JCFBA to Review Operational Structure and Policies
The Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA) has announced an immediate and thorough review of all operational and personnel policies and procedures. This decision comes in the wake of significant organizational milestones, including the appointment of a new slate of Board officers as of March 1, 2024, and the historic hiring of Patricia Hennessy as the first Executive Director in November of 2023.
Under the leadership of Ms. Hennessy, who oversees all operational facets within the network and association, JCFBA is taking decisive steps to enhance its support mechanisms. “Food banks are a pivotal presence in any community. It is our duty to ensure that everyone seeking our aid receives it, extending our reach beyond the immediate resources we offer. This embodies our commitment to being diligent stewards of the resources entrusted to us,” Hennessy articulated.
The board assures that this evaluative process will not interfere with the current operations and distribution efforts of the food bank. However, initial assessments have led to the temporary halt of construction at the new Quilcene Food Bank site and delayed the development of a permanent location for Brinnon Food Bank, among other capital projects within the JCFBA network. These decisions stem from a careful review of financial assets and the potential for attracting further funding. A formal capital campaign is expected to follow.
This period of reassessment has also been influenced by significant personnel changes, including the retirement of Shirley Moss, a 26-year veteran manager at the PT Foodbank and the unexpected resignation of key volunteers at the Quilcene and Tri-Area Food Banks.
To aid in this transition, JCFBA has engaged outside counsel for a review of all fiscal policies and procedures and is focusing on expanding community partnerships. We have added Virginie Bourgue of Keep it Simple Bookkeeping and Business Solutions as a resource and they have already made significant contributions to our work. Additionally, new positions have been created to centralize operations, improve financial efficiency, and enhance the network's capacity to meet increasing community needs. In 2023, JCFBA assisted over 2,800 households per month, a number that has risen to over 3,200 in the early months of 2024.
“Our network's existence and continued success are a testament to the community's generosity and our volunteers' dedication. With over 30 years of service, it is crucial that we implement structures that will secure our long-term presence, resilience, and transparency,” stated Craig Uchida, Board President.
For over three decades, the Jefferson County Food Bank Association has been a vital, community-based, volunteer-led support system, assisting more than 3,000 households monthly through the efforts of over 300 volunteers, contributing more than 5,000 hours of service.
