Meeting Community needs one family at a time through day-to-day assistance, empowerment, financial literacy, coaching, and education
ABOUT US:
The Mulberry Community Service Center has served Mulberry and the surrounding areas since 1978.
Every day people find themselves facing overwhelming and often unexpected financial hardships. We can help someone stay in their home, access nutritious food, or help with a family's immediate burdens. Once the immediate crisis is eased, we can help the family rebuild finances through our financial stability program.
We have helped changed lives. We understand the needs of today, and are excited about the opportunities to do even more!
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OUR STAFF:
Our competent, service-oriented staff is trained and ready to assist you.
Jennifer Olivas: Executive Director
Jennifer has a B.S. in Psychology, M.A. in Forensic Psychology. Jennifer is driven by showing her clients how to do better with what they have, motivating them to see and maximize their potential, and watching them find peace and stability in life. Jennifer spends her time off studying and living life with her family, hiking and exploring.
Andrew Alessandroni: Basic Needs Coordinator
Andrew oversees the Thrift Store and assists clientele with basic needs such as utility bills and rental assistance. He heads up our volunteer program including AARP and ReEmployability Clients. During his time off, he runs his own Vintage Online platform and loves searching for treasures in other thrift stores.
Katie Yates: Associate Director and
Financial Stability Coach
Katie has an entrepreneurial spirit and has co-owned Y Design Co with her husband, Jared, since 2016. She has a passion for helping people and is now using the skills she developed as a business owner to provide financial coaching for her clients. When not working, Katie enjoys volunteering for her church and spending time with family and friends.
Suzanne Howe: VITA Program Coordinator
Suzanne has a BBA in Accounting with a minor in Spanish. She retired after 31 years as a defense contract auditor and an Inspector General investigator with the Department of Defense. She was hired in December 2018, and was a financial stability coach for three years. On July 1, 2022, Suzanne moved to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Coordinator position. During her time off, Suzanne can be found on a horse .
Radish Ramkarran [Bobby]: Financial Stability Coach
Bobby owns and operates his own business: B's Mobile Tire Service. Bobby has spent the last 6 years working to relocate battered women from a shelter to their new forever homes. Bobby loves to see people feel renewed and walk away with a sense of accomplishment. Working with clients, he is able to walk them through processes they did not even realize were possible and that keeps him coming back! When he's not busy volunteering and working to help the public, he spends the rest of his time with his family.
MULBERRY COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Deborah Rydberg, President
Independent Insurance Agent
Mark Alessandroni, Vice President
Markay Consulting Group
Brian Lane, Treasurer
Pastor - First Assemblies of God Mulberry
Alice Childs , Board Member
Retired - Mosaic
Nathaniel Hill , Board Member
Pastor - Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
Mark Shapiro , Board Member
Asst Vice President - Citizens Bank & Trust
Pat Stottlemyer , Board Member
Retired - Kraft Foods
Sandra Lammons , Board Member
Owner/ Kirby Soar Insurance Inc.
Julie Taylor , Board Member
Retired Polk County School Board
OUR PARTNERS:
These compassionate and generous businesses, individuals, and organizations are the reason Mulberry Community Service Center can help those in need in our community. Please let them know you appreciate their support!
How Can I Help?
We are so grateful for the time and treasure our volunteers and sponsors provide. If you feel called to help, here are some ideas:
Donate:
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Funding
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Non-perishable food items
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Items for the Thrift Store
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Volunteer:
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Distribute food at mobile food pantry
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Sort food / clothing
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Stock shelves
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Pack and distribute Christmas baskets
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Prepare free tax returns during our free tax-preparation season
Other:
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Refer those in need
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Plan and hold a fundraiser
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Encourage your business, church or organization to give a monthly contribution to the Center
