Mission Intern, Volunteer and Training Coordinator

"My grandmother can make anything out of anything in the pantry. She literally whips up a whole meal out of a tiny pantry."

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Raphael first heard about us through a friend from his local church. Deciding to try something new after his post-high-school travels, he did a summer internship at Kinship. Raphael found Kinship to be very rewarding, both spiritually and mentally. Feeling confident that he was surrounded by good people, he decided to stay for a full year. A fun fact about Raphael is that he grew up in England for most of his life.</p>

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VISTA Intern, Communications & Marketing Coordinator

“In my family, the one thing that kept us together, no matter what, was a hot meal. I am happy to be a part of an organization that sees this value in community.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Garahbrie has lived in the Milwaukee area for most of her life. She studied Radio, TV, film, and journalism at UW-Oshkosh and has been a CNA in local nursing homes. She is excited to join the Kinship team because she wants to be part of something that is based on serving others in the community. When she is not at work, Garahbrie enjoys reading, creative writing, and photography!</p>

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Mission Intern & Formation Manager

“I don’t want to brag or anything, but I definitely won best meal last year on my family vacation – grilled pizza!”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Samantha has worked at the food center for over 8 years. As the founder of the Mission House, she embraces every opportunity to be with people, except when she escapes to enjoy hiking solo, reading a book, or making art.</p>

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Mission Intern, Information Systems Coordinator

“I put ketchup on everything. Not joking, everything.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Nathan grew up in Iran and came to the United States for school. He studied Computer engineering there at Azad University and when he came to America, studied computer sciences at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After volunteering at Kinship and becoming friends with other missionaries, he wanted to become more involved in the Mission Intern community. One fun fact about Nathan is that he grew up with a lot of cats (12 to be exact) but he is definitely allergic to them!</p>

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Volunteer and Training Associate

“There is something magical about food. A great meal can stir immense joy and every step of the way you get to connect with others from growing food, to gathering food, preparing food, and eating food.”

<details><summary>About</summary><p>Travis has worked and lived in Milwaukee since 2011 and has grown to love this city more and more. He firmly believes that he has one life to give and wants to give it fully to God and his neighbors. He’s very thankful to be working at Kinship and is excited to spend more time with our community. In his free time, he loves hosting parties, playing games, and having good conversations!</p></details>

Senior Development Associate

“Since food is a huge part of Asian culture, a common greeting is “Have you eaten rice today?” As a foreigner, bonding over food was the easiest way into the community.”

<details><summary>About</summary><p>Susan was intrigued by our ideals of a Community of Generosity but was amazed to see that these core values applied to our everyday life. Prior to joining our team, Susan spent 3 years in Asia teaching English, and several years after that working in corporate. Realizing that she enjoyed grant writing as a volunteer, she made the move to work fulltime in the social sector.</p></details>

Senior Culinary Associate

“I learned how to love people through cooking food, my whole family is full of great cooks and food lovers!”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Natalie began as a volunteer in August 2021 after her job closed to COVID-19. She quickly became attached to the food center’s community and mission and was hired on through Americorps VISTA. In her free time, she loves cooking, hanging out in the Riverwest neighborhood, practicing yoga, and spending time with her feline companion, Dmitri.</p>

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Human Services Manager

“‘Food makes me happy!’ - This quote from my son has inspired me to realize that food is the starting point for deeper relationships with the people we care about.”

<details><summary>About</summary><p>Nancy Rodriguez has been committed to working alongside individuals for over 30 years, advocating and empowering them to find strength in their own voices. She joined the food center in 2021 as the leader of the team that helps our community members build their capacity for resilience. </p></details>

Senior Director Administrator of Clinic Operations,
Advocate Aurora Health

“I have found that breaking bread and sharing a meal is a fundamental part of starting, maintaining, and building meaningful relationships.”

<details><summary>About</summary><p>Steven is an experienced healthcare executive with operational responsibilities in the Greater Milwaukee area. He oversees diverse clinical and leadership experiences in ambulatory operations covering Neurology, Primary Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geriatrics, and academic/teaching in an integrated delivery systems.</p></details>

Communications Director,
Worley

“I love to host dinner parties with my husband. We love soup, our round table, and finding new reasons to pull out my great-great grandmother’s ice cream spoons.”

