her, alongside one of her twin daughters, packing 30 bags of groceries for our grateful neighbors.

Ms. Brown was born on Charles Ave and has lived in the Grove her entire life. Of course, when she was growing up life was very different. Charles Ave. was in the official “colored section”. But in the neighborhood, everyone knew each other and cared for each other, a feeling that is carried on today through the Pantry.

Following high school, Ms. Brown worked at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. After a few years she attended Bethune-Cookman College and graduated with her teaching credentials. Segregation was still in place and she began teaching grade school in Homestead. When segregation ended Ms. Brown moved to Olinda Elementary. Those beginning years of integrated classrooms were not always easy, but Ms. Brown held her own and gained the respect of the students.

In addition to teaching, her home life was enriched by four wonderful children, 1 boy and 3 girls, all of whom are still close by today.

But even at 91, the pantry is not enough for Ms. Brown. She is also a member of the Coconut Grove Community Action, is involved in highlighting the Bahamian roots of the Grove via the Goombay Festival and is the Sunday School Superintendent at Christ Episcopal Church.

Fredericka Brown is truly the soul of the Pantry.

Taylor has been with the Pantry about a year, almost the same amount of time she has been in Miami. Hailing from just outside Chicago, she personifies a strong Midwestern work ethic. After graduating from the University of Iowa she joined the Peace Corps.

Taylor spent her Peace Corps years, from 2018 to 2020, in Guatemala. There she worked

Taylor has been with the Pantry about a year, almost the same amount of time she has been in Miami. Hailing from just outside Chicago, she personifies a strong Midwestern work ethic. After graduating from the University of Iowa she joined the Peace Corps.

Taylor spent her Peace Corps years, from 2018 to 2020, in Guatemala. There she worked with the Ministry of Agriculture; her mission was to increase food security in rural areas of the country alongside her work partners.

Although Taylor loved Guatemala, she returned to the US when her two years of service ended. But she continued her commitment to public service by taking a seasonal position with the US Forest Service in Idaho. It didn't take long however for the Peace Corps to call again, this time offering her a full-time position as a recruiter of Peace Corps volunteers. It is that roll that brought her to South Florida. Taylor settled in Wynwood.

In addition to her inspiring work as a recruiter for the Peace Corps, she is getting a master’s degree in international administration from the University of Miami. Somehow even with that schedule she found time to be an active member of the Rotary which supports charities all over the world. It’s through the Rotary that Taylor learned of the Pantry and Taylor’s concern with food insecurity was triggered again. She came to check it out and she has been coming two days a week since. In addition to the weekly work, she really enjoys the parties where there is time to socialize with the other volunteers. She likes the feeling of being around people who share her values and are working towards improving their community.

Taylor’s dedication and passion gives us a glimpse of what an impact one person can make in the world today.

 Paulette and Paula Culmer, identical twin sisters, are a shining example of how to make the world a better place. Raised in Christ Episcopal Church in The Grove (also known as "The Pink Church"), they proudly continue a tradition of service. Family members David and Tessie White, were among the volunteers that started the Pantry,

For 5 ye

 Paulette and Paula Culmer, identical twin sisters, are a shining example of how to make the world a better place. Raised in Christ Episcopal Church in The Grove (also known as "The Pink Church"), they proudly continue a tradition of service. Family members David and Tessie White, were among the volunteers that started the Pantry,

For 5 years now - every Tuesday - the twins have been packing more than forty bags. And since the Pantry can spot winners, both Paula and Paulette were asked to join the Board three years ago to represent Christ Episcopal Church.

But the key to Paulette and Paula’s personalities is the work they choose to do. Very active in both the Church and the Pantry they believe in prayerful service. Besides packing bags, their kitchen and cooking skills are also given in service. Hot meal assistance needed for a Tuesday? Big events like the Bishop’s visit coming up at the Pink Church? These dynamite twins help make it all happen; They never miss an opportunity to contribute.

In addition to their work with the Pantry, they are members of the Order of the Daughters of the King, a national order of women uniting Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches whose members agree to give their time and talents to others through Prayer and Service. They are also members of the Altar Guild and Saint Cecilias’ Guild. Saint Cecilias’ promotes the ministry of music in both the church and the community.

Now happily retired, both Paula and Paulette began their career at the Bureau of Consular Affairs, US State Department Passport Division in Miami. From there they took different paths.

 After five years, Paula moved to the Immigration Department’s Freedom of Information Office which is part of the Department of Justice. Life there changed in a big way after September 11, 2001 (9/11). The department became part of Homeland Security and the processes were dramatically changed. New rules were created expanding interdepartm

 After five years, Paula moved to the Immigration Department’s Freedom of Information Office which is part of the Department of Justice. Life there changed in a big way after September 11, 2001 (9/11). The department became part of Homeland Security and the processes were dramatically changed. New rules were created expanding interdepartmental cooperation and Paula began working with adjudication officers providing them with information on residency and citizenship to foster decisions on deportation.

In 2019 Paula became an officer after attending FLETC Academy (The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center), a specialized training center dedicated exclusively to law enforcement professionals.

