Erica Appiah (she/her) brings experience as a Clinical Counsellor and Program Manager in non-profits and community health organizations. She has worked extensively with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and helped develop a food program for at-risk youth. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies from York University and Post-Graduate Diploma in Addictions Studies from McMaster University.
Erica is committed to supporting folks to notice what is showing up in the moment and to treat this with kindness, gentleness, and care. Erica embodies radical hospitality through holding space that is filled with warmth, non-judgement, respect, compassion and allows folks to be seen and heard. She honours folks’ resiliency, agency and treats everyone with unconditional high regard in recognizing that folks are doing their best. Erica loves animals, has a weakness for cake of all kinds and loves to laugh.
The Program Director will plan programming and partnerships, pursue grants and oversee all program operations
Nourish East End is very pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Elcombe as Resource Manager, a part-time role that will support volunteer scheduling and training, as well as the ordering and rotation of food stocks. Nourish East End is delighted to recognize Brian’s long history of volunteer achievement at Glen Rhodes with this hiring.
Brian Elcombe (he/him) builds collaboration in both his professional and volunteer life, bringing together teams to work collaboratively. As a volunteer with Nourish East End (formerly the Glen Rhodes Foodbank), he has played a leading role in helping to recruit, train and manage volunteers, increasing his administrative role since 2014. His experience in supporting the operations of the free food market, a Daily Bread Food Bank partner, and his commitment to respond to all members of our community with respect and dignity bridge the past and present of our program and will be invaluable as Nourish East End continues to evolve.
Cindy is a recently retired principal, experienced in the management and administration of programs and volunteers. She has worked to set and review goals, and to align yearly budgets with those goals. Cindy has worked collaboratively with multiple school councils and committees, as well as with East End United committees. She is interested in community service as part of East End United’s mission. Cindy represents East End United members/adherents and is serving a three year term.
Robin is a familiar face for morning clients and volunteers. As a United Church minister, now retired, Robin has worked with others on issues of economic justice and food security for over forty years. He contributes theological reflection, empathy and critical thinking to the work of the Board. He has enduring links to the Glen Rhodes community and its food advocacy work and wants to continue and deepen the congregation’s exploration of food ministry as a vehicle for social change AND congregational transformation. Robin represents East End United members/adherents and active Nourish volunteers and is serving a three-year term.
Lori worked as a health writer/grant manager in the non-profit sector prior to her retirement, positions where she built skills as a writer and supported board work and fundraising. Her current role at East End United as Outreach Finance Officer supports and oversees the church’s Nourish, Out of the Cold (OOTC) and the East End United refugee programs. She serves as treasurer for both Nourish and Out of the Cold. This work feels essential to her. Lori represents East End United members/adherents and is serving a one-year term.
As part of East End United, Heather is currently a member of M&P committee. She is an elementary schoolteacher, an artist and a positive and enthusiastic presence at Nourish. She also volunteers with community theatre groups and animal rescues. Food and social justice have always been priorities for her. Participating in this work is an expression of her gratitude. Heather represents East End United members/adherents and is serving a two-year term.
Susanne Burkhardt is the Executive Director of the Applegrove Community Complex a multi-service community organization in East Toronto that offers programs and services in several locations including at Glen Rhodes. Programs at Glen Rhodes currently include EarlyON education programs for children (0-6) and senior’s programs such as yoga and cooking classes. Applegrove is a long-time service provider in our community funded by the City. Under Susanne’s leadership, they have been a principal partner in developing the Neighbourhood Food Hub initiative. Susanne brings a wealth of experience building programming and community engagement in our community. Susanne represented Nourish community partners and is serving a one-year term.
Chris is an EEU Trustee and Building Operating Board member (BOB) and has served on virtually all of EEU’s major committees. He is currently Chair of Community Relations and of the Communities of Faith Commission (Shining Waters. ) Chris has held a variety of senior management roles at Legal Aid Ontario. His broad experience with our community partners, including those who share the Glen Rhodes space, provides critical perspective to Nourish as the Glen Rhodes lease is renegotiated with the city. Chris represents the East End United Trustees, as well as members/adherents and is serving a two-year term.
Adrienne’s career was interrupted by chronic pain, which has now been resolved after 25 years! Her experiences on disability and lived experience of food insecurity have left her committed to improving the lives of Nourish clients, as a volunteer and on the Board. She brings research/marketing expertise, tutoring experience and high-level software skills. She finds joy in working with Nourish clients each week. Adrienne represented active Nourish volunteers and is serving a three-year term.
