Pie in the Sky Strong
Dear Friends,
Pie in the Sky is a program dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our community, our senior neighbors in need. The health and safety of our seniors and our volunteers have always been our top priority.
As concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow, we will continue to monitor this situation closely in the days and weeks to come, and we will stay up-to-date with all Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Institute Health (NIH), and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, so as to keep our seniors and our Pie In the Sky community safe.
Upon hearing Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD, NIAID, director of NIH, as he testified before a congressional committee yesterday, we realized the importance of his message on social distancing (reducing contact between people carrying the infection to others who are not infected). It was made clear that the ripple effect of our actions has a direct impact on the lives of everyone around us, and that we all have a responsibility in this crisis.
We recognize the importance of our services, but during this time of concern we also are aware of our role in being responsible citizens of our community, not only for our seniors, but for our volunteers. After much thought and consideration, we have decided to take an active role in trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by temporarily suspending our senior produce operations for the remainder of March. We are notifying our senior clients of our decision, and thanks in part to our dedicated Family of Pie, we do have a plan in place to accommodate those seniors that may need special assistance. At the beginning of April, we will reevaluate.
Our warehouse will be closed through the end of March, so we cannot accept donations of food. However, money is what we really need at this time. It will assist us in helping those seniors who may need special assistance. Please use the donate button below.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of Pie in the Sky. We look forward to resuming our program as soon as it is safely possible. Please stay safe, stay informed, and know that we are all in this together, and together, as a community, we will get through it.
Keeping you all close,
Malea
Pie in the Sky is a program dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our community, our senior neighbors in need. The health and safety of our seniors and our volunteers have always been our top priority.
As concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to grow, we will continue to monitor this situation closely in the days and weeks to come, and we will stay up-to-date with all Center for Disease Control (CDC), National Institute Health (NIH), and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, so as to keep our seniors and our Pie In the Sky community safe.
Upon hearing Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD, NIAID, director of NIH, as he testified before a congressional committee yesterday, we realized the importance of his message on social distancing (reducing contact between people carrying the infection to others who are not infected). It was made clear that the ripple effect of our actions has a direct impact on the lives of everyone around us, and that we all have a responsibility in this crisis.
We recognize the importance of our services, but during this time of concern we also are aware of our role in being responsible citizens of our community, not only for our seniors, but for our volunteers. After much thought and consideration, we have decided to take an active role in trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by temporarily suspending our senior produce operations for the remainder of March. We are notifying our senior clients of our decision, and thanks in part to our dedicated Family of Pie, we do have a plan in place to accommodate those seniors that may need special assistance. At the beginning of April, we will reevaluate.
Our warehouse will be closed through the end of March, so we cannot accept donations of food. However, money is what we really need at this time. It will assist us in helping those seniors who may need special assistance. Please use the donate button below.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of Pie in the Sky. We look forward to resuming our program as soon as it is safely possible. Please stay safe, stay informed, and know that we are all in this together, and together, as a community, we will get through it.
Keeping you all close,
Malea
We had a wonderful 2019 but just look what we have planned for 2020. Stay tuned for more details.
Happy New Year from all of us at Pie in the Sky
We had a fabulous holiday season thanks to all of our wonderful and generous donors and volunteers. Our seniors were gifted with all sorts of wonderful gifts including handmade soaps and scarves, gift cards, coloring and puzzle books and loads of other special goodies donated by folks from all over the state and beyond. Program Manager, Phyllis had so many calls from our recipients saying how surprised and delighted they were to receive the special gifts. Volunteers also shared stories of their holidays visits that were filled with tears of joy and gratitude and lots and lots of hugs.
We say it a lot, but we can't say it enough: Thank you to each and every one of you who helped to make 2019 a special year for us all. We really couldn't do it without you.
Warmest regards,
Malea
We say it a lot, but we can't say it enough: Thank you to each and every one of you who helped to make 2019 a special year for us all. We really couldn't do it without you.
Warmest regards,
Malea
Our Mission
To connect people with resources and facilitate long term solutions to problems that affect the lives of the elderly, the poor, the historically underserved, and the disenfranchised people of our community.
According to the most recent U.S. Census -
6,000 PLUS SENIORS ARE HUNGRY IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY.
This is what you need to know about Pie in the Sky’s Senior Program:
We deliver to 465 seniors. We have 35 seniors on our waiting list. 15 of the seniors on the waiting list are between 80 and 98 years old. Many others face chronic health issues that could be helped by having healthy food to eat.
Let that sink in -
having healthy food to eat - in America - in St. Johns County - in our own backyard!
We are directly addressing this need in all the ways that make a critical difference, by delivering fresh produce and spending time with these seniors in St. Johns County. This has a direct impact on the health and well-being of the folks we deliver to. We need to do more.
It costs Pie in the Sky $262.50 per year, per senior.