 Paulette stayed with the Passport Division until 1996 when she moved to the Immigration Department’s Legal Office becoming a Deportation Assistant. Working as part of the Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) she assisted and tracked those that had been ordered to leave the country. Here, her work involved patiently tracking down ident

 Paulette stayed with the Passport Division until 1996 when she moved to the Immigration Department’s Legal Office becoming a Deportation Assistant. Working as part of the Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) she assisted and tracked those that had been ordered to leave the country. Here, her work involved patiently tracking down identities and citizenship status internationally, iaising with embassies all over the world to secure passports and travel documents for both those that chose to leave voluntarily and criminal aliens. After September 11 Paulette experienced an increase in her workload as a result of the heightened global security. This resulted in daily dealings with more international agencies than ever before.

But now that the twins are retired you might ask why they do so much. They say that there is nothing more rewarding than giving back to their community. We think Paula and Paulette Culmer are the twin superwomen.

 Al is a special individual who quietly offers his assistance whenever needed. He possesses that wonderful ability to listen and observe the happenings around him, and he actively contributes in lovely ways.

Like many of our volunteers, Al discovered the Pantry through Sparkie. He began volunteering approximately a year ago, but during the

 Al is a special individual who quietly offers his assistance whenever needed. He possesses that wonderful ability to listen and observe the happenings around him, and he actively contributes in lovely ways.

Like many of our volunteers, Al discovered the Pantry through Sparkie. He began volunteering approximately a year ago, but during the summer months, he and his wife Joanne return to their home of the last 42 years in scenic Highlands North Carolina. While Highlands is often associated with rural areas teeming with bears and snakes, Al has wisely chosen to reside in the small, picturesque town itself, nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains. In their hometown, he and his wife frequently engage in golf, croquet, and bridge.

Al, born on an Air Force Base, has always had a deep desire to fly. And unlike most who outgrow their childhood dreams, Al's passion for aviation has never faded.

Shortly after he was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, his family relocated to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he received his upbringing and education. Al pursued his dream by enrolling in the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Alabama, which served as a steppingstone towards flight school and the Air Force. As the Vietnam War broke out, Al served as a pilot, and thankfully, he returned safely to us.

Following his honorable service in the Air Force, Al capitalized on his flying skills by joining the ranks of commercial airlines. From National Airlines to Pan Am and finally United, Al's career soared! Initially Al flew shorter domestic routes but as his seniority increased, he was able to handpick his routes, leading him to fly to Europe and later Asia.

Not only did Tuscaloosa provide Al with an education, but it also introduced him to his beloved wife, Joanne. They crossed paths shortly after her high school graduation and tied the knot once both their educations were complete. Together, they have embarked on numerous adventures, exploring various countries in Europe, China, and Al's personal favorite, the diverse nations of Latin America.

Joanne and Al have one son, Joe, who attended the University of Miami Law School and is currently a corporate executive residing in Boca. He was recently married to a wonderful woman loved by Joanne and Al.

We said there is something uniquely special about Al. When you take walks through Peacock Park, do you stop to talk and get to know the people that call it home? Al does, right down to knowing their names and many days bringing them their sandwich of choice. It's a wonderful lesson - slow down and appreciate the goodness in all those we encounter.

We couldn't be more pleased that Al dedicates his time volunteering at the Pantry.

 In December - the season of miracles - it was wonderful to Introduce you to Deb Dolson, an incredible volunteer and a miraculous addition to the Pantry.

In 2015 Deb discovered the Pantry through a post on her neighbor's Facebook page and decided to lend a helping hand. At that time, our clients would personally visit the pantry to collect

 In December - the season of miracles - it was wonderful to Introduce you to Deb Dolson, an incredible volunteer and a miraculous addition to the Pantry.

In 2015 Deb discovered the Pantry through a post on her neighbor's Facebook page and decided to lend a helping hand. At that time, our clients would personally visit the pantry to collect their food, and dedicated volunteers like Deb had the chance to build connections with them and share their stories.

Since its establishment in 1984, the Pantry has continuously been in operation but only serving a small group of individuals. When the pandemic hit, we were forced to close our doors for the first time. Deb was one of the dedicated volunteers who recognized the significant effects of the pandemic on our community and who were determined to find ways to provide assistance.

Through trial and error, they devised a new system of packing and delivering bags, initially for safety reasons. Little did they know that this change in approach would enable us to reach and support far more people than ever before.

Working closely with our dedicated volunteers, Deb is the person that coordinates the entire food system, from accepting and storing donations, to packing and delivering our bags. Debbie watches the inventory and is on top of our weekly reorders. When a volunteer is unable to make it, they know to call Deb. If you have any questions about the assistance we provide or if you're unsure if you qualify, it is Debbie that will explain. In fact, if you need an answer to just about anything, it’s Deb who’ll know.

Deb was born in Wisconsin and raised in Batavia, Illinois. Her family moved to Kansas City during her high school years. It was in Kansas City that she attended The Barstow School, a prestigious private school for girls with a rich history dating back to 1884. The Barstow School has a clear mission “to graduate students who achieve their unique potential, live meaningful lives and significantly impact the world in which they live". Deb embodies these values perfectly.

Deb went off to Colorado College while her father, Reverend Allen Hingston, became Rector of St Stephen's Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove. During her college breaks, Deb visited the Grove and instantly fell in love with its tropical scents and lush greenery. Since then, the Grove has held a special place in her heart.

