A New Chapter — Meet B&R’s New Executive Director
Dear Friends,
As Bread & Roses celebrates its 45th year of nourishing our community, we are closing one chapter and beginning the next.
As we enter this new chapter at Bread & Roses, we would like to express our sincere thanks to our former Executive Director, Jessica Gordon, who concluded her tenure with us at the end of May to pursue exciting new ventures.
Jess joined Bread & Roses at a pivotal moment. Her leadership guided us through the immense challenges of reopening during the pandemic, adapting our services based on real-time guest feedback, and managing a surge in demand as our community's needs skyrocketed. She inspired us daily with her heart, her vision, and her profound commitment to ensuring that everyone who came through our doors felt seen, heard, and nourished. We're grateful for Jess and all she has done and wish her the very best in her next endeavors.
At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Felicia Marston, to the Bread & Roses family.
Felicia brings an extensive background in working with vulnerable populations, particularly individuals experiencing homelessness. With a long history in human services jobs across Eastern Massachusetts and a passion for equity, Felicia is already bringing her incredible spirit, compassion, and clarity to her role. We're incredibly fortunate to have another strong, values-driven leader join us as we continue to navigate challenging times and meet the needs of our community.
Felicia shared this about herself and what she brings to our mission:
“I come from an urban background that taught me the value of resilience, community, and human dignity. I believe in treating every person first and foremost as a human being; worthy of respect, opportunity, and understanding. My mission is to break down barriers through education, creating access to knowledge across as many areas as possible so individuals can grow, thrive, and shape their own futures—while being provided the human right to eat!”
Felicia's background, combined with her passion, makes her uniquely equipped to lead Bread & Roses through this next phase. She leads with empathy, deeply believes in community-led change, and is committed to ensuring that every guest we serve is treated with dignity and opportunity. We are inspired by her vision and excited for what lies ahead under her leadership.
Through every leadership change, challenge, and celebration, one thing remains constant: our shared commitment to providing people with a safe, dignified, and welcoming space, as well as their most basic needs. We continue this mission every day—together—with compassion, resilience, and care.
Please join us in both thanking Jess and welcoming Felicia.
In solidarity and with gratitude,
The Bread & Roses Team
