A Place To Turn was established in 1979. The founders were among the first to recognize that economic hardship exists in the suburbs and is not exclusively an urban problem. The food pantry began as a fledgling entity in the basement of a private home, moved briefly to St. Patrick Church in Natick, and in 1981 settled at its present location in a small cape on the grounds of the Hartford Street Presbyterian Church in Natick.
A Place to Turn Staff
- Joanne Barry
Executive Director
- Sharon Buenaventura
Director of Finance and Operations
- Christian Espana
Senior Food Pantry Coordinator
- Zeneida Rodriguez
Purchasing Manager
- Yiraika Vega
Food Pantry Coordinator
- Ericka Cruz
Assistant
Board of Directors
- Doreen Thompson, President
- Josh Boutin, Treasurer
- Lauren Burkley, Secretary
- David Ford, Board Member
- Lauren Alongi, Board Member
- Becky Gladstone, Board Member
- Jason Crawford, Board Member
- Bryan Takasaki, Board Member
- David Haviland, Board Member
- Rita Martins, Board Member
What Our Clients Say
“A Place to Turn deals with a diverse group of people and the food they provide is priceless. The staff is pleasant and they provide a great service. They make sure the family is fed.“
“Without A Place To Turn there would have been many times when I would not have had enough money to feed my children. I struggle every day, but knowing there are supportive, caring people I can come to gives me hope to go on.“
What Our Volunteers Say
“The need for food assistance is greater than ever. The feeling of gratification in being able to furnish food is also greater than ever. Volunteering definitely fills a need to give back.”
“Volunteering at A Place To Turn allows me to help my community in the most basic of ways. I have seen the relief on the faces of clients who leave our pantry with bags of groceries to feed their families.”
“We take pride in serving each client with dignity and respect.“