Deb's appreciation for the Grove grew even stronger when she interned for Dr. Henry Field's company, based in his magnificent mansion known as La Brisa. Dr. Field, a renowned anthropologist, had retired and established Field Research Projects in Coral Gables, a publisher of scientific and educational materials. Debbie considered herself fortunate to spend her days in the grandeur of La Brisa and its surrounding grounds.

Having met and married during their college years, Deb and husband John recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Thanks to John's career as a geologist, they have had the unique opportunity to live in various cities around the world. After many years in Denver, they spent eight years in Egypt, four years in Moscow, and a whopping 12 years in and out of Delhi, India. Frequent visits, and two years in residence, also made London a familiar destination.

Throughout their exciting adventures, Deb managed to balance her role as a schoolteacher and a dedicated mother to their two children, Josh and Kristin. Both of her children had the incredible experience of attending high school in Egypt, and their graduation ceremonies even took place in front of the majestic pyramids. Just imagine the unforgettable memories and breathtaking pictures they have captured during their time there.

Deb's energy and commitment to Coconut Grove is truly remarkable. Not only does she dedicate an enormous amount of time to Pantry business, she is also a founding member of the Grove Watch Group and very active in local politics.

She is living proof that miracles and angels exist in our world!

 Joining the food pantry in 2015, Marta Burdet had no idea of the journey she was about to embark on or the enormous impact she would make.

In 2015, the Pantry not only distributed food but also hosted dinners at Gibson Hall. For three months, we held "Monday Night Feeding," where Miss Edwina cooked for approximately 50 individuals in our 

 Joining the food pantry in 2015, Marta Burdet had no idea of the journey she was about to embark on or the enormous impact she would make.

In 2015, the Pantry not only distributed food but also hosted dinners at Gibson Hall. For three months, we held "Monday Night Feeding," where Miss Edwina cooked for approximately 50 individuals in our Grove community. After three months, the dinners would rotate to another Temple or Church. One of the biggest challenges was our limited capacity -- we faced difficulties in supporting 50 people and were unable to provide weekly food to everyone. This meant individuals could only come to collect food every other week, and Marta was particularly concerned about the lack of fresh produce in our distributions.

At Marta’s urging, the team took on the mission to find donations of fresh fruits and vegetables. They came across a wonderful organization called Farm Share, which partners with Florida farmers and Food Pantries like ours. Farm Share’s mission is to distribute excess crops to those in need, saving millions of pounds of food from being wasted as a wonderful byproduct. The only catch? They don't deliver.

Undeterred, Marta, Sandra Martin, and Warren Hamm made biweekly journeys from the Grove to Homestead to collect fresh produce. They loaded up and then made their way to Hallandale to collect even more donated food - truly commendable.

In the present day, the Pantry has experienced remarkable growth. We are now serving four times the number of people weekly, and we are committed to offering fresh produce every single week, thanks, in large part, to Marta's vision.

Marta was born in the stunning biodiversity hotspot of Panama, where you can find magnificent rainforests, breathtaking beaches and of course the iconic Panama Canal. By the way, it’s now a booming ecotourism destination too.

When she was nine years old Marta’s, family made the move from Panama to the U.S and they had foresight! They chose Brickell, back when it was an undeveloped wilderness (well, almost!). Marta attended Carrollton High School, a few years after it was established. After graduating, Marta pursued her education in Switzerland and then at the prestigious Sorbonne in Paris. What a journey!

Marta thought about remaining in Europe, but the pull of Miami and her beloved family called her back to the States.

After returning, Marta made the decision to pursue a master's degree. She first enrolled at American University in Washington, D.C., and completed her Master's Degree in International Business at the University of Miami.

It was at the University of Miami where the romantic side of Marta's life unfolded when she met her future husband, Alex. Hailing from France, they formed a dynamic international couple, the type that flourishes in our vibrant city and so after marriage they made Miami their home.

Alex and Marta both studied international business and, after obtaining their master's degrees, they joined forces to open an import business specializing in South and Central America. The success of that business prompted them to pursue other entrepreneurial ventures. Eventually their business successes allowed Marta to stay home and dedicate herself to raising their children. Today, Alex has transitioned to a retail investor and asset manager, which gives him the flexibility to have more time with the family too.

When she was a young girl, Marta knew she wanted to have a daughter named Alexa and now she does, along with a son Sebastian and her youngest daughter Nina. Both Sebastian and Alexa have returned home after completing college and gaining work experience, which delights Marta. They are taking the opportunity to start their own company. With the support and guidance of their successful entrepreneurial parents, it's safe to say their business is bound for great success.

Marta has a passion for food and a joy of cooking. Not only has she attended culinary school, but she's also the only one at the Pantry who knows exactly what to do with the unique items from our partner, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Since 2015 when Marta joined, the Pantry has grown tremendously. We now serve more than 200 people and have incredible neighborhood partners who supply us with fresh produce regularly. And guess who's been there every week, witnessing and cheering this expansion? That's right, Marta!

It’s unusual for one person to represent both the heart and the strength of an organization but Carol Smith does. Like many of our volunteers, she sees her work at the Pantry as giving back for the good things now in her own life.

But Carol's unique strength distinguishes her. Jokes abound regarding her ability to outlift most men—and desp

It’s unusual for one person to represent both the heart and the strength of an organization but Carol Smith does. Like many of our volunteers, she sees her work at the Pantry as giving back for the good things now in her own life.

