March 1, 2025

Dear Friend of SOS,

I am sending this update to you to keep you informed about what SOS is doing and what is happening at Unity Kitchen, and to encourage you to support what we’re doing through your financial contributions and volunteering.

We gave a special tour this week to newly elected District One Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, and District Field Representative Betzy Chavez. Both Betzy and Rebecca grew up in Sonoma Valley and have the welfare of our clients near and dear to their hearts.

We are hopeful as we apply for grants to serve the rising numbers of the food deprived and hungry who come to us for help. In February, over 500 unique individuals were able to obtain healthy meals and services at Unity Kitchen and to access our community partner resources.

Seated, left to right:  SOS Board member Madolyn Agrimonti, Executive Director Kathy King, Executive Assistant Nathalia Zavala. Standing, left to right: Sous Chef Dawn McIntosh, Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, Head Chef Dan Kahn, Kitchen Assistant Laura Ramirez, Kitchen Aide Luis Escobar, and Intake Specialist Petal Conlon.

At Unity Kitchen we now have the luxury of mezzanine offices and a storage room. We are trying our best to cut expenses by 20% and are now going to a single vendor to buy large quantities of paper goods and groceries. The view from the mezzanine is very eye-opening.

Mario, Mark, and Jose, volunteers from Becoming Independent, learn how to plate meals with the help of staff member Laura and Becoming Independent Program Specialist Erin.

We now estimate that – due to cost of living and rent increases for those who are housed –  we will exceed 80,000 meals by the end of 2025, a 5.2% increase from last year. Clearly, this is going to put a stress on our financial resources, and we will need you more than ever.

SOS is willing, in the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, to “start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Please help us by making a donation today.

Gratefully,

Kathy King

Executive Director