Starting PacksforColdBacks Inc. due to desire to establish human connection with those most marginalized in our local communities here in Sacramento, Ardy has been responsible for the evolution of the organization. Stemming from his passion and efforts for helping the homeless through backpacks filled with essential goods in 2011, Ardy helps the COO manage program development to further increase the impact on those most marginalized in our communities. This includes the company’s Community Outreach Program, Rehabilitation Program, and Covid-19 Relief Program. Ardy also collaborates with other executive officers to help establish events and expand PacksforColdBacks Inc. to new states and cities. Furthermore, along with speaking at local city council meetings to raise awareness for PFCB, he assists the CFO in creating funding opportunities through sponsorship and developing business relationships. Lastly, he assists with recruiting and training new volunteers in order to create autonomous teams for company expansion into new cities. Ardy graduated from Sacramento State University with a degree in finance. Holding both series 7 & 63 licenses, he has worked for Vanguard and Compensia. He is currently the Co-Chair of the Racial Equity Committee at Sacramento Steps Forward.

Joining Ardy in 2011, Kevin has been an integral part of PacksforColdBacks. He shares the same vision and works to develop new and effective ways to create a positive impact on communities. Kevin helps the Executive Director with handling all internal affairs and local events for the homeless community in Sacramento, our headquarter city. He leads day-to-day company operations in the Sacramento area. Whether it be the Community Outreach Program, Rehabilitation Program, and Covid-19 Relief Program, Kevin focuses on program development, managing events, and organizing volunteers. Given PacksforColdBack’s rapid expansion, Kevin is now also responsible for coordinating with executive officers in our Seattle and Phoenix locations to establish their monthly PacksforColdBacks events.

Ashley Whipple was born and raised in Sacramento, California. She moved to Seattle 3 years ago to complete a degree in Criminal Justice at Washington State University. She currently works as a Residential Youth Counselor at Pioneer Human Services in Seattle, Washington. Her professional role is centered around keeping Seattle’s at-risk youth safe, off the streets, and out of the criminal justice systems. In her short time spent living in Seattle, Ashley has had a heightened awareness of the homelessness crisis that plague our communities. She is dedicated not only to providing aid to our youth who struggle with displacement, but also working with men, women, and families in transitioning them off the streets and into stable housing. She believes that everyone is entitled to proper housing and is an essential component to effectively addressing the homelessness crisis.

Joining in 2016, Josh is responsible for developing the company’s strategy for using technological resources. In addition, he ensures technologies are used efficiently, and securely. Josh is CompTIA Network+ certified and working towards his Security+ certification. He currently works as an Operations Manager with Kelly OCG leading a team of technicians and engineers. Josh has a passion for IT security, web development, and Python programming.

Justin Gibson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has spent his time volunteering within his local communities and in multiple facets across the world. (switched order). In 2003, Justin travelled across the world to Vietnam and Cambodia where he volunteered building and renovating local orphanages and providing basic supplies to local village communities who would otherwise not have had access to basic necessities. His first experience abroad and his involvement with the local villages exposed him first-hand to the need for outreach to otherwise unacknowledged communities. Then, in 2011, Justin travelled to Grenada to assist with the construction of a local elementary school. His experience with the locals provided him invaluable insight into how other communities work to live sustainably despite poverty. After his time in Grenada, Justin continued to show his commitment to service by going to Valladolid, Mexico. He partnered with Doctors Without Borders to build a fully-functioning medical center providing essential services to communities without access to healthcare. When he returned to Phoenix permanently, Justin knew he wanted to take his experiences and apply them to his local community. By working with Packs for Cold Backs, Justin hopes to grow an organization that provides an essential service to the homeless and displaced in his hometown: recognition and care. Currently, Justin works for Rivian and in his spare time enjoys sports and making music.

Nathan Mabie was raised in Los Angeles, California. He moved to Seattle 4 years ago after completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at California State University, Bakersfield. He started in residential facilities for at-risk youth, then moved to behavioral modification in special education services. After beginning to volunteer for various organizations supporting the homeless population in Seattle, he developed a passion for the work and transitioned to working as a case manager for the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program in Snohomish County. Within this program, he facilitates long term intensive case management for the homeless population in collaboration with the respective police departments of each city. For over a year now, he has been within the community, advocating for a vulnerable population and connecting them to services such as housing, medical care, essential needs, legal services, and more. By working with Packs for Cold Backs, Nathan hopes to expand services for those that need them most in a city experiencing a homelessness crisis.

