North Bay Woman

F A L L 2 0 1 5 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 43 vides nourishing organic meals to people coping with life-threatening illness, but also mentors the teen volunteers who grow and prepare the food. At the same time it helps educate the community and other communities about the importance of a diet based on healthy, sustainably-produced, local and seasonal foods. Founded in 2007 by Cathryn Couch, a businesswoman and self-taught chef, Ceres now delivers more than 95,000 organic meals a year – and the demand continues to increase. Fortunately, the program's success also increases each year, currently drawing 550 adult and 450 teen volunteers who participate in growing, preparing and delivering food, as well as sustaining the organization's mission: to energize communities "by linking what we eat and how we care for each other with the health of people and planet." This unique volunteer base and the in-kind contributions of many food donors means that Ceres is able to provide meals to its clients at little or no charge to them – a boon to the 63 percent of Ceres clients with household incomes less than $25,000. "At Ceres, a $1 donation does $3 worth of work," Couch says. "The same donation delivers a nourishing organic meal and empowers the youth in our community with life skills and an under- standing that what they eat matters. We leverage that $1 once again through the contributions of our volunteers and in-kind donations." Donate any amount at ceresproject.org/donate.html. $500 provides one person meals for three months. To reserve a space in the monthly volunteer orientations, contact Kay Law, adult volunteer coordinator, 415-342-3242 or email kay@marin.ceresproject.org. iOverflow iOverflow started in 2009 when founder Donna Robbins stopped by the apartment of a new acquaintance only to find that the mother and her young son had nothing but a single blow up mattress in an otherwise empty space. To Robbin's eye, there was clearly a gap in the system that provided food, clothing and shelter, but no furnishings for families making the transition from homelessness. "There was a gap between those in need and those who had things they no longer needed," Robbins says. Since that day, iOver- flow volunteers have furnished homes for many families, at the same time keeping good-quality, usable items out of the landfill. Currently, iOverflow serves about two families a week. Clients come to the non- profit through referral from local agencies such as Homeward Bound, Gilead House, Marin Aids Project, Ritter House, and the local housing authority. "Many of these families are transitioning out of homelessness or domestic violence," Robbins notes. "Some individuals are disabled and are experiencing independent living for the first time." While iOverflow need not look far to find those in need and those who are willing to give, warehouse space to store furniture is elusive. "A warehouse would allow us to serve many more families by pro- viding a space where furniture could be held temporarily on its way to a new home," Robbins says. If you have warehouse space to share, contact iOverflow at 415- 302-6579. To donate furniture and household goods, check out the iOverflow website at ioverflow.org for the list of items needed. Credit card donations can be made securely through the website or Facebook page. ■ 2016 is already here.....at MARIN ACURA Debi Stevens - Byrnes, Owner and General Manager, and her experienced staff invite you to see and test drive the new 2016 models. A locally owned, Family Business where the priority is YOU! • Locally Owned • 5860 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera • 415-924-5100 • www.marinacura.com

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