BOARD OF

Directors

DEAR FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS, AND COMMUNITY:

As I look back on the past year, I’m aware of the tremendous effort it’s taken to persevere through prolonged challenges. The path hasn’t gotten easier, yet we’ve kept a sharp focus at Community Action Marin, both on meeting current needs as well as doing what’s necessary to support economic recovery in the time to come.

Every member of the team, our staff and volunteers, has helped make miracles happen in the past twelve months. Despite enduring uncertainty and setbacks, these individuals have also achieved significant successes as they’ve connected people to resources and helped remove barriers to services. At the end of the day, they have committed again and again to making someone’s life brighter tomorrow—and they have helped to restore dignity and hope. They’ve kept people housed, put food on the table, obliterated debt, gotten people to work and school by providing free and affordable childcare, and lifted up community voices. They’ve offered the comfort of someone willing to listen, and then take steps to actually help.

I’m so proud of this agency and of those who work together to make Marin County a place where we can all live and feel a sense of belonging. I’ve been on the Board of Directors for more than five years, and in that time I’ve seen Community Action Marin become ever more visible as a force for change, helping people of low income gain self-sufficiency. In 2021, I watched as we rose stronger than before to meet urgent needs through direct services, to leverage our experience in support of policy advocacy, and to strengthen trust. Difficulties aside, it has been a year of accomplishment and increased striving toward justice.

For me, it’s been a year of learning and optimism backed by the agency’s steadfast commitment to being there for those who need a step up. I invite you to join me as a volunteer, or come look at a career with us! And if you can, give. You are part of what’s making so much possible, and I thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

“I CHOSE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD BECAUSE I SO APPRECIATE

the agency’s purpose and mission. Community Action Marin lives in the community, always assessing the current needs and striving to meet them. I don’t know of another organization that has the breadth and depth to do this vital work.

Community Action Marin, with inspired and dedicated leadership, continues to always push forward with compassion, hard work, and open hearts. I feel honored to have a role in this work.”

ELLIS G. “JOE” SIMMONS Board President