Fish
Middleburg FISH – A Brief History
Quietly Helping our Neighbors
For Immediate and Sympathetic Help
The mission of Middleburg FISH is to provide
temporary financial and transportation assistance to our neighbors in need in
the greater Middleburg community.
1961: The FISH movement began in England as an all-volunteer group of Christians
expressing practical love and concern for their neighbors.
All chapters are local. No two are the same. There is no central organization
or headquarters. Each is geared to the needs of its particular community.
1965: Middleburg FISH was started by Rene Llewellyn, who also began Seven Loaves Food
Bank and Windy Hill Foundation. Rene was joined by Peg Low as Treasurer, Florence Kaye
as Newsletter Editor, and Nancy Manierre, who became “The Big Fish” when Rene retired.
Annually,
FISH helps about 250 people with temporary financial assistance for rent,
medicine, utilities and transportation.
FISH has 25 volunteer telephone operators who answer calls for assistance.
FISH has 18 volunteer drivers who take people to doctors, hospitals, and clinics for
medical appointments.
Middleburg’s Emmanuel Church assists in coordinating the telephone operators.
In 2009, calls for financial assistance have increased 60% over 2008.
Structure: FISH is run solely by volunteers, directed by a President (Nancy Manierre),
Treasurer (Col. Bob King) and Secretary (Martha Cotter)
Because it is a very small organization, the FISH area of operations focuses on the
greater Middleburg community- primarily western Loudoun County VA. (There is a
Fauquier FISH) FISH has guidelines for the kind of financial assistance it is
able to provide. Because FISH provides temporary financial assistance, callers
are limited to calling once every six months for help.
FISH receives support from Middleburg churches and charitable donations from
individuals and foundations.
Middleburg FISH welcomes new volunteers! New telephone operators or drivers are always
appreciated. No experience necessary- a brief information session will set you
on your way! If you are interested please contact Martha Cotter- 540.687.5680
or mobcotter@aol.com