But Carol's unique strength distinguishes her. Jokes abound regarding her ability to outlift most men—and despite not being our youngest volunteer, these tales aren't exaggerated. More importantly, however, is Carol's emotional resilience. Even amidst significant health challenges this year, she's returned to the Pantry after each setback, fueled by the belief that service to others replenishes one's own strength.

Carol is a big part of why the Pantry is able to efficiently prepare and deliver over 200 bags of groceries weekly. Carol's versatility shines: she has probably done every task at the Pantry, from packing groceries to hoisting hefty produce deliveries. On Sundays and Tuesdays, she’s there to stack cans, load or unload cars, pack the refrigerators and wash the tables as an end to the day. Carol always offers a willing hand.

Before moving to the Grove and joining us, Carol was the owner of a thriving and beloved beauty salon in Crystal River FL for an amazing 27 years. A place that was much more than just a business, it was known for its warm atmosphere and the close-knit community it nurtured, where customers would often arrive early just to indulge in conversation and hugs. Carol’s dedication to her customers sometimes included home visits for those under the weather and she always extended her kindness to those in hospice care—another testament to her giving nature.

Hers was a family of entrepreneurs; her husband Tom ran a landscaping business. Tom was her anchor and her 'angel,' a loving name she still uses regularly to describe him. They had 42 years together before his death and it was his death that brought Carol to the Grove. While Carol is retired, having sold the salon to move here, friends and family here in the Grove still sometimes experience her exceptional talent for coloring and styling hair.

Carol is mother to four children and a grandmother to 13 grandchildren whose ages span from 14 to 27. When moving south, Carol was motivated to come to the Grove because two of her children, Alicia and Harry had already planted roots here. Alysia teaches at Coral Gables High while Harry is in real estate and has also just opened a restaurant in Ft Lauderdale. Looks like being an entrepreneur is in the genes. Another daughter, Holli is in Ft. Lauderdale, while her third daughter Kasey, resides in Connecticut. By the way, some of you may know Harry from a number of our Pantry events.

A side of Carol you probably won’t see but was a major part of her life in Crystal River was bass fishing. Not just a lazy Sunday afternoon activity, she did tournament level fishing! She belonged to a league which held “fish offs” both for the competition and as money raisers for the community. But it probably won’t surprise you to learn Carol always threw the fish back.

In the Grove you can occasionally find Carol with some of the other volunteers watching football in one of our sports bars and when she's not lifting more boxes than most or ensuring every can is perfectly stacked, she's likely zipping around in her striking little red Mazda Miata—a vehicle as vibrant and full of life as she is.

We are so happy Carol is with us. Her ability to lift both spirits and supplies remains unmatched, and her presence is a gift that keeps on giving.

Lois became a pillar of community service almost immediately after she moved to Coconut Grove in 2013. First, she joined the Woman’s Club, and it was there, a few years later, that she heard about the Food Pantry. Being a person that always wants to contribute she headed directly to our door to volunteer. But at that time the Pantry neede

Lois became a pillar of community service almost immediately after she moved to Coconut Grove in 2013. First, she joined the Woman’s Club, and it was there, a few years later, that she heard about the Food Pantry. Being a person that always wants to contribute she headed directly to our door to volunteer. But at that time the Pantry needed food more than weekly volunteers and so that is what she took on.

Lois spearheaded a food drive within her condominium that uncovered a wellspring of generosity within her building—a reservoir of goodwill that had scarcely been tapped before. The results were carloads of food donated during each of the three drives done yearly and they continue to today. She's hopeful that her feature in this month's newsletter will encourage others to take on similar projects in their condos.

Lois epitomizes community spirit, balancing neighbors helping neighbors with neighbors having fun. At her condo she organized multicultural cooking sessions where residents taught others to cook or bake a traditional recipe from their heritage. She organized picnics and held progressive dinners. At the heart of it, what Lois cares about people knowing and caring about those around them.

Before calling Florida home, Lois lived with her husband, Al, in West Chester, New York, where she was a middle school and high school reading teacher and Al pursued a career in chemical engineering. Their retirement led them to assume a snowbird lifestyle between Connecticut and Key Biscayne before eventually setting roots in Coconut Grove — a decision influenced by the closeness of grandchildren and an appreciation for the state's climate, perfect for their active lifestyle.

Lois’s family circle includes her lawyer daughter Rebecca, now residing in West Palm and her son Daniel who works for a shipping company in New York. In addition to Rebecca’s two daughters Gabi and Sophie, Lois has grandson Brennen, who now lives nearby Plantation FL.

While Lois's community spirit is unmistakable, equally remarkable is her athleticism. Despite not having the benefit of formal sports training — her upbringing predating the Title IX era, which leveled the playing field for women in sports — Lois competes in triathlons. It started when her husband started working out with thoughts of competition and she joined him for the exercise. Encouraged by her neighbor, she entered her first triathlon at the age of 52 with little more than determination and a neglected bike from the garage—and she won! That’s right a triathlon — one of the most intensely physical competitions, requiring training in cycling, running, and open-water swimming. She’s been at it ever since, albeit now with an excellent racing bike. Over the last decades she has won races around the globe, from Australia and New Zealand to Budapest and Abu Dhabi, tallying victories in most races she enters. With her husband Al also competing, they have more gold medals than you can imagine.