<details><summary>About</summary><p>Marci is a seasoned global communication leader who has led innovative corporate communications and sustainability programs. She is also an active civic participant who is interested in building community, solving problems, and telling stories. Marci joined the Kinship Board in 2022 and serves on our Executive, Communications, and Development Committees. </p></details>

Human Services Associate

“My child, in peak toddler fashion, cracked about 7 eggs on the floor. I watched her crack the last egg and she was pretty good at it. Since then, she has channeled her gifts and makes great scrambled eggs!”<details>

<summary>About</summary>

<p>Launa has grown up in the Harambee neighborhood for most of her life. After attending UW-Madison for social work, she spent a year of service working with rehousing and outreach programs. She has been part of the Kinship community for several years coming to shop and volunteer. Launa is excited to be part of a place that focuses on building relationships with people in the community.</p>

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Human Services Specialist

“At age 10, my mom would send me to the grocery store on the city bus, alone, to purchase food with what was called food stamps back then. Being trusted to shop for my family was an honor that I took seriously.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>William Olivier was born and raised in the Harambee neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI and has spent his life dedicated to serving others. He has 25 years of experience in the human services field, including the child welfare system, public safety community organizing, and helping families meet their basic needs. </p>

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Case Manager/FSET Coordinator,
Project RETURN

“My experience with this community began with ‘hands-on’ involvement assisting those individuals who may be in need and I’m honored to continue within that same capacity.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Eugene provides faith-based collaboration and community outreach services to greater Milwaukee. He assists in the development of positive re-entry services - educational, vocational, and employment opportunities - for individuals who have been under-served & disenfranchised.</p>

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Mission Intern, Food Center Operations Coordinator

“Whether it's my father making breakfast on Sunday, my sister baking a cake, or my grandma making her specialty meatballs, we show our love through food shared together.”

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<p>After visiting the Food Center, Elizabeth fell in love with the Kinship community and moved from a small farm town in Michigan to Milwaukee to serve alongside people that have quickly become family. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing any sort of a sport or card game, and hiking.</p></details>

Controller

“I used to hate olives but heard from a dietician friend that you need to try something 7 times before developing a taste for it. Guess what? I like olives now.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Lindy started volunteering on Wednesday mornings and after 4 years of volunteering, she was delighted to join the team as the Controller. Lindy graduated from UW-Madison and has worked in the non-profit space while raising children with her husband Steve. She enjoys teenagers, being a high-energy cross-country parent, and meeting new people.</p>

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Urban Farm Apprentice

“Being from Columbia, the taste of delicious food never needed a translation. It brought me closer to my family and friends that were being developed in this new country.”

<details><summary>About</summary><p>Christopher has always had the dream of working at a nonprofit. For him, nonprofit work helps our world find hope in times of despair and strength in times of vulnerability. Part of his hope working here is to help provide everyone with the opportunity to find and better themselves, particularly those who may just need a bit more to get on their feet.</p></details>

Inventory Assistant

“Everything here is so healthy and that’s important to me. I’ve had my share of health issues and I take pride in eating a healthier diet.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Bernard has had years of experience working in food pantries before coming to Kinship. Not wanting to get bored in retirement, he found us as another place where felt he could really get to work. Bernard loves working alongside people who only want to help others and has come to see that being part of this community gives him a new sense of beginning and purpose.</p>

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Vice President, Banker,
J.P. Morgan Private Bank

“In my experience, food is synonymous with community. I find that sharing a meal is the most effective way to truly get to know someone or a group of people.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Berent received his Bachelor’s Degree from the Marquette University College of Business Administration. During his time in undergraduate studies, he was a member of the Applied Investment Management program. Prior to his current role, Berent also worked for Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in New York City. He enjoys golfing, playing basketball, and spending time with his wife Kelsey and adopted Cairn Terrier, Louie. </p>

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Café Manager

“I relate to cooking because I find it therapeutic. I find joy when people taste my food and enjoy it, and I want to bring more smiles to people's faces through food.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Shania first started working in the food industry business at Tandem in 2017. Afterwards, she was a culinary supervisor for a senior living restaurant where she focused on care for the residents and their families through hospitality and food. She is excited to be on the Kinship team as she has a passion for helping others. When she is not at work she enjoys traveling, arts and crafts, and cooking food.</p>

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Pastoral Associate,
Family of Five Parishes - Milwaukee

“From my own family meals growing up, to meals I helped prepare as part of the Catholic Worker Community in college, to the celebration of the Eucharist in the parishes I now serve, shared meals have always been at the heart of community for me.”

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<summary>About</summary>

<p>Chad’s work centers on engaging people in a deeper understanding of their faith so that they can live out what they profess more fully, faithfully, joyfully, and humbly. In addition to his work in adult and family formation, Chad also serves as chief of staff for the Family of Five Parishes in Milwaukee’s Downtown, East Side, and Riverwest neighborhoods.</p>

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