After several years of rapid growth and increasing demand, Niverville Helping Hands is ready for its next big step: hiring a part-time Director.
Since 2021, the small but passionate volunteer Board has been carrying the load of day-to-day operations at the community food bank. But as Niverville Helping Hands has expanded, both in services and in physical space, the Board says it’s time to bring in extra help to keep things running smoothly.
“When I became Chair in 2021, we did a big overhaul on how the food bank was run,” said Larissa Sandulak, Board Chair and Director of Niverville Helping Hands and one of the key volunteers who helped guide that transition. “As a Board, we took on a lot of those responsibilities because we needed to figure out what we were doing and how we wanted to operate. And as we've gone through that process, we’ve grown to the point where it’s really beyond what we can manage ourselves.”
That growth includes moving into a larger, more permanent location on Main Street in Niverville.
The new space is a major improvement for the organization, but it also comes with more responsibility, from building security and maintenance to increased communication and client support.
“With a bigger facility, there's just more to look after,” Sandulak explained. “Just the upkeep alone requires more attention. And as more families come to us with different needs, there are more emails, more questions, more people to connect with. It’s just a lot to juggle.”
Niverville Helping Hands provides food and basic support for individuals and families in the area. What started as a smaller operation, once run out of a church, has evolved into a vital resource for the town. And with that evolution, the structure of the organization is shifting too.
“Right now, our Board is over-functioning,” Sandulak said. “We’ve been trying to do everything, and that’s just not sustainable. So we’re looking to step back a little bit and just oversee, while someone else takes on the daily tasks.”
That “someone else” will be a part-time Director, whom the group hopes to fill with the right person from the community.
So, what kind of candidate is Helping Hands hoping for?
“It’s hard to pin down, honestly,” said Sandulak. “We’re looking for someone dynamic. The role has a mix of responsibilities, so we’d love someone who’s worn a few hats. Administrative skills are important. Being a people person is huge, someone who can represent us well in the community, build connections, and also, willing to spend time with our clients. Compassion and flexibility go a long way.”
The Board isn’t setting a strict deadline to apply. The job posting will remain open until the right candidate is found.
“We’re not rushing it,” Sandulak said. “We want to find the right person who really gets what Niverville Helping Hands is about and can step into that role with heart and confidence.”
The decision to hire someone wasn’t made lightly. It came after a period of reflection and a realization that they were being stretched too thin.
“We’re all just busy in our personal lives,” Sandulak said. “And the food bank has become busier, too. We want to keep doing a good job, right? But you reach a point where you can’t do everything, and you can’t do it well. That’s when you have to say, ‘Okay, we need help.’ And so, we’re reaching out to the community.”
To apply, or to learn more about the position, community members are encouraged to contact Niverville Helping Hands directly.
“The best way is by email,” said Sandulak. “Send us your resume and a cover letter, or even just reach out with some questions. We’ll get back to you.”
Interested individuals can email nivervillehelpinghands@gmail.com.
As Niverville Helping Hands continues to grow, the team hopes this next chapter will help ensure the organization stays strong and continues to serve the community with the care, responsiveness, and heart it’s always been known for.
“Really, we just want to keep doing this well,” Sandulak said. “And we know we can’t do that alone anymore.”