Lucia was born and raised in Roseville, California. As a child, Lucia has always had a passion for event planning and volunteering with her family. Growing up she was always involved in planning all of the small family events as well as a few big weddings. She is currently working for an event planning company and is excited to apply her expertise to our events. Though Lucia has been involved in many of our events as a volunteer, moving forward, she would like to share her event planning expertise to help our directors coordinate & plan our future PacksforColdBacks events. Lucia has always found it very important to give back to her community. She grew up volunteering for many nonprofits with her family and has always felt committed to assisting the unhoused communities we serve.

Erik has spent the majority of his life living in Sacramento, California and has served as an integral part of our organization for over 10 years now. His desire to help others stems from dealing with family & friends whose lives have been affected by mental illness. These experiences allowed him to see firsthand the negative impact it has on individuals, their families and in turn our communities. He has helped organize events, spent countless hours preparing and planning, and going above and beyond to serve the unhoused community in Sacramento. Erik is in charge of volunteer coordination in Sacramento, developing and training interns as part of our new internship programs, implementing best practices for events, and working closely with our executive team to further our mission.

Ivan has spent the majority of his life traveling between Sacramento, California and Mexico to be with family. Ivan has been involved with our organization for 10 years. His desire to help those in his community comes from the injustices he has seen throughout his life on both sides of the border. He believes in upholding his community and considers volunteer work a duty one has with their community. Ivan is an amazing leader, serving as an Interpreter & translator for our Spanish speaking clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and their needs are met. By working with Packs for Cold Backs, Erik strives to allow us to expand our services to the Spanish speaking community in a city experiencing a homelessness crisis.

Melissa Van Hooser was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. She joined PacksforColdBacks Inc. in 2018 as the Director of Social Media and Community Outreach. Through various social media platforms, Melissa works to build valuable relationships with other individuals, non-profits, and companies who also strive to make their communities a better place. She actively explores ways to develop new partnerships that in turn help us better serve those in need. She believes that it is our job as human beings to recognize the good in all people and do our part to make this world a better place one day at a time.

Starting PacksforColdBacks Inc. due to desire to establish human connection with those most marginalized in our local communities here in Sacramento, Ardy has been responsible for the evolution of the organization. Stemming from his passion and efforts for helping the homeless through backpacks filled with essential goods in 2011, Ardy helps the COO manage program development to further increase the impact on those most marginalized in our communities. This includes the company’s Community Outreach Program, Rehabilitation Program, and Covid-19 Relief Program. Ardy also collaborates with other executive officers to help establish events and expand PacksforColdBacks Inc. to new states and cities. Furthermore, along with speaking at local city council meetings to raise awareness for PFCB, he assists the CFO in creating funding opportunities through sponsorship and developing business relationships. Lastly, he assists with recruiting and training new volunteers in order to create autonomous teams for company expansion into new cities. Ardy graduated from Sacramento State University with a degree in finance. Holding both series 7 & 63 licenses, he has worked for Vanguard and Compensia. He is currently the Co-Chair of the Racial Equity Committee at Sacramento Steps Forward.

Joining Ardy in 2011, Kevin has been an integral part of PacksforColdBacks. He shares the same vision and works to develop new and effective ways to create a positive impact on communities. Kevin helps the Executive Director with handling all internal affairs and local events for the homeless community in Sacramento, our headquarter city. He leads day-to-day company operations in the Sacramento area. Whether it be the Community Outreach Program, Rehabilitation Program, and Covid-19 Relief Program, Kevin focuses on program development, managing events, and organizing volunteers. Given PacksforColdBack’s rapid expansion, Kevin is now also responsible for coordinating with executive officers in our Seattle and Phoenix locations to establish their monthly PacksforColdBacks events.

Ashley Whipple was born and raised in Sacramento, California. She moved to Seattle 3 years ago to complete a degree in Criminal Justice at Washington State University. She currently works as a Residential Youth Counselor at Pioneer Human Services in Seattle, Washington. Her professional role is centered around keeping Seattle’s at-risk youth safe, off the streets, and out of the criminal justice systems. In her short time spent living in Seattle, Ashley has had a heightened awareness of the homelessness crisis that plague our communities. She is dedicated not only to providing aid to our youth who struggle with displacement, but also working with men, women, and families in transitioning them off the streets and into stable housing. She believes that everyone is entitled to proper housing and is an essential component to effectively addressing the homelessness crisis.