Meet The Team
Rev. Andy Jacob
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For Rev. Andy Jacob, serving as Chester Eastside’s Executive Director is his “dream job – to work with an agency that is addressing issues of social justice and peace.”
Andy brings more than 30 years of practical and pastoral experience to the post. As a VISTA volunteer in Brunswick, Maine, he developed programs and a drop-in center for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. During his 11 years as pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Ohio, the congregation expanded its ministries to more fully respond to the community’s needs. It was followed by three years as a Staff Associate with the local Presbytery (Western Reserve), serving as a consultant for social justice ministries.
Andy was appointed in 2008 as pastor of Hanover Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware, an anticipated three-year call as the time frame was the life expectancy of the struggling congregation. Thirteen years later, it is a vibrant worshiping community with recently-completed building renovations operating as a community hub.
He holds a B.A. in English/Religion from The College of William and Mary, Master of Arts (Social Work) in Community Organizing/Policy Analysis from The University of Chicago and Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary.
Tiffany Kea
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Tiffany Kea joined the Chester Eastside, Inc. family on March 6, 2023. She is responsible for overseeing
the Food Pantry and procedures of the Out of School Time and Camp Phoenix programs, looking to
maximize efficiencies, while finding new avenues to increase community engagement.
Prior to this position, Tiffany spent most of her career in the Healthcare, Education and Social Services fields. Born and raised in Chester, she proudly labels herself “A Daughter of the City.” In 1991, Tiffany graduated Concord Christian Baptist Academy as Valedictorian and subsequently attended Widener University, Delaware Technical and Gadsden State Community Colleges.
She believes that the soul of the City of Chester is its residents and in order to build a stronger community we must first begin by developing programs that uplift and support the family unit as a whole. Tiffany believes that we are all called according to our purpose and hers just happens to be stamped with a Servant’s Heart.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, World of Warcraft and playing cards with friends and family.
Karen Dixson, Rashan Dejarnette, and Sonya Hazelett
Kids First Program Staff
Dr. Karen Dixson (right) serves as Program Coordinator. Dr. Dixson is responsible for the effective leadership and administration of Kids first on a daily basis, ensuring that it remains aligned with the core mission. Dr. Dixson is an experienced teacher and therapist with several advanced degrees in psychology and behavioral science. Her leadership in trauma-informed care, coupled with her deep involvement in the community as a Bishop and nonprofit founder, positions her as an expert in promoting emotional well-being in children. She also founded a school in Liberia, showcasing her experience in educational leadership and program development. Dr. Dixson’s certification in trauma-informed care and her extensive background in behavioral health make her a valuable asset in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of students, many of whom face significant adversity.
Mr. Rashan Dejarnette (left) serves as Program Assistant. Born and raised in Chester, Rashan is deeply connected to the community and has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by its youth. As a former leader on Chester High School’s 2012 State Champion basketball team, he has extensive experience mentoring students and athletes. Rashan’s current role as a gun interventionist with Making A Change Group highlights his dedication to violence prevention and community safety. His natural leadership skills, combined with his mentoring experience, will help create a positive and supportive environment for students. His deep ties to the community and ability to relate to the youth make him an invaluable role model for program participants.
Sonya Hazelett (middle) serves as Program Assistant. Sonya brings a wealth of experience as a teacher and therapist working with children, youth, and families. Her previous work in CEI’s after-school program has given her valuable insights into the specific needs of Chester’s students. Additionally, her fluency in Spanish is crucial for building relationships with the Hispanic and Latino community. Sonya’s combination of warmth, expertise in working with children, and bilingual skills makes her uniquely qualified to engage both students and families in a meaningful way. Sonya’s background in education and therapy, coupled with her familiarity with CEI’s after-school program, ensures continuity and strong relationships with returning students. Her role as a bilingual family engagement specialist allows her to serve a diverse group of families and provide culturally sensitive support, strengthening the program’s inclusivity and outreach efforts.
Jason Kea
FOOD PANTRY ASSISTANT COORDINATOR
Jason has been the man behind the scenes at The Food Pantry since April of 2023. He works side-by-side with the Food Pantry Coordinator, Norman Jordan, to keep the deliveries coming, the shelves stocked, and the whole process flowing. Jason exhibits great patience and commitment to the cause – doing anything and everything necessary to make the Food Pantry the very best program it can be.
Recently the Food Pantry converted to a “shopping” model in which our guests are able to choose the food items that they prefer. This method not only means people are more satisfied, and better served, but it deepens the relationships between staff and volunteers and our guests.
Harry Hou
Development Associate
Harry is a Senior at Swarthmore College majoring in Philosophy. As a third year Student Academic Mentor mentor (SAM), he helps fellow Swarthmore students with advice and counsel in both academic and “college life” challenges.
Harry started his CEI volunteer work by helping young children in the after school program (OST). He then worked with the Executive Director, Board members, and staff to implement a new website. He also supported CEI’s non-partisan voter outreach program through a partnership with the Committee of Seventy’s WeVote Program.
Harry continues to expand his volunteer work on CEI’s behalf by attending outreach events and serving as a member of CEI’s grant writing team. He also serves as a liaison for select grantors, both current and prospective.
Food Pantry Team
Meet Our Volunteers!
Mondays and Wednesdays are food days at CEI. At 11:00am the doors open for the CEI food pantry that has been in operation for more than thirty years. Guests may come once every thirty days to receive food that is designed to provide six days of meals per person in a household. In 2023 we distributed nearly 147,000 meals.
In June 2023 the hot meals program, now called “The Open Table”, opened again after a three year covid reprieve. It also begins at 11:00am and anyone is welcome with no requirements, registration, or restrictions. The meal is provided by our partners at Everybody Eats Philly, an emerging catering business and restaurant. On average, 60-70 individuals enjoy each meal.
Here are just some of the volunteers and staff who work as one in the mission to provide a safe, secure, and welcoming place for people to come and fill their bodies, minds, and spirits.
