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Community Cooperative’s CEO, Stefanie Ink Edwards Appointed Chair of Emergency Management Committee by Volunteer Florida

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Community Cooperative’s CEO, Stefanie Ink Edwards Appointed Chair of Emergency Management Committee by Volunteer Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 13, 2024) – Community Cooperative is proud to announce that their CEO, Stefanie Ink Edwards, has been appointed Chair of the Emergency Management Committee by Volunteer Florida. This esteemed recognition follows her recent appointment by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a three-year term on the Florida Commission on Community Service, underscoring her steadfast commitment to enhancing hurricane preparedness and responsiveness in Southwest Florida.

In her own words, Stefanie expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to serve the people of Florida and help make an even greater impact throughout our region and state. Florida nonprofits are successful through the work of many volunteers, and as organization leaders, we have learned about the collective power of volunteers in everyday service and especially in disasters like a hurricane.”

Under Stefanie’s visionary leadership, Community Cooperative launched the Lee County Strong Hurricane Relief Fund on the very day Hurricane Ian made landfall. This vital fund was designed to provide displaced residents with essential food, basic necessities, and long-term recovery assistance. As Chair of the Emergency Management Committee, Stefanie will spearhead discussions on best practices for emergency management, advocate for critical resources, and coordinate comprehensive training programs aimed at enhancing community resilience. Her extensive expertise in disaster response and community engagement will play a pivotal role in formulating effective strategies for the state of Florida.

“Preparedness and response are critical for the safety and well-being of our communities. I look forward to collaborating with dedicated volunteers and professionals to enhance our emergency management strategies,” Stefanie says.

Community Cooperative stands firmly behind Stefanie in her new role, committed to prioritizing initiatives that bolster disaster readiness and recovery for the communities they serve. Through this leadership appointment, the organization reaffirms its mission to support and uplift the region during times of crisis.

About Volunteer Florida

In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established to administer national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, throughout the state and has since taken a role in managing volunteers and donations during times of disaster. Volunteer Florida strengthens Florida’s communities through national service, fostering volunteerism and leveraging resources to endorse volunteerism as a solution to critical issues in Florida.

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

Media Contact: Aliyah Santana, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Aliyah@communitycooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687 ext. 105