Providence Ministries Names Four New Board Members

HOLYOKE — Since its founding in 1980, Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc. has been rooted in a mission of serving others with life’s most basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, and job skills.

“We are supported by an extraordinary group of board leaders who are deeply committed to a mission of service and benevolence,” said Executive Director Shannon Rudder, “and it only gains strength and momentum with the addition of the following new members: Lew Rudolph, Marisa Egerstrom, Jeannie Filomeno, and Marvin Gonzalez.”

Egerstrom is currently the priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke. Her past experience includes serving as Christian education coordinator at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Boston, as a chaplain in hospital and street settings, and as a spiritual director for young adults. She is completing a Ph.D. in American studies at Harvard University.

Rudolph is currently the director of Government and Foundation Grants and Contracts for Trinity Health in Springfield. His past experience includes roles as program director and psychotherapist for ServiceNet Inc. in Northampton, and president and CEO of Hampshire Community United Way.

Filomeno currently serves as the Human Resource manager at her family-operated business, Marcotte Ford. With her family, she has dedicated years of support to Providence Ministries, including preparing and serving monthly at Kate’s Kitchen, organizing clothing, food, and school-supply drives distributed to the community through Margaret’s Pantry; and donating more than 100 holiday gifts and Easter baskets. Outside of working at Marcotte Ford, Jeannie serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Chamber.

Gonzalez currently serves as an outreach specialist with Eliot Community Human Services. As part of his role, he performs daily street outreach in Holyoke and Chicopee. At Kate’s Kitchen, he not only greets guests and records vital daily census data, but also serves as an advisor and troubleshooter on topics including access and information related to housing, detox, mental health, and food support. He has dedicated more than 30 years to working in human services as an advocate for the most vulnerable.

“These four new members bring needed competencies and expertise that will enhance our board and strengthen our commitment to carry out our mission,” said Jim Wall, board chairman.

Added Rudder, “we welcome our new board members and are eager to realize the numerous ways they will fortify our collective work, strengthen the Providence Ministries brand, and, most importantly, support our broad base of constituents across Hampshire and Hampden counties.”