The Newport Area Association of Churches Food Pantry would like to welcome our new Director: Christy A. Schmidt
Christy comes to us from the distant land of New Jersey – and we are thankful to have her lead the team! We’d like to share a little about her – and her plans for the Newport Food Pantry.
What brought you to New Hampshire?
My son, Jordan, manages The Elms at The New London Inn – and when he moved here, his twin brother, Kyle, followed! I wanted to live near my kids – so, here I am!
Tell us a little about you. What’s your career background?
Currently, I’m the Adoption Manager for LEAP – so I help attorneys master the LEAP Legal Practice Management Software. This is my ninth career, honestly. Prior to LEAP, I ran my own law practice for over 20 years – helping non-profits and entrepreneurs. I also served as a Communication professor at two universities: Monmouth University and Kean University. In between, I worked at the Oklahoma SBA, toyed with a pro-photography career, and wrote several books.
I guess you like to stay busy!
I do! But I do enjoy my downtime: Touring art galleries, helping other writers, reading, and writing. And, of course, enjoying time with my sons – and my pets! I still spend time coaching artists and writers – and helping them create compelling, branded content. My favorite activity is studying my Bible – I’m doing a close-read this year, so it’s challenging.
I also volunteer at my church, Saint Patrick – and I’ve become the dessert queen! Every time they need sweets, I get a call!
How did you hear about the position at the Newport Food Pantry?
I had seen the ad in The Shopper – and after speaking with my Pastor, Father Michael Sartori, and interviewing with the Board, I knew I was being called to lead the organization forward. Food insecurity is a serious issue in our community – in every community. I had to help. And the NAAC Food Pantry has an amazing history – with such success – it is an honor to be part of that story.
What are your plans?
Glad you asked!
The first initiative will be some renovations to the interior and exterior – including acquiring new signage. I’m also working with tireless volunteers to create promotional materials – so those experiencing food insecurity know where we are and that we are here to help.
I’m also determined to increase our donor base – and shift our efforts to the digital environment. We need a website – and social media presence. And we need to help our donors have routes to easily donate to help us accomplish our mission.
Considering how successful the Pantry has been for over 30 years – I’m putting icing on a cake!
One of our first outreach programs will be offering cooking ideas and nutrition information. I spent many years as a single-mom with a limited budget – so I hope to help other families stretch that food dollar.
Thanks, Christy – we’ll keep watch for updates and wish you the best!
