Who We Are
La Madre De Los Pobres is a non-profit charity established in 1982. Our dream is to “feed to poor of all faiths worldwide – their bodies and their souls.” For 40 years, La Madre has woven service and experience together to find and deliver resources to thousands of people in over 30 countries.
Why We Care
Our organization raises funds for the poor and needy worldwide. We send money directly to missionaries and volunteers who work directly in impoverished countries. We make certain that every penny is spent to feed and care for the poor.
Meet the Partners
Carolyn Clark Beedle
President
Carolyn has served on the La Madre board since 2012, and she brings over 30+ years’ experience in commercial and non-profit organizations holding strategy, sales/marketing, and leadership roles in support of La Madre. She is passionate about sharing more broadly the stories of the lives that La Madre helps to improve.
Mary Connolly
Board Treasurer
Mary recently retired after 24 years in the Finance Department with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, her last 7 years as controller. An active volunteer in her community, Mary joined the La Madre Board in 2021 and her expertise serving as Treasurer helps La Madre manage and distribute our funds.
KATHY WOEBER GARDNER
Board Secretary and Counsel
Kathy has served on the La Madre Board of Directors since 2008 and is of counsel to La Madre. She is a boutique law firm partner, a proud mother of two and proud to be part of an organization that has contributed toward tangible improvements in mothers’ and children’s charitable organizations all over the world as well as in the U.S.
FATHER AL MENGON
Board Member
Father Al joined the Board in 2016. He has served the Salesian parish of Sts. Peter and Paul in San Francisco since 2015 and spent many years at the Salesian Mission in Sierra Leone, a La Madre grant recipient.
Sister Patricia Bruno, O.P.
Board Member
Patricia Bruno, O.P. a Dominican Sister joined our La Madre board in 2021. Sister Patricia writes a monthly scripture internet article, “Stories Seldom Heard,” is a retreat director, has led preaching workshops in Australia, New Zealand and across the US, is an active volunteer with the Center for Justice and Accountability.
Mary R Clark, FNP-BC/CNM
Board Member
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwife, Mary practices in the US and abroad. She has volunteered with La Madre funded projects for over 20 years, delivering maternal and child healthcare, midwife training and clinical healthcare in Latin America, Africa, and the US. Mary joined the Board in 2019 and her expertise helps guide La Madre funding to healthcare projects across the globe.
Peter Wise
Board Member
La Madre board member since 2017, Peter and his wife volunteer up to 5 weeks each year to assist kids and teachers at Catholic schools in western Ethiopia, with an emphasis on helping girls stay in school.. “I love the people and the kinds of life-improving micro-grants that La Madre de Los Pobres gives. Our dollars go far.” In his spare time, Peter keeps his 1964 Plymouth Valiant convertible running and swims in warm oceans.
Annette Lomont
Board Member
Annette brings 30+ years of fundraising experience as a chief development officer and consultant to nonprofit organizations. Currently principal with Raaberg & Lomont and on the board of the National Catholic Reporter, she has served in development leadership roles with the California Parks Foundation, San Francisco Zoological Society, and independent schools in Cincinnati and San Francisco. Annette is enthusiastic about using her expertise to increase support for La Madre projects.
Carolyn Clark Beedle
President
Carolyn has served on the La Madre board since 2012, and she brings over 30+ years’ experience in commercial and non-profit organizations holding strategy, sales/marketing, and leadership roles in support of La Madre. She is passionate about sharing more broadly the stories of the lives that La Madre helps to improve.
Mary Connolly
Board Treasurer
Mary recently retired after 24 years in the Finance Department with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, her last 7 years as controller. An active volunteer in her community, Mary joined the La Madre Board in 2021 and her expertise serving as Treasurer helps La Madre manage and distribute our funds.
KATHY WOEBER GARDNER
Board Secretary and Counsel
Kathy has served on the La Madre Board of Directors since 2008 and is of counsel to La Madre. She is a boutique law firm partner, a proud mother of two and proud to be part of an organization that has contributed toward tangible improvements in mothers’ and children’s charitable organizations all over the world as well as in the U.S.
FATHER AL MENGON
Board Member
Father Al joined the Board in 2016. He has served the Salesian parish of Sts. Peter and Paul in San Francisco since 2015 and spent many years at the Salesian Mission in Sierra Leone, a La Madre grant recipient.
Sister Patricia Bruno, O.P.
Board Member
Patricia Bruno, O.P. a Dominican Sister joined our La Madre board in 2021. Sister Patricia writes a monthly scripture internet article, “Stories Seldom Heard,” is a retreat director, has led preaching workshops in Australia, New Zealand and across the US, is an active volunteer with the Center for Justice and Accountability.
Mary R Clark, FNP-BC/CNM
Board Member
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwife, Mary practices in the US and abroad. She has volunteered with La Madre funded projects for over 20 years, delivering maternal and child healthcare, midwife training and clinical healthcare in Latin America, Africa, and the US. Mary joined the Board in 2019 and her expertise helps guide La Madre funding to healthcare projects across the globe.
Peter Wise
Board Member
La Madre board member since 2017, Peter and his wife volunteer up to 5 weeks each year to assist kids and teachers at Catholic schools in western Ethiopia, with an emphasis on helping girls stay in school.. “I love the people and the kinds of life-improving micro-grants that La Madre de Los Pobres gives. Our dollars go far.” In his spare time, Peter keeps his 1964 Plymouth Valiant convertible running and swims in warm oceans.
Annette Lomont
Board Member
Annette brings 30+ years of fundraising experience as a chief development officer and consultant to nonprofit organizations to support La Madre. Currently principal with Raaberg & Lomont and on the board of the National Catholic Reporter, she has served in development leadership roles with the California Parks Foundation, San Francisco Zoological Society, and independent schools in Cincinnati and San Francisco. Annette is enthusiastic about using her expertise to increase support for La Madre projects.
