Photo: Barb Fila in the new kitchen at The Commons, The Volunteer Center

Silver City, NM January 5, 2015 - The Volunteer Center of Grant County (TVC) announced the appointment of Barb Fila as the manager of the Nuevos Comienzos (New Beginnings) Kitchen. Fila will be responsible for Nuevos Comienzos Kitchen's strategy and execution, and will lead a project, Nuevos Comienzos para las Mujeres, which will provide ten low-income women with the means to start their own food-based small business. Nuevos Comienzos para las Mujeres is funded by a FreeportMcMoran Women in Development grant.

Although she received a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Fila continued to pursue her fondness for creating various baked goods. After a short stint as a computer systems analyst, baking for family and friends led her to her own bakery, followed by a pastry chef position for a high-volume restaurant, and, finally, "back to my original baking roots, the Silver City Farmers' Market, where I have access to the freshest ingredients, and a customer base that appreciates that fact."

Founded in 2004, The Volunteer Center's mission is "To mobilize the volunteer human resources in Grant County to meet the needs of the community." Its programs include Alimento para el Niño, Grant County Community Food Pantry, and Partners for Seniors, and much more.

More information about TVC is available at www.TVCGrantCounty.org. For more information about Nuevos Comienzos Kitchen or the Nuevos Comienzos para las Mujeres project, please contact Barb Fila, 575.388.2988, or email barb@tvcgrantcounty.org .