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Archives for September 8, 2026

Joy Over Circumstances

An uncommon spring rainstorm last May didn’t stop Victoria from coming to the foodbank for assistance. With her arms full of bags of groceries, she walked to the sidewalk to wait for her ride home.

After one hour, Victoria was still planted on the sidewalk with her groceries, in the rain. When a volunteer, Jessica, stepped outside to see if Victoria was okay, she expected her to be frustrated or discouraged. Instead, Victoria looked at Jessica with a chuckle and sassy smile then said, “I’m good!” as if standing in the rain with bags of groceries was simply another adventure.

This summer, it was the California sun beating down as she waited for the bus. Once again, we came out to see how she was holding up and Victoria responded with laughter, optimism and that unmistakable spark that emanates from her wherever she goes.

She doesn’t have a car, so getting groceries home isn’t always easy, and she never lets the inconvenience steal her joy. These days, Victoria has more resources and more support around her. We’ve had the privilege of watching her journey as she overcomes struggles with alcohol and now celebrates her recovery with us every time she walks through our doors. As she moves about the line and interacts with guests and volunteers, she shares how long she’s been sober and the positive transformation that has been happening in her life as a result. Her health is better, her relationships are stronger, and she is happier than she’s ever been.

Victoria’s actions demonstrate how joy is contagious and isn’t found in perfect circumstances. Joy is a choice that we make moment by moment. Every time Victoria visits the food bank, she leaves a little bit of that joy with us.

More Than A Backpack

Remember the excitement of starting a new school year? Butterflies of excitement are common amongst students getting ready for the new school year; many of the under resourced students who attended this year’s Back 2 School Extravaganza felt those same butterflies with the addition of anxiety on whether they would get the school supplies they needed to get their school year off to a successful start. It became clear when the families arrived to this event that not only were they going to get stocked up on backpacks and school supplies, but they were also going to take home some memorable experiences.

One little girl looked into a mirror at the face painting station and saw a glittering butterfly staring back at her and her face lit up. Nearby, a boy moved from the free haircut station to the free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, his smile growing wider with every stop after a fresh haircut, a full stomach and a backpack of his choosing.

After a mom and dad with their three children finished visiting all the booths, they stopped one of the volunteers to express their gratitude as tears welled up in their eyes. The mom shared, “I just didn’t think the community cared this much. Just look at the number of people who have come together to support and bless our kids.” What may have seemed like a small act—a backpack, a haircut, a sandwich, a few hours of someone’s time—meant the world to them.

Executive Director Lisa Tuter saw that same care and support unfolding throughout the morning. “Today was so much more than gifting students with backpacks… That’s what made today extraordinary — kids were seen and celebrated.”

Board President Ron Perry said, “This is one of those reminders that the food bank is more than serving food, it’s serving people.”

That is exactly what our community did. They served people. They showed up. They poured out generosity. They created moments of joy for nearly 400 children—and reminded their families that they don’t have to walk through difficult seasons alone.

As Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel said, our community came together to “pour love on Folsom’s next generation.”

Sometimes, love looks like a backpack. Sometimes, it looks like a room full of people showing up. Sometimes, it looks like a family realizing just how deeply their community cares.

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Paul Phillips
TLFB BOARD | MEMBER AT LARGE

Paul Nathan Phillips is the Principal Attorney at Phillips Elder Law, a trusts and estates, probate, senior rights and litigation practice. Paul has successfully assisted victims of elder financial abuse and physical neglect, both inside and outside of court.

With nearly four decades admitted to the California Bar and qualified before state and federal courts, Paul has practiced as an associate and partner at several Los Angeles and Sacramento law firms. Paul served as General Legal Counsel for International Business Systems, an IBM-owned company with its US Office located in Folsom, where he managed the legal team and oversaw national compliance, contracts, and human resources around the country.

Paul earned two bachelor’s degrees from UCLA in 1981, in Political Science and Psychology. In 1987 he received his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. He is a member recipient of the Saint Thomas More Honor award.
Paul has volunteered as an attorney and advisor for nonprofits serving low-income workers, the homeless, tenants rights, and elder adults. Paul has led senior outreach and healthy aging efforts through several local churches. A NASM-certified senior fitness trainer, Paul continues to lead free senior fitness classes. He shares and seeks to inspire others with his optimism and sense of humor, and deep love of hiking, paddling, camping, open-water swimming and all things nature.

An avid reader and gardener, Paul is the proud father of two accomplished daughters, and four personality overflowing grandchildren.