{"id":48415,"date":"2024-12-05T16:51:49","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T23:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cafoodbanks.org\/?p=48415"},"modified":"2024-12-13T12:12:08","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T19:12:08","slug":"celebrating-20-years-of-dedication-paul-mass-and-his-journey-with-cafb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cafoodbanks.org\/zh\/blog\/celebrating-20-years-of-dedication-paul-mass-and-his-journey-with-cafb\/","title":{"rendered":"\u5e86\u795d\u4fdd\u7f57\u00b7\u9a6c\u65af\u53ca\u5176 20 \u5e74\u7684\u5949\u732e\u7cbe\u795e"},"content":{"rendered":"

For 20 years, Paul Maas has been a steadfast presence at the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB). His journey with the organization is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and passion for the fight against hunger. From the early days when CAFB was just a small team in a tiny office in Sacramento to its evolution into a statewide anti-hunger leader, Paul has been with us every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A few words from CAFB Director of Programs, Stephanie Nishio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you have the pleasure of working with Paul, then you know that he\u2019s an advocate for finding solutions, continuous improvements, common sense, and doing the right thing. And you also know that he\u2019s genuinely friendly and a great thought partner. But Paul isn\u2019t one to toot his own horn, so you may not know that he figured out how to make two complex federal reimbursement programs accessible to small nonprofits in California. Or that in his first few years at CAFB he developed tools that nonprofits throughout the state still use today to help fund their CalFresh outreach and nutrition education programs. For so many years, Paul has been the backbone of our Programs department. His efforts drive the rest of our work, both within our team at CAFB and in communities across California where partners are helping neighbors access CalFresh. Paul\u2019s work may not always be visible, but it has far-reaching impact. Congratulations on 20 years at CAFB, Paul, and thank you. Here\u2019s to the next 20!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Early Days: A Modest Beginning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Paul moved to California in his 20s. Paul was hired as CAFB’s fourth employee. At the time they were working out of a small Sacramento office near the Capitol. His initial role was finance manager, mostly focused on bookkeeping. \u201cIt was all hands on deck,\u201d <\/em>Paul recalls. \u201cWe were just four people, working out of a tiny office. I never imagined we\u2019d grow into what we are today.\u201d<\/em> In those early days, programs like Farm to Family and events like Capitol Action Day were just beginning. Paul remembers the first Capitol Action Days vividly: food bankers walking door-to-door in the Capitol, armed with photocopied materials and big ideas. Over time, those grassroots efforts transformed into a sophisticated policy program that now establishes CAFB as a leader in the anti-hunger community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\r\n \u201cFarm to Family lit the fuse for our expansion… It started as a one-of-a-kind initiative and became a cornerstone of what we do.\u201d
Paul Maas, Senior Contract Manager<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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Building a Legacy: Paul\u2019s Evolving Role & Impact<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As CAFB grew, so did Paul\u2019s responsibilities. He found his niche, transitioning from bookkeeping to managing the CalFresh outreach program. Over the years, he has helped guide this program from a pilot with six food banks to a statewide network of food banks and community organizations helping thousands of Californians access vital food assistance. Paul explains, \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of administrative work, but it\u2019s deeply fulfilling knowing that what we\u2019re doing is helping real people.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s contributions, though often behind the scenes, are integral to CAFB\u2019s mission. He sees his work as part of a larger effort, describing himself as one of the many gears that keep the machine running. \u201cEven if you\u2019re just one cog in the overall machine, the machine doesn\u2019t work without you,\u201d<\/em> he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal Growth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s two decades with CAFB have paralleled his personal life in profound ways. During his tenure, he has gotten married, bought a house, and raised children\u2014all while contributing to CAFB\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe stability and support I\u2019ve received from CAFB have allowed me to live the life I have today,\u201d<\/em> Paul reflects. \u201cI\u2019ve been able to find a balance between work and family, and that\u2019s something I don\u2019t take for granted.\u201d<\/em> Paul\u2019s Midwest roots influence his approach to work. While many people jump from job to job, Paul has stayed with CAFB because of his belief in our mission and his desire to see the organization grow. \u201cIt feels like a family member I\u2019ve watched grow up,\u201d <\/em>he says. \u201cI feel a deep responsibility for the programs I\u2019ve nurtured, and I\u2019m proud of what we\u2019ve built together.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advice for Newcomers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting at CAFB, Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the mission behind the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWork isn\u2019t always easy, but when you know it\u2019s making a real impact, it feels worthwhile,\u201d <\/em>he says. \u201cThink about the lives you\u2019re touching and let that drive you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paul\u2019s Dedication & Passion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Outside of work, Paul is a drummer and skier, balancing his passion for music and the outdoors with his professional life. But it\u2019s his dedication to CAFB\u2019s mission that truly drives him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWatching CAFB evolve over the years has been incredible,\u201d he says. \u201cFrom a tiny office in Sacramento to a statewide leader in the fight against hunger\u2014it\u2019s been a privilege to be part of this journey.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Paul\u2019s 20 years of service are a reminder of the power of commitment and belief in a greater cause. His work has been instrumental in shaping CAFB into the organization it is today, and his legacy is one of resilience, growth, and impact. Thank you, Paul, for your dedication to CAFB and your unwavering commitment to ending hunger in California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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