That’s 72 cents per day. Less than the price of a cup of coffee.
92 cents of every dollar that is donated to Pie goes directly to our program. The industry standard is 75 cents. We work hard to provide the freshest, best produce available at the best price. Last year we delivered 37 tons of healthy food.
We need your help to maintain 465 seniors and add 35 seniors on the waiting list that need fresh fruits and vegetables to survive.
That’s 72 cents per day.
We're all in this together, and one day, God willing, we will all be seniors. God willing, we won't have to worry about having enough food to eat.
Every Dollar Counts.
6,000 PLUS SENIORS ARE HUNGRY IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY.
This is what you need to know about Pie in the Sky’s Senior Program:
We deliver to 465 seniors. We have 35 seniors on our waiting list. 15 of the seniors on the waiting list are between 80 and 98 years old. Many others face chronic health issues that could be helped by having healthy food to eat.
Let that sink in -
having healthy food to eat - in America - in St. Johns County - in our own backyard!
We are directly addressing this need in all the ways that make a critical difference, by delivering fresh produce and spending time with these seniors in St. Johns County. This has a direct impact on the health and well-being of the folks we deliver to. We need to do more.
It costs Pie in the Sky $262.50 per year, per senior.
That’s 72 cents per day. Less than the price of a cup of coffee.
92 cents of every dollar that is donated to Pie goes directly to our program. The industry standard is 75 cents. We work hard to provide the freshest, best produce available at the best price. Last year we delivered 37 tons of healthy food.
We need your help to maintain 465 seniors and add 35 seniors on the waiting list that need fresh fruits and vegetables to survive.
That’s 72 cents per day.
We're all in this together, and one day, God willing, we will all be seniors. God willing, we won't have to worry about having enough food to eat.
Every Dollar Counts.
Meet Our Team
Our board members
Front row, left to right:
Loretta McMaster, Melissa Strohminger, Teresa Fischer
Back row:
Teri Bachus, Betsy Freeman
Loretta McMaster, Melissa Strohminger, Teresa Fischer
Back row:
Teri Bachus, Betsy Freeman
Our Founder and Executive Director
Malea Guiriba has become a folk hero – an example of what one person can do to change the world: one house, one person, and one day at a time.
She’s had careers in real estate and journalism, but it is her activism that has touched hearts and changed lives. Malea has been a passionate worker in the civil rights and domestic violence movements, always embracing the disenfranchised and poor.
While working with the domestic violence shelter in St. Augustine, she took a post as Rural Services Coordinator in the small farming town of Hastings. She built her program from scratch by embedding herself in a community, which was long ago divided by race, class, and economics.
Malea was inspired by two middle aged African-American men who had essentially been enslaved as farm workers for most of their life. Their experiences awakened her to a need she never imagined existed: helping the historically underprivileged Hastings farm workers. She and others were shocked that one of Florida’s richest counties could be the site of such inhumane treatment.
It became her mission to provide basic needs to families including healthcare, as well as safe and affordable housing. The program became a focal point of the community, but suddenly was without the grant funding that kept it going. Malea was suddenly unemployed, yet determined to continue the work she had begun.
Her answer was to open Pie in the Sky, a pie shop symbolizing what someone called her “pie in the sky” ideas about how to help people. Two months after she cleaned out her office, she served her first pie – a real achievement, considering she’d never baked a pie in her life. She’s since sold more than thousands of pies in just under two years. She’s helped by delivering furniture to a family that lost its home to fire, buying dentures for a man to build his confidence while he focused on finding a new job, riding in the potato fields to take a man to his doctor’s appointment, building wheelchair ramps, running a food bank and taking food to homebound low-income senior citizens and much more.
The work Malea has accomplished, continues to inspire others and to grant the gift of giving to the volunteer workforce. Her mantra is, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Whether she is selling pies, delivering food as a mobile pantry, or wielding a power saw to help build a ramp, Malea sets the example for those around her and spreads her goodwill, her can do attitude, and passion for helping wherever she goes.
She’s had careers in real estate and journalism, but it is her activism that has touched hearts and changed lives. Malea has been a passionate worker in the civil rights and domestic violence movements, always embracing the disenfranchised and poor.
While working with the domestic violence shelter in St. Augustine, she took a post as Rural Services Coordinator in the small farming town of Hastings. She built her program from scratch by embedding herself in a community, which was long ago divided by race, class, and economics.
Malea was inspired by two middle aged African-American men who had essentially been enslaved as farm workers for most of their life. Their experiences awakened her to a need she never imagined existed: helping the historically underprivileged Hastings farm workers. She and others were shocked that one of Florida’s richest counties could be the site of such inhumane treatment.
It became her mission to provide basic needs to families including healthcare, as well as safe and affordable housing. The program became a focal point of the community, but suddenly was without the grant funding that kept it going. Malea was suddenly unemployed, yet determined to continue the work she had begun.
