News Summary
Robyne Wood, the Executive Director of Robyne’s Nest, has announced her resignation effective January. After ten years of dedication, she reflects on her accomplishments in supporting at-risk students facing poverty and homelessness. With personal milestones approaching, including her husband’s retirement and her children’s significant life events, Wood leaves behind a thriving organization that has made a lasting impact in the Huntington Beach community.
Huntington Beach – Robyne Wood, a dedicated advocate for at-risk and homeless youth, has announced her resignation as Executive Director of Robyne’s Nest effective January, after a decade of service. During her tenure, Wood has made significant strides in supporting high school students facing poverty and homelessness. Her decision to step down coincides with notable personal milestones, including her husband Kirby’s retirement, her daughter Savana’s upcoming wedding, and her son Parker’s high school graduation.
Robyne’s Nest, which originated from a volunteer initiative by Wood while her daughter attended Dwyer Middle School, has evolved into a vital nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of students aged 18 to 24 who are experiencing hardships. Wood recognized the gap in resources for these individuals and initiated programs such as a food pantry, which later expanded into Robyne’s Nest. This organization has successfully partnered with local educational institutions, including the Huntington Beach Union High School District and Newport-Mesa Unified School District, to provide essential support to struggling students.
Wood emphasized that Robyne’s Nest is currently financially stable, making it an appropriate time for her to transition leadership. As she prepares to step away, she reflects on the impact the organization has had over the years, particularly noting the recent celebration of its ten-year anniversary in April, and the establishment of facilities designed to assist students better, such as a food pantry and mental health resources. In 2022, a thrift shop was also opened to further support the nonprofit’s mission.
One of the critical components of Robyne’s Nest is Robyne’s Landing, a transitional living house intended to offer stable housing opportunities to students in need. Wood gained first-hand insight into the challenges faced by these students after residing in the facility herself for three months. This experience has deepened her commitment to understanding and addressing the complex issues that can hinder youth from achieving their potential.
Wood has built a supportive community around Robyne’s Nest, consisting of about 50 core volunteers, along with additional helpers during peak periods like the holidays. Her past experience of becoming independent at the age of 17 significantly influences her connection with the youth served by the organization. She has expressed a deep appreciation for the trust placed in her and the relationships fostered within the community, which have been integral to the success of Robyne’s Nest.
As Wood transitions from her role, the responsibility of leading Robyne’s Nest will lie with new leadership, which will have the important task of continuing the organization’s legacy and support for hundreds of students facing similar adversities. Local leaders and collaborators have consistently highlighted the importance of Robyne’s Nest’s work in empowering young people to navigate their challenges and strive for better futures.
Robyne Wood’s departure marks the end of an era for Robyne’s Nest, but her legacy in improving the lives of at-risk youth will undoubtedly resonate within the Huntington Beach community for years to come. As she moves on to embrace new personal chapters, her unwavering influence on student support and community service will be remembered and cherished by all who benefitted from her dedication.
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- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Nonprofit Robyne’s Nest
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Leaders for Read Across America Day
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa’s Concerts in the Park Series
- OC Register: Artists of the Week
- Los Angeles Times: Robyne’s Landing Opens in Huntington Beach
- Wikipedia: Nonprofit Organization
- Google Search: Robynes Nest
- Google Scholar: At-Risk Youth Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transitional Housing
- Google News: Huntington Beach Community News
