Board Member story

For Kevin Bourland, community service is a way of life. Kevin first learned about Friends In Deed through Rabbi Joshua, though the organization had already become familiar to his family. His wife, Carol, had been donating to the Food Pantry and preparing lunches for The Women’s Room long before Kevin joined the board. When Rabbi […]

When Pastor Amy Aitken arrived in Pasadena nearly four years ago to lead First United Methodist Church (FUMC), she stepped into a legacy of deep-rooted partnership with Friends In Deed. FUMC has been a foundational supporter since the organization’s earliest days, and under Pastor Amy’s leadership, that relationship has only grown stronger. Pastor Amy has

Lana and her husband’s story is one of connection, giving, and a heartfelt return to Pasadena. Years ago, her husband ran a podcast, donating its proceeds to different charities each month. When they moved back to Pasadena from Minneapolis, Friends In Deed stood out among the many nonprofits recommended to them. A meeting with Rabbi

Don Meaders may be our newest board member – having served only since July – but his involvement with Friends In Deed goes back several years to his and his wife’s generous support of our Jazz on the Green events. He also knows our Board President Emeritus, Pam Marx, through First United Methodist Church, Pasadena

About a decade ago, Debby Singer, who was then the Education Director at Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (PJTC), was approached by her rabbi because he had been invited to join the board of Friends In Deed. “My wife will kill me if I join another board,” he said. “Can you take a look and

As a one-time president of the Assistance League of Pasadena, Ursula Hyman knew of Friends In Deed through working with us on a number of projects. She feels that, in a developed country like the US, homelessness and hunger are a tragedy – and it is this belief that led to her becoming further involved

About a decade ago, one of chiropractor Dr. Richard Cheung’s patients talked to him about a nonprofit he was involved in. Richard was interested in this nonprofit, particularly in its Bad Weather Shelter program, which was hosted by a church very close to his practice. So his patient invited him along on one of the

Ed’s story with Friends In Deed begins with his membership at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pasadena. He’s one of our longest serving board members – 11 years and counting – and he first became aware of Friends In Deed when he saw other members of Assumption Church donating

Leslie has a long history of volunteering and serving on boards in various organizations in Pasadena. It was when she was volunteering at Jericho Road (a Pasadena organization that specializes in empowering and supporting local nonprofits) that Friends In Deed appeared on her radar – she was looking for new opportunities, and The Women’s Room

Rev. Amadi’s journey at Friends In Deed began when he met Rev. Donna Byrns (at that time our executive director) and they spoke about his vision for the role of spiritual communities in our changing society. Based on that vision, Rev. Donna felt that Rev. Amadi was a natural fit for Friends In Deed, and