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Padilla Reflects with Gratitude, Looks Forward with Optimism for NFSB’s Future
Mike Padilla joined the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) Board of Trustees in 2015. He served as president, beginning his term in 2021 at the height of the pandemic. As Mike steps away from the board and looks back at the past nine years, the magnitude of growth and change in the organization – and the impact on the community – have truly come into focus.
“Today, our budget is four times what it was when I joined the board,” Mike said. “Back then, the American Red Cross ran the Food Pantry. Today, NFSB serves 300 clients through the Pantry. We provided more than 10,000 mental health counseling sessions in 2024, and volunteers gave 22,000 hours to NFSB. I’m so proud of this organization, but this isn’t the end. This is only the beginning.”
Beyond the numbers, Mike points to the expansion of existing programs and the launch of new programs.- The mental health program now offers in-person and telehealth appointments weeknights until 9 and on Saturdays.
- The Food Pantry offers individual shopping appointments and a mobile pantry that brings a grocery experience to two senior facilities in Nutley.
- The case management program was created to help clients navigate social services and assistance based on their individual needs.
- Two scholarships for graduates who volunteer were created in honor of Ruth Bedford and the LoCurcio family.
- The Thrift Shop is open seven days a week.
- The Inclusive Healthy Communities initiative, now in its third year, is working to make Nutley more accessible and inclusive.
- Four signature community events and fundraisers are lined up for 2025 – Casino Night, Rock Hunger, the Garden Party, and the Harvesting Hope Gala.
- The Community Action Board launched in 2024 and plans free community events throughout the year, like the Trunk or Treat that attracted 500 people.
So how did we get here? Mike thanks Sam Carella and Adam Jernick for getting him involved with NFSB. He gives credit to his mentors – Ruth Bedford, Mary Graves, Vicki Ray, Jim Kuchta, Rudy Chen, and Emma Cortese – as well as current board president Dave Popkin and those who have joined NFSB during the past decade. Today, NFSB is comprised of 30 staff members, 19 board members, and more than 130 volunteers.
“The team here is such a source of pride,” Mike said. “For over 100 years, when there has been a need, Nutley Family Service Bureau has risen up and taken the lead. This is the place where you can not only give, but if you need help, you can get. NFSB has and always will be the bridge that connects both. What drives us is a shared commitment to a simple mission – neighbors helping neighbors.”
Mike considers himself fortunate to have worked with three incredible Executive Directors during his time at NFSB – Felicia Gardner, Eileen Painter, and now Katherine Carmichael. Each of these leaders, according to Mike, has been the right person at the right time to help NFSB achieve certain goals, such as building a more robust mental health program, restarting the Food Pantry, increasing community engagement, implementing modern technology and systems, and navigating the accreditation process to bring NFSB to a best practice standard.
As a police officer, Mike is passionate about helping people in his local community and keeping them safe. In fact, he first engaged NFSB to discuss ideas for mental health services for local youth, which led to the creation of Nutley Empowering Teens (NET), an education program facilitated by NFSB counselors. The desire to solve problems has been consistent throughout NFSB’s history.
“We’re a solution-based organization,” Mike said. “People are always going to have problems. The key is to find the best solution and try to move things forward. That’s the beauty of this team and organization. It’s a group of people bringing solutions to the table. That’s why NFSB has grown so much. But this isn’t the final destination. This is the launch point. The people and programs that are in place now will make it possible to make a bigger difference in the future. I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”
Although Mike is stepping away from the board, NFSB will always be near and dear to his heart, and he’ll remain involved in some capacity. He encourages individuals and businesses in the area to see what makes NFSB such a special organization.
“Nutley Family Services Bureau is fueled by time, talent, and treasure, whether you need it or have it to give,” Mike said. “Consider supporting NFSB when and how you can because the impact can be felt immediately in your own community. Donate, volunteer, attend events, and spread the word on social media. The best thing you can do as a member of the Nutley community is support those who support you!”
