April Baker
President & CEO
Founded ATOFL in 2012, resides in Whitaker, NC
Dan Simpson
Board Advisor
Dan is a dedicated volunteer with a heart for service. Dan’s journey with A Touch of the Father’s Love began with it's inception and he is dedicated to serving the Lord and this community.
Professional Background:
Dan’s career has spanned roles as an apprentice to a superintendent welder on surface ships and nuclear submarines at the Naval Shipyard in Charlston South Carolina, Government contractor as a coordinator, and he ran the Restaurant at the Naval Weapons Station.
Why they Serve:
Dan’s passion for A Touch of the Father’s Love stems from his own experiences growing up in a Christian home and a supportive church community, His main desires are to serve the Lord and help people in need.
Personal Touch:
When he is not volunteering at A Touch of the Father’s Love you can find Dan in his garden or spending time with his wife of 60 Years.
Call to Action:
Dan welcomes conversations about how we can better serve our community. Reach out to A Touch of the Father’s Love to connect.
Sheila beddingfield
Board Member
Sheila has been volunteering. with A Touch Of The Father's Love for the last 5 years. Sheila has been involved with the continuous growth of the Ministery.
Professional Background:
Sheila;s background is in food service. Her mother owned a restraint in Spring Hope for 35 Years.
Why they Serve:
Sheila is excited to see continued in the ministry, resale store, and coffee shop.
Personal Touch:
When she is not volunteering at A Touch of the Father’s Love, you will find her at the beach with her family.
Call to Action:
Sheila welcomes conversations about how we can better serve our community. Reach out to A Touch of the Father’s Love to connect.
pastor Robert Green
Board Member
Belinda Coston
Board Member - Retail Store
Opening Statement
Belinda Coston is a dedicated member of the ministry who believes that it's a blessing to be a blessing! She began volunteering with the ministry over a year ago.
Professional Background
Belinda is a retired Visual Arts Educator for 31 years. She enjoyed nurturing the young students and encouraging them to be all that they can be!
Why they Serve
Belinda began volunteering at the age of 13. She learned early on that service to humanity is the best work of life (Jaycees). She enjoys making some type of impact on the community through communications and being of service.
Personal Touch
When she is not volunteering with the ministry, she is actively assisting with community events, church and spending time with family,
ellen "Darlene" Red
Board Member
Darlene is a dedicated volunteer with a heart for service. Darlene's trek with A Touch of the Father’s Love began with desire to help her community where needed,
Professional Background:
Darlene's career included managing restraints, cleaning houses and elder care. As a young girl she worked with her grandparents at their church's food pantry.
Why they Serve:
Darlene's grew up in a Christian home with a supportive church community, She is dedicated to serving her community through A Touch Of The Father's Love Ministery.
Personal Touch:
When she is not volunteering at A Touch of the Father’s Love you can find Darlene making crafts such as wreaths, retractable lanyards, and wristlet key chains. She also enjoys sewing and quilting.
Call to Action:
Darlene welcomes conversations about how we can better serve our community. Reach out to A Touch of the Father’s Love to connect.
Dolores Jones
Board Member
Dolores brings joy, compassion, and a servant’s heart to A Touch of the Father’s Love. After more than 45 years in bookkeeping and accounting with Commercial Builders and Bunn Brantley, she entered retirement with a new calling — to give back to the Nash County community she has called home for decades.
Professional Background:
Dolores worked for over 45 years in the bookkeeping and accounting field, serving both Commercial Builders and Bunn Brantley. Her strong attention to detail, organization, and integrity made her a valued and trusted professional throughout her career.
Why They Serve:
Growing up in a Christian home, Dolores’ parents instilled in her a deep devotion to faith and compassion for others. She has always carried that foundation into her daily life, giving her the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Upon retiring, she felt a renewed desire to give back to her Nash County community and continue serving those in need. Her commitment is fueled by a strong sense of community and a heartfelt drive to make life better for others.
Personal Touch:
Dolores loves spending time with family and is a proud grandmother to three grandchildren. She recently adopted a Chihuahua named Lily, who enjoys going on walks with her. A faithful member of Dortches Baptist Church for more than 20 years, she cherishes worshipping God and celebrating His goodness every Sunday. Friends and family know her best for her infectious laugh, witty sense of humor, excellent cooking, and unwavering devotion as a caregiver to loved ones.
Call to Action:
Dolores welcomes conversations with anyone seeking encouragement, prayer, or support. Reach out to A Touch of the Father’s Love to connect and learn how together we can continue to lift up our community.
Juanita (Jenny) James
Board Member
Jenny is an enthusiastic volunteer with a heart for service and hospitality. As a new member of the board, Jenny began her journey with A Touch of the Father’s Love over 2 years ago. Slowly
learning how to serve and show the light of Jesus wherever and to whoever needs it. While packing boxes or simply filling a cart, Jenny’s past experiences combined with her love for Jesus have been a true plus to our humble and efficient team.
Professional Background:
Jenny’s careers with NC School system and then with NC Department of Corrections has brought her to leadership/management roles as a Migrant coordinator and Associate Warden in the prison system. Her desire for discipline, guidance combined with compassion,
determination and bilingual abilities brings a specific set of skills enhancing our mission.
Why they Serve:
Jenny’s desire to serve and be part of A Touch of the Father’s Love is rooted from experiences and witnessing the suffering of others. Often reminded of how fortunate and blessed she is and knowing that as a Christian is not only her responsibility but also a sample of Jesus’ love to
others. Rejoicing in how the influence that devoted nonprofits can have, Jenny’s commitment is tangible ensuring that A Touch of the Father’s Love achieves the goal in reaching out and makes a transformation.
Personal Touch:
When she is not volunteering at A Touch of the Father’s Love, you will find Jenny still working part time with Corrections or attending to her Airbnb with her loving hubby of over 25 years tending to their 2 pups, either traveling, kayaking or serving at her church.
Call to Action:
Jenny desires to connect with the community in English or Spanish welcoming conversations and or prayer about how we at A Touch of the Father’s love can serve you better.
KEVIN KUNSMAN
Board Secretary- Maintenance and Grounds Commitee
Kevin Kunsman is a dedicated volunteer with a heart for service. As a new member of the board, Kevin’s journey with A Touch of the Father’s Love began with a simple belief: that everyone deserves the dignity and respect to be able to acquire life’s necessities.
Professional Background:
Kevin’s career has spanned roles as a maintenance technician, a field service technical specialist, and a safety/technical instructional designer.
Why they Serve:
Kevin’s passion for A Touch of the Father’s Love stems from his own experiences growing up in a Christian home and a supportive church community, He knows firsthand the impact that dedicated nonprofits can have, and he’s committed to ensuring that A Touch of the Father’s Love reaches even more families in need.
Personal Touch:
When he is not volunteering at A Touch of the Father’s Love you can find Kevin with his wife of 40+ years working around his house or at a local golf course.
Call to Action:
Kevin welcomes conversations about how we can better serve our community. Reach out to A Touch of the Father’s Love to connect.