SAN BENITO — An emergency shelter organization now has a new face at the forefront.
La Posada Providencia, an organization that provides temporary emergency shelter services to immigrants and asylum seekers, will welcome Andi Atkinson as its new executive director starting July 1.
With a bachelor’s in journalism and a master’s in business, Atkinson comes from a large communications background with more than 20 years of experience in the field.
Most recently, Atkinson worked as the public relations director of Marine Military Academy.
Atkinson first heard about the organization when a student from MMA installed a flag at their facilities.
When she saw the job posting, she decided it was something that she needed to do.
“I was very humble when the board chose me,” Atkinson said. “I strongly believe in the mission of this agency.”
Atkinson has already set goals for the rest of the year and will put her focus toward raising more money for the agency and learning everything that is being done on site.
“A goal of mine is to write at least a few grants,” Atkinson said.
She has already met with those who are currently running the San Benito facility.
Sister Zita Telkamp currently works as program director of La Posada and will soon be working closely with Atkinson.
“With Andi’s expertise, leadership and commitment to welcoming the stranger, La Posada Providencia’s ministry and mission will be in good hands,” Telkamp said.
The role of executive director is a newly created position where Atkinson will be in charge of overseeing La Posada’s administrative, programmatic and strategic initiatives.
La Posada is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence that opened its doors almost 30 years ago.
In the past year, the organization has served more than 700 clients from more than 30 different countries.
“I really do feel it is the right time for me and the right place to do this,” Atkinson said. “La Posada really is the place for new beginnings.”