But life's courses shift and bend, and Al and Lois recently moved to Wellington, FL, enticed by more conducive training environments for their athletic pursuits. While the absence of Lois's dynamic spirit in Coconut Grove will be palpable, her legacy persists in the continuing condo food drives she pioneered.

Her story concludes here not with a goodbye but with a celebration of the indelible mark she has etched.

 Jose joined the Food Pantry in June of 2020, with a mission to support the homebound elderly during the challenging times of Covid. When he first joined, he delivered 16 bags each week, but amazingly, he now distributes to 40 households every Tuesday!

Having joined during the pandemic, Jose originally left the grocery bags at each recipie

 Jose joined the Food Pantry in June of 2020, with a mission to support the homebound elderly during the challenging times of Covid. When he first joined, he delivered 16 bags each week, but amazingly, he now distributes to 40 households every Tuesday!

Having joined during the pandemic, Jose originally left the grocery bags at each recipient's door. As the pandemic ended, Jose seized the chance to connect with and get to know many of our recipients.

Jose, Cuban-born, has experienced the joys of living in different countries, albeit when he was very young. His family initially moved from Cuba to Spain, but a strong desire to return to Cuba and the presence of family members in the US prompted them to relocate to Miami when Jose was just 3 years old.

His parents settled in Shenandoah, then a wonderful farming community that provided an idyllic environment for children to thrive and Jose did. After attending Hialeah High School, he headed off to the University of Florida. Following his graduation, he married and embarked on building a family here in Miami. At this juncture, Jose was teaching the incredibly important subject of economics to 12th graders.

Driven by the positive influence of growing up in a rural setting, as his children were heading toward their teen years, Jose made the decision to move the family to the lovely countryside of North Carolina.

Jose continued his teaching career and discovered a passion for coaching football during his time in North Carolina. 

Then in 2011, he began teaching at Christ School, a prestigious boarding school in Asheville with a rich 123-year history.

Although his three older children had by then, completed their education, Jose’s youngest son Michael attended Christ School as a day student. Both father and son cherished their experience at the school, creating lasting memories and friendships.

Jose has a beautiful family of four children: one daughter and three sons. His daughter Michelle attended FIU and is now happily married with two children of her own. Two of his sons, Moses and Matthew, also attended FIU but they are still single and ready to mingle. Jose's youngest son Michael had stronger ties to North Carolina and chose to study in Chapel Hill. He found love with an incredible woman named Elena and they now reside in Boston.

In 2014, after raising his children and seeing them succeed, Jose started contemplating his future and how to make the rest of his life happy but meaningful.

During a time of great self-reflection, Jose, now divorced, had an epiphany. He came to the profound realization that his true fulfillment in life would come from dedicating himself to the betterment of others. Remembering the immense joy he felt when engaging with children, Jose decided to take a first step along this path by embarking on mission trips to Cuba.

At the same time, his daughter in Miami shared the exciting news of her first much-desired pregnancy, which motivated Jose to return to us here in Miami. Back in Miami he resumed coaching football and worked for a Christian radio station until it was sold.

But continuing his quest to make his life meaningful, Jose began hosting gatherings in his home. These special house church meetings allowed him to connect with others who were also on a spiritual journey. With time, the number of attendees exceeded the capacity of private homes, prompting the group to search for a permanent space. This marked the birth of Amar Church in South Miami. Jose now divides his time between pastoring at Amar Church and running a non-profit organization he founded, dedicated to reaching out to the groups he cares for the most - children and the elderly. Amor Church, much like Jose, prioritizes community engagement. In December, they went above and beyond, not just distributing gift bags but 50 Christmas trees!

Jose's life in Miami was already fulfilled, but in December 2022, it became even more meaningful when he met his now wife, Iramy. Their relationship was built on a shared passion for community service, and they tied the knot this past October 1st. We are so happy for our newlyweds!

Now residing in Key Largo, Jose utilizes his long drives for phone calls to stay connected with his parishioners and podcasts to keep his mind even sharper. Despite the distance, he remains dedicated to his duties at Amor Church and of course, every Tuesday, driving to deliver groceries for the Food Pantry.

To truly know Jose, you only need to grasp the principles that guide his life. His favorite verse, John 3:16, and his mantra of, "we need to live outside the walls", reflect his unwavering commitment to helping others and embracing unconditional love.

Jose remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling the needs of those around him, particularly the elderly. His life is a testament to the joy found in selfless service.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Jose with us! Not only do the clients he serves adore him, but all of the pantry's volunteers do as well. Jose is truly loved by everyone here.

 For many of our clients and supporters, Chris is the face of the Food Pantry. Every Tuesday you can find him outside on William Avenue, diligently organizing pick-ups and drop-offs. Even on the hottest days when the sun is beating down and the last place you want to be is outside, Chris and his team are there.

Although the bulk of our foo

 For many of our clients and supporters, Chris is the face of the Food Pantry. Every Tuesday you can find him outside on William Avenue, diligently organizing pick-ups and drop-offs. Even on the hottest days when the sun is beating down and the last place you want to be is outside, Chris and his team are there.

