Volunteers Share their Wisdom

As the Adult Education Program Manager at Saca Community Learning Center, I have had the privilege to work with numerous volunteers every day. I am continuously humbled and in awe of their commitment, skills and life experiences that these individuals share with our community through service at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One volunteer in particular, Roger Macker, deposits droplets of wisdom during every encounter. WISDOM being the application of knowledge.

Roger Macker has volunteered at SFBFS for over 4 years. Currently, he volunteers in the Food program, assembling bags of produce to be distributed at various distribution sites throughout Sacramento. Roger spends two to four hours twice a week assembling bags. He has also volunteers at the Saca Community Learning Center as a tutor in the Adult Education program.

What some staff and volunteers may not know about Mr. Macker is that he will turn 89 years old this week, he served in World War II and he retired as a school teacher in Sacramento. Listening to his colorful stories of the war and teaching experience always provides fresh perspectives on various issues. After our conversations, I always feel rested and refreshed. If anyone happens to see Roger volunteering his time at SFBFS in the next few days, please wish Roger a very Happy Birthday.

To all the volunteers of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, and especially Roger Macker, thank you for giving your time, talent and yourself.

Submitted by James Moore, Adult Education Program Manager

Oranges Galore!!!

Sacramento is known for many things: the capital of California, the gold rush, bridges, our railroad museum and of course orange trees! I am still relatively new to Sacramento, having transplanted from the east coast roughly one year ago, but every time I drive downtown, I am amazed how many orange trees line our city streets. Back east, we did not have that luxury of walking down the streets of Philadelphia and reaching up and grabbing a mid-afternoon orange, but here we do. Not only are the trees esthetically pleasing but their fruit it also quite satisfying and nourishing, if eaten.

My first 6 months of living in Sacramento I was a little shocked to see how many oranges would fall to the ground and go to waste. Moreover, I rode my bike around neighborhoods and would see lawns full of rotten oranges, and I kept thinking to myself, “I am sure someone would have wanted to eat those.” Well, being SFBFS’ Food Program Director, I actually know 10,000 people that would eat those perfectly ripe oranges, and the best part there is an organization that helps get the oranges to us so people can enjoy them.

During the winter months, teams of volunteers descend on Sacramento to help harvest as many orange trees as possible in order to donate to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). For the past eight weeks, we have been distributing 10 oranges, 3 days per week to over 200 households a day. And every weekend we receive even more oranges then the previous. In a city where people spend their time waiting in lines for food there should not be a single orange rotting on the ground. More people than ever are depending on SFBFS, and at the same time, more people than ever are coming together and making sure people are fed, even if it is just a few oranges.

The winter months may bring the cold and rain, but it also brings a wonderful bounty of oranges. One thing is for certain, after one full year of living in Sacramento, I know there are a few less oranges wasting away on the ground. For that, I thank the people of Sacramento and feel reassured to know we are distributing the food of our city to the people who need it the most. Enjoy your orange!

Submitted by Erik Kintzel, Food Program Director

Youth Education

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) has been a personal inspiration for me. I began working at the Saca Community Learning Center, SFBFS' facility in North Sacramento, on September 26, 2011 as the Youth Education Program Assistant. In the past four months I have become familiar with many of the children in the program and enjoy tutoring and mentoring the youth ranging from ages 6-18.

Since joining SFBFS’ staff, I see that the youth are more focused on academics and learning many of the life skills that will help shape them into becoming strong and independent adults. They are continuously learning personal discipline by doing their homework, which shows that they are both accountable and responsible.

SFBFS is truly a jewel in the community. Without the services that they offer to the youth of today, there would not be much hope for the youth of tomorrow. Keep up the good work SFBFS!

Submitted by Lacy Berry, Youth Education Program Assistant

Computer Clubhouse Conference

Welcome to Los Angeles, and to the 2011 annual Conference of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network! This is what was on the hotel sign as I walked into famous Millennium Biltmore Hotel lobby, on Sunday April 10, 2011. The theme of this year’s Conference is Reaching New Heights, Deepening the Impact. This conference provides a unique opportunity for our very global Clubhouse community to come together in person, share ideas and experiences, plan for the future and build a stronger community.

The goal was exploring the ways in which the Clubhouse Network can elevate and innovate best practices for a deeper, more sustainable impact on youth. We learned how cutting-edge projects and experiences expand the horizons of Clubhouse youth, provide youth with leadership opportunities, support young people in gaining new knowledge and skills.

One of the highlights of the conference sessions was on Thursday when I attended the Video Production 101 workshop at the Expo Center Computer Clubhouse. We learned the basics of scripting, storyboarding, shooting and editing videos in the Clubhouse. Through the creation of a Public Service Announcement, Clubhouse staff will gain the knowledge and experience needed for producing a professional-level video that includes Clubhouse Member of all ages and abilities.

Please check out our final project Intel Computer Clubhouse annual conference 2011 - Video Production 101 - PSA

Submitted by Charles Coger, Technology Manager

History in the making

February marks an historic time for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services with the opening of our Education & Technology Center. As an organization we are thankful for all of the continued support from individuals and businesses in our community who make operating our programs possible. We look forward to having the space necessary to expand our educational programs focused on building self-sufficiency and financial independence. Over the next quarter, we hope to expand services by nearly 50% to serve over 1,500 people monthly through our Adult Education, Parent Education and Youth Education programs as well as a robust Demonstration Garden.

Although our new development marks a new chapter in our organization’s history, we have not forgotten our humbling beginnings over 36 years ago. Our founder, Fr. Dan Madigan had a vision to change peoples’ lives by offering hope and dignity through a multitude of services dedicated to assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. It is with determination that we continue to carry out our mission in everything that we do. Thanks to our community, we have the resources to maximize our mission through our new expansion.

This is an exciting time to be a part of our programs. However, there is no doubt that we need your support more now than at any point in our history. We invite you to take part in an upcoming tour of our new building, consider donating time as a volunteer in one of our programs and, if possible, please consider making a donation to support our efforts. On behalf of our organization and the many families we serve, thank you for helping us change lives and brighten futures.

Submitted by Jeremiah Rhine, Chief Operating Officer