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We are privileged to have the most dedicated and passionate people around both in leadership roles and as weekly volunteers. Our volunteers are retirees, those still working, and students, each bringing their unique talents and energy. Many discovered us through food drives organized by their affiliated organizations, while others became part of our community through the recommendations of friends.
Each month, our newsletter features a different profile to introduce you to our team. If you missed one, don't worry - you can find the profiles here.
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.
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!
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.
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