THE STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WEST MARIN COMMUNITY SERVICES AT THE OLD CREAMERY BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN POINT REYES STATION
W.M.C.S. was created in 2000 by a merger of two entities in operation since the1980s—the Resource Center, originally a program of the Marin Volunteer Center, and the thrift shop, established to provide local funding for needs that were not being met. The founding directors were Dave Sexton, Jean Soost, Gayanne Enquist and the late Newell Erwin. Today, W.M.C.S. offers a wide variety of support and services, including a food pantry, immigration programs, swim lessons, a holiday food and gift program and emergency assistance, all funded by profits from the thrift store, community donations and grants. Here, pictured in front from the left, are outgoing Executive Director Heather Ivey and her newborn son Dylan; Wendy Friefeld, who retired in December 2017 after five years as executive director, and the new executive director, Soccoro Romo, backed up by the rest of the staff and the board of directors.
“I’ll miss the good times at W.M.C.S.—messing up the credit card machine at the Thrift Store, spilling hot chocolate on the way to Shell Beach for Waterdogs, handling excessive amounts of cranberry sauce at the Food Pantry, reminding Socorro not to work too hard, and especially seeing the impact of services on the people of our community. But they are letting me continue to help out with a few projects (!), so I’ll stay connected to the very best board, staff and volunteers.” — Wendy Friefeld, July 2018