Lynn Robinson has a new vocation and an eleven-mile daily commute into the mountains of Santa Cruz to Ben Lomond. The UCSC graduate, co-founder of Santa Cruz Neighbors, City of Santa Cruz Councilwoman from 2006 to 2014, former Chairman of the Santa Cruz Metro Board, former member of the Regional Transportation Commission, AMBAG and Monterey Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council — among others — is now the Executive Director of Valley Churches United Missions.
“When I first walked in the door as interim director,” said Robinson, “I knew it was the perfect fit for me. Even though I’ve been in public service for a number of years, this was the first time I’ve worked in a non-profit. And I want you to know that Valley Churches United helps the needy with no government support.”
“Lynn has immersed herself in becoming an integral part of VCUM,” said Dene Bustichi, Board Chair. “Her eagerness to get to know the volunteers and staff, her enthusiasm and new ideas, her management of day-to-day activities and involvement with the local community are just a few of the reasons we are so pleased she has accepted the position.”
Robinson’s, wide-ranging connections with civic leaders throughout the Central Coast and in local government gives her a multifaceted perspective on the resources available to help those in need in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley areas. “As the need grows, our outreach and our resources to serve must also grow,” said Robinson.
“There is a network of service agencies, both non-profit and governmental, in our county that provide basic needs such as food, clothing, transportation and temporary housing in an emergency,” Robinson stated. “Organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank working with VCUM provide a tremendous resource for those who would otherwise go hungry.”
Robinson talked about the legacy of VCUM founder Annette Marcum and the many volunteers that have served the community through VCUM since its founding in 1982. “In addition to our dedicated veteran volunteers, we are seeing a new generation serving as volunteers and board members. VCUM is always ready to help in a sudden emergency such as storm, or fire, or earthquake, but we are also here every day to help those who are going through a personal time of need.”
VCUM Board President, Dene Bustichi, pointed out that in a mountain community it’s easy to become separated or isolated in times of difficulty or trouble. “Our mission at VCUM is to provide the resources that make a difference for those in need. Lynn is a can-do dynamic person who will make sure that VCUM will continue to meet those needs in our community.”
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Valley Churches United Missions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with no government funding that is dependent on donations from the local community to provide supplemental food distribution, crisis rent/mortgage assistance, utility needs, educational supplies, disaster relief to those in need.
VCUM has served residents in the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon since 1982. For more information, please visit www.vcum.org.