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About Ladle of Ferns

Incorporated in January of 2024, Ladle of Ferns is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a supportive community and providing a safe space for individuals to seek judgment-free support and guidance. We believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive and find the help they need.

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Ladle of Ferns was dreamt up after Co-Creators Andie Melone and Cady Menk spent countless hours discussing the lack of support for themselves, their friends, and even their fellow social workers. They realized that many people struggle to access traditional support services for two main reasons: they do not make enough to pay for services out of pocket AND they do not qualify for traditional low to no-cost services. To put it simply, they belong to the economic middle. 

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Realizing that changing the available support systems would take quite some time, the Co-Creators decided to focus first on what could make an immediate impact: creating stronger, more supportive communities. Visit our Programs and Services page to learn more. 

Fern Plant

Mission

We strive to provide unique, community led support for people who struggle to access traditional support services. Our goal is to help increase access to community aid while ending the stigma that often comes with asking for help by creating a connected, supportive community where others fearlessly ask for and receive help and get connected to resources that will help them improve their quality of life.

Group Students Smilling
Image by Jon Tyson

Vision

At Ladle of Ferns, we envision a future where every individual has access to the support and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. We strive to build a community where compassion and understanding thrive, and where everyone feels empowered to seek the help they deserve.

Image by Adam Jang
Group Hug

Meet the Team

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Andie Melone, MSW
She/Her/Hers

Co-Creator/Board President, Secretary

Executive & Finance Committee
Email: andie@ladleofferns.org

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Cady Menk, BSW
She/Her/Hers

Co-Creator, Board Vice President, Treasurer

Executive & Governance Committee
Email: cady@ladleofferns.org

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Matt Melone
He/Him/His

Board Member

Fundraising Committee

Email: matt@ladleofferns.org​​​

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Suz Jamison
She/Her/Hers

Board Member,

Audit Committee
Email: suz@ladleofferns.org

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Jennifer Hickmott
She/Her/Hers

Board Member

Finance Committee
Email: jennifer@ladleofferns.org

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Kayla Alexander
She/Her/Hers

Board Member

Audit Committee

Email: kayla@ladleofferns.org​​​

Suz Photo.jpeg

Lynette Watson
She/Her/Hers

Board Member,

Fundraising Committee
Email: lynette@ladleofferns.org

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