BLOG

New Harvest VISTA Summer Associate: Welcome Eli!

16 Aug 2023, by Admin in Harvest Blog, Making A Difference Foundation (MADF)

Eli serves as the Harvest VISTA Summer Associate at Making A Difference Foundation (MADF) in partnership with Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank in Tacoma, Washington. MADF is a nonprofit, charitable organization with a noble mission: to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time. MADF is committed to helping individuals acquire their most basic needs, including food, housing, encouragement, and opportunities. Their work is driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to create positive change in the community. Eli assists in (duties you will be focusing on during your service term).

Join Eli on their journey as a Harvest VISTA Summer Associate at Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank, a program within MADF. From the moment they stepped into their role, Eli has been actively involved in various tasks and activities that contribute to the food bank’s mission. Their dedication and passion for making a difference are evident in their day-to-day work. 

Eli’s primary responsibility is to work closely with the ECP Food Bank Manager, receiving instructions on the essential tasks that keep the food bank running smoothly. During their time as a Harvest VISTA Summer Associate, Eli will be involved in a range of activities. One notable achievement was the creation of a multilingual short form for client intake, ensuring effective communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Additionally, Eli will be actively collaborating with the staff and other volunteers at Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank. By fostering teamwork and collective effort, they will contribute to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s operations. Their participation in daily member team meetings reflect their commitment to working collaboratively towards the common goal of serving the community. Interacting with clients will be a vital part of Eli’s role at Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank. They take immense pleasure in greeting the individuals and families who visit the food bank, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued. With an average of approximately 600 clients visiting each week, Eli’s warm greetings provide comfort and reassurance to those in need. 

Beyond greeting clients, Eli will assist clients in various ways; from helping to bag up food items to guiding clients in finding the specific food they require. Eli is dedicated that every individual’s needs are met with care and compassion. They understand the importance of not only providing nourishment but also offering a sense of support and empathy. Furthermore, Eli dedicates themselves to answering questions from clients. Whether it’s through phone calls or direct interactions, Eli is always ready to address inquiries and provide assistance. Their willingness to offer guidance and support reflects their genuine concern for the well-being of those they serve. 

Eli’s dedication and commitment to their role at Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank hopes to have a profound impact on both the organization and the clients they serve. By actively engaging with clients, collaborating with staff and volunteers, and ensuring the smooth operation of the food bank, Eli will exemplify the mission of MADF and Eloise’s Cooking Pot. 

Eli will continue to share their experiences, insights, and the positive changes they witnessed during their time as a Harvest VISTA Summer Associate. Their journey represents the collective efforts of MADF, Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank, and countless individuals who believe in creating a more equitable and sustainable society. 

Stay tuned for more updates from Eli as they continue to make a difference, one person at a time, through their work at Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank. Together, we can create a community where no one goes hungry, where kindness prevails, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.