Although the bulk of our food is delivered directly to our clients by our volunteer drivers, we still have a lot of activity happening out our front door. Whether folks are dropping off large or small donations, picking up for neighbors or picking up for themselves, Chris coordinates the walkups. He knows most of these folks by name. He knows many of their stories; who needs no-cook bags, who is back after a month or two of not needing us, who needs Halal or vegetarian and who donates a small bag of groceries each week. Yes, his checklist ensures we only support Coconut Grove folks, but it also provides him with a way to check on people we haven’t seen for a while and learn if people’s needs have changed.

How did Chris get to the Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry? Representing St. Stephen’s, he attended a meeting at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in 2015. He felt inspired to act after hearing Sandra Martin speak. His commitment eventually led to becoming co-director and in that role he continues to represent St. Stephen’s.

Chris is a retired printing professional. His years of experience moved him through several companies, but he stayed close to us here in the Grove. He began his career at a small family business in the Gables and after several moves retired from a large printer in Doral. He enjoyed the small-to-big range of jobs he was tasked with over the years, from designing and constructing business cards to piecing together entire magazines. Chris was “prepress” meaning he created the print layouts, and his tasks included the text editing, graphics and page design. And just like at the Pantry, Chris saw lots of changes in his career having to continually enhance his skills, going from analogue to digital equipment over the years.

2015 was a special year for Chris - not only did he join the Food Pantry, but he also married his long-term partner Keith at St. Stephen's. When he can find time outside of his hard work at the Pantry, he and Keith often spend time visiting Chris' wonderful mother. She is a long-term supporter of the Food Pantry, so love and caring clearly runs in the family!

Kay Seibert had only been volunteering at the Pantry for a few years when, eight years ago, she was asked to become a member of the Board. Knowing the history of the Pantry, the reasons for its founding, and its obstacles, gives her a deep understanding of the organization and its mission. A lawyer, Kay is our go-to legal guru for reliabl

Kay Seibert had only been volunteering at the Pantry for a few years when, eight years ago, she was asked to become a member of the Board. Knowing the history of the Pantry, the reasons for its founding, and its obstacles, gives her a deep understanding of the organization and its mission. A lawyer, Kay is our go-to legal guru for reliable advice in these days of changing rules and regulations.

Kay came to the Pantry as part of the outreach from St. Philips Episcopal Church. The Pantry was much smaller then with limited supplies, fewer clients and far fewer volunteers. When Kay began, the Pantry limited the number of times per month a client could come. The volunteers knew the folks that came and checked on them when they didn't.

After graduating college with a focus on French and philosophy, she began working, married and then started a family. But her husband was in the military and he died on active duty, leaving Kay with a two-year old child. Suddenly becoming the primary provider, Kay decided to go to law school, choosing the University of Miami. It is amazing to think of juggling a two-year-old and law classes, but she pulled it off. It was very tough, but it provided a wonderful benefit besides the law degree. Law school is where she met Patrick, her second husband. Dating didn’t happen for years after law school, but she and Patrick eventually reconnected, and they married eight years later. Many of you know Patrick as another volunteer at the Pantry.

After her law school graduation and passing the bar, Kay took a position clerking for a judge in the Third District Court of Appeal. From clerking, she moved into private practice but eventually the demands became too great a conflict with raising her son. She moved back to the Appellate Court. The hours were more conducive to family life, and the work equally challenging. Lawyers in the Appellate Courts support judges by reviewing and evaluating the decisions of the circuit courts, hearing appeals and writing opinions.

Later Kay moved to the University of Miami School of Law. There she was able to address fundamentals often overlooked by law students. She taught courses on essential skills such as efficient case analysis, research methods, how to correctly cite legal materials, and quality legal writing.

We can’t help but feel lucky that Kay is part of our community! 

Nick Smith is our Director of Pantry Partners, and he has a powerful goal. His mission? To forge an alliance of organizations and advocates, ensuring sustained and enduring support for our Pantry for years to come.

Nick, a British native, joined Plymouth Congressional Church shortly after his arrival in the U.S. Before Nick’s work visa ca

Nick Smith is our Director of Pantry Partners, and he has a powerful goal. His mission? To forge an alliance of organizations and advocates, ensuring sustained and enduring support for our Pantry for years to come.

Nick, a British native, joined Plymouth Congressional Church shortly after his arrival in the U.S. Before Nick’s work visa came through, Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc in the Bahamas so Nick volunteered for Plymouth's relief response. Seeing what a hard worker he was and his organizational skills, Nick was asked to join the warehouse team that managed the donations from all the organizations around Miami. It was during this time that Nick became acquainted with the wonderful people from Christ Episcopal Church and that he first heard about the Food Pantry.

Following Dorian, Nick was asked to join Plymouth’s Outreach committee. When the pandemic halted the committee’s activities, Plymouth's outreach committee sought opportunities to make a positive impact. They soon recognized that a monthly food drive could greatly assist the Pantry and those most affected by the pandemic. Plymouth's monthly food drive remains ongoing, and Nick, who remains a valued member of Plymouth Church and their outreach efforts, now also serves as our Director of Pantry Partners.

Nick, born in Yorkshire England, pursued his college education in Birmingham, England at Aston Business School. The significance of Ashton runs deep within the Smith family. Not only did Nick's grandfather attend, but it is also where his parents met. Furthermore, his father still remains involved as a researcher. Nick proudly graduated with first class honors from Ashton, further upholding his family's legacy.

