By Susan Summers
Greater Vail Community Resources (“ReSources”) welcomed two new managers to its staff in November, 2019: Holly Ibarra, manager of Vail Resources Food Bank, and Tabitha Johnson, Manager of the Depot Thrift Store. Having worked as volunteers for ReSources prior to accepting these staff positions, both women were able to hit the ground running under the expert guidance of General Manager Stefanie Stark.
A Tucson native, Tabitha Johnson became a ReSources volunteer not just as an act of charity, but also to gain insight into nonprofit operations in order to support her undergraduate studies in public administration. In the process, she discovered that she enjoys the chaos of processing donations, merchandising and managing a diverse but persistently cheerful group of volunteers. Reflecting on her experiences at ReSources Tabitha says, “I’ve seen firsthand how much the Vail Depot Thrift Store benefits the Vail Resources Food Bank, and I can see how much fulfillment people get from giving back, no matter how big or small the donation may be. It draws the community together.”
Holly Ibarra has lived in Vail since 2015, and like Tabitha, became acquainted with ReSources as a volunteer. While she has many administrative duties as Manager of Resources Vail Food Bank, she still looks forward to those occasions when she can help clients face-to-face. “Making home visits to senior clients gave me a whole new appreciation for everyone in this equation. My message to those who might be timid about coming into the food bank is that we’re all in this together. You’re not alone—we’re here to help and welcome you with open arms, not judge you.”
Drop in and say “hi” to Holly and Tabitha at ReSources Vail Food Bank and Vail Depot Thrift Store, located on Colossal Cave Road “between the tracks”. To learn more about ReSources, visit: www.resourcesvail.org
