Change in store for Peabody food pantry

PEABODY – Going above and beyond to help others.That?s how volunteers, clients and staff will remember Alyse Barbash, executive director of Haven from Hunger, who is stepping down June 19 after almost five years.Barbash was instrumental at the food pantry, helping to create a summer program to feed 500 children a day for eight weeks; providing emergency housing; and beginning a mobile food market program.Lined with shelves of non-perishables, the pantry distributes paper bags full of meat and dairy products and desserts to Lynnfield, Peabody and Salem residents who meet a certain income criteria, dependent upon family size, weekly.Her proudest accomplishment is building a permanent home for the Haven.?We previously rented, but we bought the building in February 2014,” Barbash said. “It?s halfway to being fully renovated. All of this was accomplished during my tenure.”Volunteer and previous client Robin Clerico, 54, of Peabody, cited how Barbash made things happen.?She stepped things into position here,” Clerico said. “She helped to redo the building. She got the thought wheels in motion. She?s top-notch, and has a kind heart.”Clerico said Barbash will be missed because she has done so much.As to why she?s leaving, Barbash said it was time.?Change is good,” Barbash said. “It was just time for a change. I believe the board wanted to go in a different direction and was looking for more of an administrative person. I like to be out in the community at nightly events.”But Barbash isn?t sure what?s next.?Honestly, I don?t know where I?m going to land. It could be anything,” she said. “It?ll probably be something in the community, where I am out with people. Someone has a plan for me somewhere.”Barbash said she?s grateful to have had the opportunity to help people.?I hope I?ve made a difference,” Barbash said. “Saying goodbye will be hard.”Dan Oliveira, 37, of Peabody, who identifies himself as a volunteer/client, said Barbash assists whoever needs help. His mother, Maria, 78, is also a client.?My mother is disabled, and Alyse will sometimes throw extra food in the bag, saying, ?Don?t worry about it. I?ll take care of her,?” Oliveira said.Volunteer Robin Wayman, 54, of Lynn, a former client when she lived in Peabody, said Barbash brought the pantry to a new level.?The brown bags are supposed to be a supplement, but you can really feed a family for a week, because of how generous Alyse is,” Wayman said. “Everyone who walks through our doors has a special circumstance, and she gives out an abundance of food – more than any pantry in the area. We?re sad to see her go.”