Introducing StarVista’s New Board Chair, Eric Wollman

How did you first discover StarVista? 

As a young police officer in 1983 I was introduced to a program that provided housing and counseling to runaway youth. The ability to bring youth in crisis to a safe home in Daly City allowed the youth to get off the street, and be in a safe environment. Once there, they could stay for an extended period of time while counseling was provided for them and their family. In 1983 this home was called Your House North which is now called Daybreak. This program is still supported by StarVista and it is still supporting youth in need in San Mateo County.  

 

What do you like about serving as a member of the Board of Directors/Board Chair? 

What is most satisfying about serving on the Board is the recognition that I am helping to support something bigger than myself. Every volunteer hour I commit to StarVista is supporting an organization that helps the most vulnerable members of our community. I feel I’m doing my share to make our community a better, more understanding, and equitable place to live.  

 

What is one project/highlight that you’ve enjoyed as a board member? (Opportunity to talk about Changing Lives)  

A specific project that stands out to me as a board member would have to be our decision to educate people in our community about all the programs we support in San Mateo County. StarVista started promoting itself to the community through inviting community members to attend a one hour informative tour of StarVista. As part of our efforts to inform the public , we also created a once a year event called Changing Lives. Changing Lives highlights the accomplishments of StarVista in our community. We spotlight our programs and introduce inspiring people to the attendees.  Many of our presenters have attended our programs and they tell their stories of success due to the support they received from StarVista. I highlight this because I think it’s important for community members to know the impact StarVista has on supporting so many people in San Mateo county.  

  

What is one thing you would like for people to know about StarVista? 

The one thing that stands out the most to me since joining the board is how dedicated the StarVista staff is to the clients we serve. I have met so many amazing staff members who truly represent kindness, empathy, and compassion. Our staff truly cares about the community we serve, and their dedication is evident in every program and level of the organization.  

  

What are you most looking forward to in FY24-25 related to StarVista’s work? 

Our continued efforts to provide for others is first and foremost. StarVista needs to be successful so we can continue to provide services to people who need us. To this end, fundraising and grant success is paramount. One such fundraising effort is our StarVista Visionary program. This program invites members of our community to become a StarVista Visionary. A Visionary commits a minimum of $1000 a year for 5 years. This visionary giving program helps to support many programs. This allows StarVista to provide services to so many people in our community. My wife and I our both Visionaries and the satisfaction of knowing we play a role in helping others is a good feeling. I would encourage anyone wanting to donate to consider becoming a StarVista Visionary.  

  

What are your current hobbies?

After 36 years in Law Enforcement my favorite hobby is retirement. After that my wife and I love spending time with our children and grandchildren, our dog Jessie, and playing lots of golf. We love to travel, and ride our bikes. We also love short trips, and day trips to San Francisco or the North Coast. When we are not doing all that, just spending time at home is always nice and relaxing.