P.O. Box 1219, Bunnell, FL 32110, US
(386) 437-3258 Ext 105
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The Sheltering Tree Volunteer Board Members
Sue Bickings - Chairperson
Martin Collins - Vice Chairperson
Martin Collins - Vice Chairperson
Susan has lived in Palm Coast for nearly 40 years. She is a member of the Bridges A United Methodist Fellowship in Bunnell, where the cold weather shelter opened in winter of 2009. Sue has been with the shelter board since that time.
She worked as an educator for 38 years, as teacher and school counselor, most of those years in Flagler County schools. She retired from Bunnell Elementary School in 2014.
Sue believes passionately in her work for the Flagler County Family Assistance Center, DBA The Sheltering Tree, to provide opportunities for caring and committed volunteers to provide services and compassionate care for those who are currently struggling with great challenges within our community. Together we are stronger!
Martin Collins - Vice Chairperson
Martin Collins - Vice Chairperson
Martin Collins - Vice Chairperson
Martin Collins is an Irish born US citizen who moved to the United States 30 years ago with his wife and family.
Martin is an economics graduate who worked with international companies around the world for many years. Martin moved to Florida over 20 years ago and worked in real estate before retiring.
Martin particularly enjoys his role in The Sheltering Tree as all donations go directly to the poorest and most vulnerable people in our county.
Stephanie Matthews – Treasurer
Martin Collins - Vice Chairperson
Stephanie Matthews – Treasurer
Stephanie Matthews has a Bachelor's in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. She has worked as an Accountant in nonprofit organizations for over 30 years and is currently the Business Manager for a local Marketing and Print Management firm.
One of the Sheltering Tree's founders, Carla Traister, was her son’s middle and high school teacher. When he was killed in a car accident in 2013, Stephanie decided to donate his clothes to “The Sheltering Tree.” When Carla told her, their Treasurer was looking to give up the position she couldn't turn her down.
Stephanie's mother always instilled in her that she should give back to her community. Hopefully by volunteering with the shelter and also with the African American Cultural Society she is doing that.
Stephanie has seen the Flagler County Family Assistance Center, aka The Sheltering Tree spread its branches to not only be a cold weather shelter but to assist the homeless and nearly homeless, here in Flagler County, year-round in many ways.
Charlene Bates - Board Member
Cameron Sarfarazi - Board Member
Stephanie Matthews – Treasurer
Charlene believes that volunteering at a local shelter or donating to a charity are great ways to give back and feel grateful for what we have in our lives.
Charlene had been part of the volunteer team at the Sheltering Tree for a year before joining the board. What she finds humbling is how very grateful those we serve are for anything we can provide.
"There are repeat visitors who become our friends. We look forward to seeing them and encourage and praise their accomplishments. If someone stops coming, we notice and find ways to ensure they are safe and well. The friendships we form makes my heart sing. I am so grateful to be able to serve our community in this way."
Laurey DuBrule - Secretary
Cameron Sarfarazi - Board Member
Cameron Sarfarazi - Board Member
Laurey DuBrule has been working the clothing room at the Sheltering Tree since 2019. She first heard about an open volunteer position with the Shelter and decided she would like to volunteer her time helping those in need. She works diligently to ensure the clothing room is managed responsibly and benefits the greatest number of people possible.
Laurey also serves the board as secretary and maintains the meeting minutes. When she is not at the Sheltering Tree, Laurey spends her free time volunteering at several other non-profits throughout town.
Cameron Sarfarazi - Board Member
Cameron Sarfarazi - Board Member
Cameron Sarfarazi - Board Member
Cameron has lived in Palm Coast since completing his graduate degree in 2014. He has a BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has been working in real estate since 2016.
Community involvement is very important to Cameron, and he is always looking to support programs and causes dedicated to a thriving and cooperative community.
Cameron is proud to assist the Sheltering Tree with their technology needs, including maintaining the website and social media accounts, in order to increase public awareness and broadcast the wonderful work the Sheltering Tree does to the world.
Rev. Terry Wines - Board Member
Rev. Terry Wines - Board Member
Rev. Terry Wines - Board Member
Terry currently serves as the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Flagler Beach. Before being appointed to Flagler County in 2015, he had served both small town and urban churches in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2000.
Terry is a graduate of Florida State University (BA) and Asbury Theological Seminary (MDiv). Before entering the ministry process in 1996, he worked in the Entertainment and Hospitality Industries for 20 years. Terry has been married to his most beautiful and talented Amelia Bruce Wines since 1986 and they have no children.