 Donna Desjardins does a little bit of everything at ONT.
In a typical week she will work three volunteer shifts - one at the meal, one in the market and one in the warehouse. A Merrimac resident, Donna joined ONT as a way to get back on her feet after a life-changing medical challenge. Due to a rare disorder, Donna needed an emergency liver transplant in 2023 and couldn't wait to get moving again. "I couldn't sit idle. I had to work." She first volunteered at the local library but found ONT better suited her desire to be active. And every day she works, she says she feels a little better than we she arrived. "No matter what my mood is, I always feel way better." Amber Pittenger Tillson, ONT's Associate Director of Programs, says Donna brightens every shift she is part of. "From dressing up for holidays, bringing treats for people on their birthdays, and helping to decorate when there is a holiday at the Community Meal-- Donna brings joy to every part of the programs she touches!" She even brings her personally knitted hats to give away at the Community Meal. "I just like helping in some way," Donna says. "People need the help and there's not a mean person here." Thank you Donna for all you do!
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 Our Neighbors' Table was recently named a 2025 Healthy Pantry Champion by the Greater Boston Food Bank for our commitment to nutrition, client dignity, and evidence-based practices.
Why do we call our locations markets rather than pantries? Because we hold ourselves to "market minimums" - a promise to our community to always provide a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables, milk and eggs, the items our guests ask for most. Thank you to our partners at GBFB for recognizing our collective work to serve every neighbor.  Tracey Friedman of Amesbury is our new Executive Director beginning in late April. Tracey joins us after 5 years leading The Haven Project in Lynn, a non-profit supporting at-risk and homeless youth and young adults. In 2022 she moved from Lynn to Amesbury with her husband and they welcomed their daughter Cece in 2024.
Why did you choose a career focused on helping others? I grew up in a family where helping others wasn’t something we talked about as an idea, it was simply what you did. From a young age my mother instilled in me that you help people because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect anything in return. She modeled that and even became the first woman president of our Little League in Lynn. Today the clubhouse there is named after my parents for all of the work that they did. Seeing that kind of commitment to community really leaves a lasting impression. Volunteering and giving back always felt natural to me. It led me to get a degree in mental health counseling early in my career because I wanted to work directly with people who were struggling and help them find stability and hope. Over time, that commitment naturally grew into leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, but the motivation has always stayed the same. I’ve always tried to use my skills to support people and strengthen the community around me. Helping others isn’t just work, it’s simply part of who I am. What stood out to you about the leadership role at ONT? I was struck by the strength of the organization. The dedicated staff, engaged volunteers and board, the supportive community, and the clear impact ONT has had in the region. It’s an organization that has built trust and credibility over time. The chance to help build on that foundation, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding access to essential resources for families in our community felt like a meaningful next step in my work. As a resident of this area, it’s especially meaningful to step into a role where I can serve the community that my own family calls home. How would you describe your leadership style? I would describe it as collaborative and very people-centered. I believe the best work happens when people feel respected, heard, and trusted to do what they do best. I try to create an environment where staff feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and being honest about challenges, because that’s usually where the best solutions come from. I’m also someone who likes to build things that last. I spend a lot of time thinking about the systems, partnerships, and structures that help an organization stay strong over the long-term. But at the heart of it, my leadership is really about people. Supporting staff, listening to the community, and making sure the work we’re doing is truly helping the people we’re here to serve. You have deep roots in Lynn. Why did you choose to move to Amesbury? I do have deep roots in Lynn. I’m a fourth-generation Lynner, and I’m really proud of that. Lynn will always have a special place in my heart. At the same time, Amesbury ended up being a perfect fit for our family. My husband’s family is in Stratham, NH, and mine is from Lynn, so Amesbury sits almost perfectly halfway between both. Living here has allowed us to stay connected to both sides of our family while also becoming part of a community we’ve quickly grown to love. What do you enjoy about your new hometown? I love that Amesbury is a place where people really know their neighbors, support local organizations, and take pride in where they live. There’s a genuine willingness to show up for one another. Whether it’s through volunteering, local events, or simply supporting small businesses downtown. And I LOVE the downtown area. It really is just a picturesque New England town, and there’s always something happening. The local restaurants and small businesses give it so much character. What inspires you most? My biggest inspiration is my daughter, Cecilia. She’s 16 months old and was born with a congenital heart defect. She has already been through two open heart surgeries. Watching her fight, recover, and continue to grow with so much joy and determination has been incredibly humbling. She shows me what resilience looks like every day. Going through that as a parent, it changes you. It has deepened my empathy and reinforced for me how important support systems are when families are going through something difficult. When people show up for one another, especially during the hardest moments, it makes all the difference in the world. What do you enjoy outside of work? I have a toddler at home so a lot of our time right now is spent chasing her around and enjoying all the little moments that come with this stage of life. After everything she has been through, those moments feel especially meaningful. I also enjoy exploring the North Shore, and I love antiquing and finding little pieces of history along the way. I volunteer writing grants for an equine rescue, which has been a really special way to use my skillset for something different. It’s work I care about deeply, and it brings me a lot of joy. E-mail Tracey a welcome note at [email protected]. |
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