Her answer was to open Pie in the Sky, a pie shop symbolizing what someone called her “pie in the sky” ideas about how to help people. Two months after she cleaned out her office, she served her first pie – a real achievement, considering she’d never baked a pie in her life. She’s since sold more than thousands of pies in just under two years. She’s helped by delivering furniture to a family that lost its home to fire, buying dentures for a man to build his confidence while he focused on finding a new job, riding in the potato fields to take a man to his doctor’s appointment, building wheelchair ramps, running a food bank and taking food to homebound low-income senior citizens and much more.
The work Malea has accomplished, continues to inspire others and to grant the gift of giving to the volunteer workforce. Her mantra is, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Whether she is selling pies, delivering food as a mobile pantry, or wielding a power saw to help build a ramp, Malea sets the example for those around her and spreads her goodwill, her can do attitude, and passion for helping wherever she goes.
Board President
Loretta McMaster
As a Registered Nurse I learned the value of good assessments, listening, seeing and caring for individuals with respect for their needs, their stories and their circumstances. Through additional training I have enhanced my skills to help and serve others—meeting and caring for them “where they are” in their lives.
I trained and worked a crisis hotline in Chicago; trained and served as a Stephen Leader and Stephen Minister for 22 years; trained and volunteered as a Domestic Violence Counselor; and served as coordinator for a Caregiving Ministry in Mi
My training and experience also prepared me to start the Parish Nurse Program at my church in Ct. As Parish Nurse I was teacher, facilitator, advocate and made referrals for members of my congregation and community.
Coming to Florida I volunteered as a pregnancy counselor before turning energies to helping the farmhands and people in need through my work for Pie in the Sky (PIE).
I was introduced to PIE through my church. What greater cause than the mission of “bringing HOPE to those thinking they have been forgotten”. My participation at the weekly food pantry helped me better appreciate the needs of the farmhands and those in poverty. Although the food pantry had to shut down, Malea (Director of PIE) did not give up. Her passion for helping those in Hastings and surrounding area is infectious!
As PIE evolved to the programs today, I have gone the path. Seeing the smiles and anticipation of those waiting for their delivery of fresh produce and listening how their lives and health are better is rewarding and enriches my life. Working with the people PIE continues to help is truly God’s call.
I trained and worked a crisis hotline in Chicago; trained and served as a Stephen Leader and Stephen Minister for 22 years; trained and volunteered as a Domestic Violence Counselor; and served as coordinator for a Caregiving Ministry in Mi
My training and experience also prepared me to start the Parish Nurse Program at my church in Ct. As Parish Nurse I was teacher, facilitator, advocate and made referrals for members of my congregation and community.
Coming to Florida I volunteered as a pregnancy counselor before turning energies to helping the farmhands and people in need through my work for Pie in the Sky (PIE).
I was introduced to PIE through my church. What greater cause than the mission of “bringing HOPE to those thinking they have been forgotten”. My participation at the weekly food pantry helped me better appreciate the needs of the farmhands and those in poverty. Although the food pantry had to shut down, Malea (Director of PIE) did not give up. Her passion for helping those in Hastings and surrounding area is infectious!
As PIE evolved to the programs today, I have gone the path. Seeing the smiles and anticipation of those waiting for their delivery of fresh produce and listening how their lives and health are better is rewarding and enriches my life. Working with the people PIE continues to help is truly God’s call.
Vice-President
Betsy Freeman
- What do you like to do in your spare time? Traveling and camping, volunteering in my community-- helping where and when I can with social justice projects and education, spending time with family and grabbing any opportunity I find, to be out on the water
- What inspires you? People. For all that is heartwrenching, conflicting and sometimes tragic..... when you take moments to speak with those around you, to listen, to feel, people will always show you true inspiration, resilience, motivation and ultimately love
- Why are you in nonprofit work? It sometimes fills a need to be hands on; making a difference. Making connections and not only seeing progress but feeling it as it unfolds. What emotional reasons? Instant gratification or seeking it, seems to be the new norm... but planting seeds to be harvested even long after I'm gone, helping to cultivate and grow what others have already planted and continuing to nurture it for next person and the next--- triggers a variety of emotions such as love, acceptance, a fulfillment of hope
- Who is a hero of yours? Every day people, my family, my wife
- What’s something quirky about you? Hhmm.. come back to this one
- Why Pie in the Sky? It's not just an organization, in my mind and heart I know it's a movement. A grassroots movement not only helping locally and daily but spreading awareness and hope beyond just our community..... every time someone hears of Pie, reads an article, sees a video or picture, donates-- we've spread not only our mission but shown others what's needed and what's possible.
Teri Bachus- Secretary
In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, kitties and friends and I enjoy playing piano, cooking, traveling, walking on the beach.
