June 26, 2018

Providence Ministries names four new board members

REGIONAL
Staff report

HOLYOKE – Providence Ministries for the Needy, Inc. has named four new members to its board of directors: Lew Rudolph, Rev. Marisa Egerstrom, Jeannie Filomeno and Marvin Gonzalez.

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

Rudolph is currently director of government and foundation grants and contracts for Trinity Health in Springfield. His past experience includes serving as program director and psychotherapist for ServiceNet Inc. in Northampton and president/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 given 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. She also serves on the board of The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC).

Gonzalez serves currently as an outreach specialist with Eliot Community Human Services. As part of his role, he performs daily street outreach in Holyoke and Chicopee. His is a familiar face at Kate’s Kitchen where he not only greets Kate’s Kitchen 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. Gonzalez has spent more than 30 years 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, Providence Ministries board chairman.

“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,” said Shannon Rudder, executive director of Providence Ministries.