Mari Gonzáles’s journey with El Buen Samaritano began out of necessity and a deep sense of family legacy. Founded by her parents in 1991 to aid immigrant families in Worcester, the organization started as a food pantry and evolved into a comprehensive support center offering food, clothing, and more. When her parents reached their 70s, they considered closing the doors but Mari stepped in, despite having no prior nonprofit experience.
She applied for the EforAll Business Accelerator to better manage and expand El Buen Samaritano. Through the program, she learned the complexities of business strategy, including grant writing, fundraising, and marketing. “Going through this accelerator opened my eyes and helped me understand the business aspect of the nonprofit,” she recalled.
Mari’s favorite part of the EforAll program, though, was the cohort, which she equates to a “family” as well as a “safe place.” It allowed Mari and her peers to share their struggles, fears, and ideas and provided invaluable support and encouragement for her.
Since graduating, El Buen Samaritano has secured more than $450,000 in grants, grown to include seven employees, acquired new vans and refrigerators, and expanded its service offerings. And Mari herself has received several amazing community awards, including the Worcester Business Journal’s Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year.
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