I am inspired by everyday people who rise above their own struggles to lift others.
I am involved in non-profit work because I enjoy being of service to society. It gives me a sense of purpose to work with others who believe in the mission of our organization and who are passionate about making a difference in the world and in our community.
All farmworkers who labor in the fields to put food on our tables are my heroes.
A quirky thing about me is that I am a spelling fanatic.
Pie in the Sky highlights a cause I care deeply about. I believe in its mission. I enjoy connecting and interacting with our inspiring Director and our dedicated team of volunteers as well as the seniors we serve.
After graduating from Boston University with a degree in Elementary Education, I worked as Teacher and Director of Headstart Preschools throughout western Washington, serving children of migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Later served as VISTA volunteer and fundraiser for the Whatcom Literacy Council in Washington State.
I am inspired by everyday people who rise above their own struggles to lift others.
I am involved in non-profit work because I enjoy being of service to society. It gives me a sense of purpose to work with others who believe in the mission of our organization and who are passionate about making a difference in the world and in our community.
All farmworkers who labor in the fields to put food on our tables are my heroes.
A quirky thing about me is that I am a spelling fanatic.
Pie in the Sky highlights a cause I care deeply about. I believe in its mission. I enjoy connecting and interacting with our inspiring Director and our dedicated team of volunteers as well as the seniors we serve.
After graduating from Boston University with a degree in Elementary Education, I worked as Teacher and Director of Headstart Preschools throughout western Washington, serving children of migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Later served as VISTA volunteer and fundraiser for the Whatcom Literacy Council in Washington State.
Melissa Strohminger
Treasurer
In my spare time, I like to be outdoors and spending time with my grandchildren.
I am inspired by the many young people that I meet who are doing so much good work to make our community and world a better place.
I am in nonprofit work because of the giving culture and the nature of the work. People in this field are here to make a difference, not make a fortune.
Some of my heroes are the people I work with everyday, doing their thing, following their hearts, not making a big deal about it.
One quirky thing about me is that I refuse to use a smart phone or any other "smart" technology.
Pie in the Sky is such a basic concept - feed people, help people, it's so organic and simple. And Malea has managed to continue the mission of Pie no matter what resources are available or not.
My background is in community service. I have lived and worked in St. Johns County for nearly 30 years, always working with children and families in some capacity, and now doing administrative work to support the missions of those organizations.
I am inspired by the many young people that I meet who are doing so much good work to make our community and world a better place.
I am in nonprofit work because of the giving culture and the nature of the work. People in this field are here to make a difference, not make a fortune.
Some of my heroes are the people I work with everyday, doing their thing, following their hearts, not making a big deal about it.
One quirky thing about me is that I refuse to use a smart phone or any other "smart" technology.
Pie in the Sky is such a basic concept - feed people, help people, it's so organic and simple. And Malea has managed to continue the mission of Pie no matter what resources are available or not.
My background is in community service. I have lived and worked in St. Johns County for nearly 30 years, always working with children and families in some capacity, and now doing administrative work to support the missions of those organizations.
Teresa Fischer
Board Member
- What do you like to do in your spare time? Travel, going to the movies, camping, bike riding, taking trail hikes, working in the yard, spending time with friends.
- What inspires you? God and seeing others give unselfishly of themselves.
- Why are you in nonprofit work? What emotional reasons? To help others, to give back a little, involvement is something worthwhile.
- Who is a hero of yours? My husband Steven who has passed away, he could talk to anyone, he loved helping others and could relate to the old and the young, something I always admired about him; and my niece Malea, she gives so unselfishly of herself.
- What’s something quirky about you? I still think I am 20 in my head.
- Why Pie in the Sky? Honestly, because my niece is involved and asked me to help, I saw the need in the community. I already do some volunteer work for Ronald McDonald House and although I don't deal with the children directly, there is a lot that needs to be done on the sidelines. Same is true with Pie in the Sky.
- Background and professional history. I am a Jacksonville native, in the mortgage profession most of my life from Origination to processing and closings. I am now semi retired, work part time still in mortgage work. I was very involved in a community service organization, the Jacksonville Junior Chamber of Commerce for many years and was President back in 1990-91. Seems like a life time ago. I know what effort and commitment it takes to put together an organization that continually helps others as I have done it myself through the Jaycees. I am a Christian, a cancer survivor and a widow. I still count my blessings every day and hope that in some small way I can help others less fortunate.
Join our volunteers and come out and help deliver to seniors.
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For many years we hosted a wonderful event, called From the Heart. It was a day of celebration for the farmworkers of Hastings.
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Some of our fabulous volunteers.
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A sample of the produce we deliver.
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James "Cowboy" Trotter
was a farmworker.
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Kennard "Homey" Robinson was a farmworker.
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