 Nick served seven years in the British Navy Reserves covering 5,000 miles at sea and, fun fact, was trained on the same warship as Prince William. Nick embarked on his finance career with Deutsche Börse Group (ever heard of the DAX?), a German Stock Exchange. Following several promotions, he left Deutsche Börse, only to return three years later to spearhead the launch of their New York City office. Nick is currently the Vice President of Sales at the NYC office, with his base in Miami. 

It's astonishing how Nick manages to balance his responsibilities with offices in two cities, extensive volunteer work, and even indulge in golf. Additionally, he's an explorer of the world around him. When next you see him, get him to explain the history of limestone in the Gables and Birmingham. You'll be surprised that England once had tropical seas, much like our own! 

 Joanne calls herself a “joiner,” but we believe the words “committed” and “creative” should be added to that moniker. She and her son Sean (now 25) discovered pantry life during COVID, when his Vermont college campus closed and he found himself back home for an extended stay. What she envisioned as a volunteer stint of a few weeks turned

 Joanne calls herself a “joiner,” but we believe the words “committed” and “creative” should be added to that moniker. She and her son Sean (now 25) discovered pantry life during COVID, when his Vermont college campus closed and he found himself back home for an extended stay. What she envisioned as a volunteer stint of a few weeks turned into months. Sean worked at St. Philip’s for a year before relocating to Los Angeles. Joanne kept showing up at the pantry.

A member of seven volunteer organizations and six musical endeavors, Joanne admits that she often feels over committed, and at one point she considered dropping the pantry from her schedule. But it was Miss Brown who changed her mind. Joanne reports that, in a particularly moving prayer, Miss Brown thanked God for providing us with the opportunity and the physical and mental capacity to serve. Her words made all the difference.

Joanne describes her childhood in a small western New York town as idyllic. There was a farm at the end of the road and plenty of woods in which to create imaginary worlds. She fondly remembers her father’s unique whistle, which served as a loving call to come home. It’s no wonder that Joanne sought to create the same sense of connection and adventure for her own children. She loved high school (there was only one in town) and enthusiastically participated in musical theater, chorus, cheerleading, and majorettes. She is a life-long Episcopalian and has been singing in a church choir since she was 10.

She landed in Miami in 1986 with stops in Cape Coral, Tampa (college at USF where she met her husband John) and DC. Past vocations include dish washer, office cleaner, babysitter, journal editor, alumni director, fund raiser, and interpreter for the hearing impaired. Vacation Bible School roles range from a banana to a sloth to a zebra. She wrote and directed eight musicals while her kiddies were at St. Phillip’s and, along with her dachshund Yaz, planned galas with her pals at the Ransom Everglades Parent’s Association for seven years. And there was the “green” version of The Wizard of Oz at Carrollton, her daughter’s school. She worked with the students to create the set and all costumes by upcycling.

When not at the Pantry, Joanne is volunteering at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station and The Villagers (saving historic places), leading tours at the Coral Gables Merrick House and planning programming as chair of their governing board, fostering dogs through Dachshund Rescue South Florida, fund raising for Paws4You rescue, singing jazz, classical rep and rock in several groups, ringing handbells, and scouting her neighborhood for trash furniture that she can refresh and revive. She calls this current favorite endeavor Re-Find Furniture and is happy to share photos of the furniture she has in storage for those interested in commissioning a piece.

Her most mind-stretching activity: Ringing tower bells at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Her most beyond-comfort-zone activity: Singing in her husband’s rock band. Next gig is September 29 at Lincoln’s Beard Brewery. Y’all come!

 Introducing Donna Sing, a superstar volunteer at the Pantry! Despite being new, Donna's dedication and enthusiasm shine through in everything she does. Not only does she work tirelessly each week, but she has also revolutionized our recycling efforts. After meeting two other volunteers (Carol and Sparkie), Donna found her way to the pant

 Introducing Donna Sing, a superstar volunteer at the Pantry! Despite being new, Donna's dedication and enthusiasm shine through in everything she does. Not only does she work tirelessly each week, but she has also revolutionized our recycling efforts. After meeting two other volunteers (Carol and Sparkie), Donna found her way to the pantry last March and has been making a huge impact ever since.

Donna's roots are in Missouri, where she grew up. Her first venture out took her to Hialeah during the 1970s, working on circuit boards. It may surprise you, but computer circuitry was indeed manufactured in the US, as Donna can attest. Even then, her heart was drawn to Coconut Grove, particularly to what was known as "the hippie park" - Peacock Park. Back in the day, it was simply a serene landscape filled with trees, grass, and an abundance of hippies

After a number of years Donna journeyed back to Missouri to continue her education. It turned out to be the start of a new chapter. At school she met her future husband who was soon to become a Marine pilot. As a pilot's spouse, Donna embraced a life of adventure through various duty postings in North Carolina, California, Arizona, Texas, and breathtaking Hawaii. Their vacations were equally exciting, taking them to exotic destinations such as Okinawa, South Korea, and vibrant Hong Kong. 

 But constant travel is exhausting. After over a decade of serving their country, they made the decision to leave active duty for a more stable life for their children and settle down back in Missouri.  Donna, a trained accountant, embarked on a new career path and became a real estate landlord, and property manager. But that's not all - she also became a pioneer in recycling, embracing the green lifestyle long before it became trendy. From metals to wood and paper, Donna ensured that everything in the buildings she managed was recycled. And she continues to prioritize sustainability to this very day. 

