Our story

Can one person make a difference in their community? We think so!

Fish of Laurel founder, Elizabeth Colnaghi.

​Elizabeth Colnaghi, affectionately known as “Betty,” wanted to help lower-income Laurel residents. She opened a food pantry in the basement of her home and with the support of area volunteers, incorporated Fish of Laurel as a 501(c)(3) in 1976. 

In addition to the food pantry, Betty and Fish volunteers operated a telephone help line and offered emergency financial aid and transportation. Twelve years later, the 1950s home at 308 Gorman Ave. was generously donated to Fish. In 1990, the home was dedicated as "Elizabeth House" in honor of Betty’s 20-years of volunteer service. This donation made it possible for Fish to open a meal kitchen and begin serving a hot evening meal seven days each week. 

Today, more than 300 people volunteer with Fish of Laurel, preparing and serving meals, running the food pantry, and providing critical emergency services to lower-income, unhoused, and/or food insecure neighbors. ​

Fish of Laurel founder, Elizabeth "Betty" Colnaghi. 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Fish of Laurel’s all-volunteer board of trustees shares a commitment to serving the Laurel community. 

financials

About Us

Fish of Laurel, Inc. is an all-volunteer non-profit that helps to feed hundreds of food-insecure neighbors in the Greater Laurel, Maryland area. Elizabeth House serves as the organization’s home base, where volunteers prepare and serve hot meals 365 days a year and operate a food pantry twice a week.


We operate entirely on private and public donations of food and financial and volunteer assistance. 


​

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FISH of Laurel, Inc.’s IRS Form 990 is available for review by anyone who's interested.

Electronic copies of our Form 990 are available upon request, please contact us.

  • President and Volunteer Coordinator: Stephanie Hammond

  • Vice President and Maintenance Coordinator: Willie Bronson 

  • Secretary: Yetunde Onyekweli

  • Treasurer: Charles (Carl) Cosner

  • Bookkeeper/Donor Relations: Alan Ramsey​

  • Grant Administration: Mark Tomassoni 

  • Finance: Virginia Frazier

  • Food Pantry Coordinator and Client Services: Linda Crossley

  • Kitchen Support: Marie Turgeon

  • Food Pantry and Kitchen Support: Laura Stough

  • Communications/Marketing: Stephanie Roulett