Executive Director's Message
December 2019
Dear friends of GFW,
I am amazed to find four months has passed since my husband, Tim, dog, Bella, and I drove across country from New York City to Monterey to start our new life here. Yet, so much has happened!
Since accepting the Executive Director position here at Gathering for Women - Monterey, I have been in the midst of a flurry of activity. On the event side, we held an Open House and a Gathering for Hearts Luncheon to friend raise. We also held a wonderful luau to celebrate our fabulous volunteers. It was so much fun to see everyone in their Hawaiian themed clothes and eat delicious food donated by Nancy Dean's and Keoki's Hawaiian Barbeque, and desserts made by our very own Cesi Aguilar, kitchen chef extraordinaire. Our Halloween and Thanksgiving luncheons were well received by guests and volunteers alike. For Halloween alone, we served 66 individual guests, and guests and volunteers enjoyed four turkeys with all the trimmings this past Tuesday. Additionally, December 6, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. we will have a holiday gathering for guests, volunteers and friends who want to spread some holiday cheer. Let Betty know if you plan to attend!
We also added new services, including confidential HIV and Hepatitis testing through Montage, and pet companion wellness checks and spaying/neutering services through the support of a major donor and the Monterey County SPCA. Additionally, we are closer and closer to realizing our partnership with Community Health Services to open the first shelter on the Peninsula for women and children with families.
This Fall we have been reaching out to volunteers, guests, staff and individuals in the community to provide input into our three-year Strategic Planning effort. On December 3 from 3:00- 4:30, volunteers are welcome to provide their input into the future of Gathering for Women. The planning process begins December 11 and will culminate in January with a vibrant plan that will ensure we build on past success, while looking to a sustainable future.
I am so grateful for new grants and funders, as well as our continuing supporters who make all of this possible. And of course, our in-kind contributors who keep our guests warm and dry this time of year.
Each day I know I am blessed to be at GFW surrounded by amazing colleagues, volunteers, Board, and supporters in such a beautiful location. However, on a cold, rainy day like today, I cannot help but think while I am lucky, those I serve are not.
I have met many of you in these past four months, however if I have not, please feel free to call and arrange a time to meet me. I look forward to working together with all of you toward a better life for the homeless and housing-insecure women in our community.
With gratitude and best wishes for the holiday season,
Staci M. Alziebler-Perkins
Executive Director
Dear friends of GFW,
I am amazed to find four months has passed since my husband, Tim, dog, Bella, and I drove across country from New York City to Monterey to start our new life here. Yet, so much has happened!
Since accepting the Executive Director position here at Gathering for Women - Monterey, I have been in the midst of a flurry of activity. On the event side, we held an Open House and a Gathering for Hearts Luncheon to friend raise. We also held a wonderful luau to celebrate our fabulous volunteers. It was so much fun to see everyone in their Hawaiian themed clothes and eat delicious food donated by Nancy Dean's and Keoki's Hawaiian Barbeque, and desserts made by our very own Cesi Aguilar, kitchen chef extraordinaire. Our Halloween and Thanksgiving luncheons were well received by guests and volunteers alike. For Halloween alone, we served 66 individual guests, and guests and volunteers enjoyed four turkeys with all the trimmings this past Tuesday. Additionally, December 6, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. we will have a holiday gathering for guests, volunteers and friends who want to spread some holiday cheer. Let Betty know if you plan to attend!
We also added new services, including confidential HIV and Hepatitis testing through Montage, and pet companion wellness checks and spaying/neutering services through the support of a major donor and the Monterey County SPCA. Additionally, we are closer and closer to realizing our partnership with Community Health Services to open the first shelter on the Peninsula for women and children with families.
This Fall we have been reaching out to volunteers, guests, staff and individuals in the community to provide input into our three-year Strategic Planning effort. On December 3 from 3:00- 4:30, volunteers are welcome to provide their input into the future of Gathering for Women. The planning process begins December 11 and will culminate in January with a vibrant plan that will ensure we build on past success, while looking to a sustainable future.
I am so grateful for new grants and funders, as well as our continuing supporters who make all of this possible. And of course, our in-kind contributors who keep our guests warm and dry this time of year.
Each day I know I am blessed to be at GFW surrounded by amazing colleagues, volunteers, Board, and supporters in such a beautiful location. However, on a cold, rainy day like today, I cannot help but think while I am lucky, those I serve are not.
I have met many of you in these past four months, however if I have not, please feel free to call and arrange a time to meet me. I look forward to working together with all of you toward a better life for the homeless and housing-insecure women in our community.
With gratitude and best wishes for the holiday season,
Staci M. Alziebler-Perkins
Executive Director