 In 2020, Donna, a long-time resident of Lebanon Missouri, made a decision to relocate back to her hometown of Monett Missouri. She purchased the house she grew up in and spent the next years renovating it. She cherished the merging of old and new within the house. However, after enduring years of Missouri winters, she began to feel the toll of the harsh weather. 

 By this time her children ventured off to different parts of the country, one of her daughters to Bozeman Montana and her other daughter to Miami. We are fortunate that she opted for Miami and settled with her daughter’s family in a beautiful home in the Grove, expertly designed by her daughter and son-in-law, both architects. Donna heads to Bozeman for part of the year but we are lucky to have her here most of the time 

 Donna enjoys spending time with her two amazing grandchildren, Evan and Wyatt. Perhaps you've had the pleasure of meeting them. Until school started, these two often lent a hand at the Pantry carrying and sorting the Sunday deliveries. Donna's daughter Shawna frequently does our pickups from Whole Foods. How heartwarming to see a whole family coming together to volunteer! 

 Aside from the packing, sorting, and shelving every Tuesday and Sunday, Donna goes the extra mile by recycling all the cartons for us. This not only helps the environment but also provides some additional income for the Pantry. Additionally, by breaking down mountains of cartons each week and taking them to a recycling plant in Alapattah, Donna also saves us the expense of waste removal. 

 When she isn't hard at work helping the Pantry, you can often find Donna strolling through the Grove, Walking is a favorite hobby. You may also spot her engrossed in a crossword puzzle or catching the latest football game at a local sports bar. Next time you see her, be sure to say hello and show your appreciation for her dedication and commitment to making our Pantry an even better place. 

In October we highlighted the spectacular Ollie Taylor, a face well known to most everyone at the Pantry. Ollie's contribution to both the Pantry and her church makes her truly invaluable.

Ollie has been a devoted member of Christ Episcopal for about 38 years. Her journey with the Pantry began back when Mrs. Tessie White asked Ollie to hel

In October we highlighted the spectacular Ollie Taylor, a face well known to most everyone at the Pantry. Ollie's contribution to both the Pantry and her church makes her truly invaluable.

Ollie has been a devoted member of Christ Episcopal for about 38 years. Her journey with the Pantry began back when Mrs. Tessie White asked Ollie to help prepare the annual Christmas dinner for our recipients. Since then, Ollie's culinary skills have been improving lives, both at church and through the Pantry.

For years our supporting churches served hot meals, with Christ Church handling every Monday. Ollie, having shown her skills with the Christmas dinners, extended her commitment by joining the cooking and serving of Monday meals. As the years went on, she also organized monthly fundraising dinners for the church.

When the pandemic hit, as you know, the Pantry had to pivot. That's when the Pantry, no longer able to bring folks into the church hall, adapted by packing and delivering bags of groceries.

Since then, Ollie has been packing bags each week and SHOPPING! She has taken on the responsibility of shopping for all the additional items needed to complement the donated food. While the core of our distribution is our partner’s generous donations of food, we often need to purchase large quantities of essential staples to ensure we can meet the needs of those we serve. The Pantry regularly provides fresh produce and staples, but occasionally we can add hot meals to the grocery bags. It's thanks to Ollie's cooking when they are included for our recipients.

Born on the largest island of the Bahamas, Andros, Ollie's parents moved to the vibrant capital city of Nassau when she was a child. It was there that she had her education and began her career. Ollie began in the hotel industry immediately after graduating, starting off in merchandising. However, her passion for hospitality led her to explore and master various aspects of the industry. We are so grateful that along her path, she gained enough knowledge to venture into cooking for our large groups.

Not only did the hotel industry provide Ollie with a fulfilling career, but it also introduced her to the love of her life, John. Together, they embraced their married life in the Bahamas. However, as time went on, they saw the potential for greater opportunities in the United States, particularly for their future family. With John hailing from Gainesville, Florida, it seemed like the obvious choice. Yet, it was Miami that ultimately stole their hearts and made the most sense for both their professional aspirations and proximity to their respective families. Although she doesn't live in the Grove, we are so happy that the Bahamian allure of the “Pink Church” was too strong for Ollie to resist.

A while after settling in Miami, Ollie and John had two children, Jonathan and Iman. Their lives were filled with joy, as Ollie dedicated herself to her church, raising the kids, and cherishing her loving family. Sadly, John passed away about 12 years ago. Today Jonathan still resides in Miami, but Iman recently moved to Kansas City.

 At John’s passing, Ollie chose not to let grief consume her. Instead, she intensified her commitment to service at the church and the Pantry. She also pursued further education, taking business classes at FIU. Ollie now dedicates at least three days each week to planning, shopping, organizing supplies, cooking and packing. Recently she played a crucial role in purchasing the items for our 250 hurricane kits. Ollie's unwavering dedication partially stems from her commitment to service through the Daughters Of The King but mostly because she is just a wonderful person. 

 Ollie sees her son regularly here in Miami but she's now also spending time in Kansas City, her daughter’s new home. Her absences highlight the tremendous amount of work she does, and we hope she knows just how much we value it. She is truly priceless to us.