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Poverello House's Cruz Avila Leaving for New Job
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
July 25, 2019

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The CEO of a downtown Fresno homeless shelter and service provider is moving on.
Poverello House announced Tuesday that Cruz Avila is leaving the nonprofit after six years on the job. His last day is Friday.

Avila’s Accomplishments

During his time with Poverello House, Avila spearheaded fundraising efforts for a new warehouse and operations center, as well as better shelter housing.
A $1 million grant from the State of California’s Department of Social Services that was secured with the help of Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula in 2017 helped fund the improvements.

An Amicable Departure

Avila says it’s an amicable departure.
“It’s bittersweet for me. God has opened a new door to provide a beacon of hope,” Avila said.
He added in a news release:
“I have been given the blessing of receiving a white canvas to paint a true picture that will create a masterpiece on our homeless concerns.  It has been through my working experience and collaborations that has lead me on this new journey and continue to provide hope to those in need.”

Appreciation from Poverello House

His soon-to-be former employer wished Avila well.
“The Board of Directors is grateful for Cruz Avila’s leadership as he helped guide Poverello House to a greater alignment with its mission of enriching the lives and spirits of all who pass our way,” said Tom Ferdinandi, co-chair of the Poverello’s board of directors.
Poverello House said it is searching for Avila’s replacement.
According to the news release, Avila will be working as a CEO for another local “community-minded organization.”
The late “Papa Mike” McGarvin founded Poverello House in 1973.
A printer at The Fresno Bee, McGarvin started by handing out sandwiches from the back of his car to those down on their luck.
 

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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