As Janet Derrick announces her retirement from her role as Executive Vice President of Programs at Loaves & Fishes, we reflect on the remarkable impact she has made serving our community.
Under Janet’s leadership, Loaves & Fishes has not only continued to provide resources for the growing demand of our services but has provided a sense of dignity and hope to countless individuals and families. Her unwavering commitment and compassion have taught us the true meaning of service and community.
Please join us in extending heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Janet Derrick. Thank you for your commitment, your passion, and your dedication. You will be missed, but your impact will resonate for generations.
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my upcoming retirement as Executive VP Programs at Loaves & Fishes, with my last day being June 30.
Twenty-three years have passed since I first retired from corporate life to find fulfilling work in community service, volunteering with Naperville CARES and the St. Thomas St. Vincent de Paul group. In 2009, I accepted the role of the first Executive Director of Naperville CARES.
Throughout my journey from volunteer to staff, I benefited from the guidance, wisdom, and mentorship of so many individuals whose purpose was to ease the burdens of under-resourced members of our community.
In 2015, Naperville CARES’s small staff and dedicated volunteers laid the groundwork for the creation of the Moving Up program. This initiative led to the merger with Loaves & Fishes in July 2016 to benefit our clients by combining food and programs focused on self-sufficiency.
Working with the incredible staff and volunteers of Loaves & Fishes for the past eight years has been an honor and a privilege. We’ve faced numerous challenges, including the COVID pandemic, always focusing on expanding and enhancing our services to meet the increasing needs of our community.
Given the quality and dedication of our current staff, the future is very bright for the continued positive impact Loaves & Fishes programs will have on the community. I look forward to celebrating all that you will achieve.
With warmest regards,
Janet