THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 Page 7 First Congregational Church of Revere Food Pantry receives $40K GBFB Community Investment Grant Grant empowers local food pantry to boost community reach with new Operations Manager! GRANT | SEE Page 21 tant Manager of the Food Pantry here at the First Congregational Church of Revere. I’ve been with the First Congregational Church as the Nursery Coordinator since January, and I’ve developed such a deep appreciation for our community that I recently accepted an off er to extend my services through the Food Pantry. Growing up in Suff olk CounPictured from left to right: Will Kenney, Nicoletta Giardina and Wendy Baur. (Courtesy photo) First Congregational Church of Revere (Courtesy photo) F irst Congregational Church of Revere (FCCR) is excited to announce that our food pantry has been awarded a $40,000 Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). Our food pantry has always been volunteerbased, and, with these funds, we can hire our fi rst staff person, Nicoletta Giardina, to serve as the Operations Manager. The annual Community Investment Grant program – originally founded in 2013 – has now been investing in GBFB partner agencies for 10 years. Nicoletta will assist us to better serve our diverse community. Besides assisting with the overall food pantry operations, she will also help recruit and train essential volunteers. She will work on off ering more nutritious food, including culturally connected and dietary specific foods. As a team, FCCR is actively seeking fundraising opportunities to expand our service hours and potentially introduce client choice through preordering. For 40 years, FCCR Food Pantry has been an emergency food provider for food-insufficient families in Revere and nearby areas. Immediately following the pandemic in April 2020, the number of unique families (those that visited at least once) rose 147%. Our food pantry went from serving about 200 unique households each month in March 2020 to almost 1,000 households currently. Revere has 12-13% of families living at or below poverty levels. These families were hardest hit during the pandemic, with many employed as essential workers. In 2022, we served 3574 unique families, and we still see many new clients each week, particularly immigrants new to our community. We are blessed with the help of many volunteers and GBFB to serve so many families in need in these diffi cult times. Statement from Nicoletta Giardina, Operations Manager Greetings! My name is Nicoletta Giardina (pictured in middle), and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Operations Assisty, it feels great to give back and further strengthen my ties within the community. Whether it was caring for geriatric patients, assisting local insurance agencies, teaching universal pre-kindergarten, or nurturing and nannying local kids, community-building has been the core of my endeavors; with this variety of experience, I’ve also developed my operational skills in project management, decision-making, process improvement, and communication. In my new role, I hope to collaborate with you all to further nurture the bonds within our community. As I’ve identifi ed, success in the community is only possible when we strengthen our connections through communication and collaboration. I’m confi dent that with our dedicated team, we can achieve more than we ever dreamed of in service of community. I currently hold an AS in Early Education from Bunker Hill Community College and am working to fi nish my BS in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Homelessness & Trauma from Lesley University. Outside of work, I enjoy singing, playing piano, reading, and the beach. I am eager to hear from and collaborate with those who continue to serve this community. I look forward to working together and making a positive impact. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 On Election Day, Tuesday, November 7 “Please consider me for one of your six votes” Re-Elect John Kingston Revere School Committee (Paid Pol. Adv.)
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