We were lucky to catch up with Dimitry Viarenich recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dimitry, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I began my journey at The Soup Kitchen, Boynton Beach, Florida in 2018, initially stepping in as a volunteer. This experience quickly morphed from a temporary engagement into a profound passion. Feeling a strong connection to the mission and seeing the tangible impact on the community, I eagerly embraced a more permanent role. By the end of the year, I transitioned into the position of Operations Manager. This role allowed me to apply my skills in a meaningful way, and it wasn’t long before I advanced to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Reflecting on the recruitment process and my early days, I’m deeply satisfied with where this path has led me. My initial goals of making a difference and contributing positively to society have been realized and continue to expand in this role.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Certainly! My name is Dimitry Viarenich, and I serve as the Chief Operating Officer at The Soup Kitchen in Boynton Beach, Florida. My journey into nonprofit management was driven by a deep desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Prior to joining The Soup Kitchen, I spent 15 years in various roles within the corporate world, working across the United States and the Middle East, which honed my skills in operations and management, but it was the mission of directly impacting community welfare that drew me to this sector.

At The Soup Kitchen, we provide critical services to the community by offering daily nutritious meals and supplementary services such as a diaper program, educational classes for expecting mothers, and much more. Our aim is to not only feed the hungry but also to assist in sustaining their well-being through supportive programs.

What sets us apart is our commitment to efficiency and compassion—94 cents of every dollar donated goes directly into our programs. We operate without government funding, relying entirely on community support, which underscores the trust and efficacy of our operations.

I am most proud of our ability to adapt and expand our services, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team’s ability to continuously provide for the community without interruption is something that truly stands out.

For our supporters and potential donors, I want them to know that The Soup Kitchen is a place of hope and support. Every contribution directly enhances someone’s life and supports our mission of serving those in need. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, you’re becoming a part of a community that uplifts and cares.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a moment early in my tenure with The Soup Kitchen when we faced an unexpected shortfall in funding. Instead of scaling back services, the team and we launched an emergency fundraising campaign. Through community outreach and sharing our story far and wide, we not only met our immediate needs but also secured partnerships that strengthened our foundation for years to come. This experience taught me the power of community and resilience in the face of adversity.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One book that has profoundly influenced my thinking and philosophy is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. It emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and has offered me valuable insights into mindfulness and personal growth. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of self and awareness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesoupkitchen.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoupkitchen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dima-viarenich/

Image Credits
Yan Ngu