by Lorie Lewis Ham

This year the Mennonite Aid Plan celebrates their 100th year! The Mennonite Aid Plan was originally formed in 1922 as a means for the brotherhood of believers to care for their own. On March 18, 2022, they held a banquet at Wyndham Garden Hotel at the Fresno Yosemite Airport with 45 people in attendance. The meal was also catered by the hotel.

The event included photographing everyone who attended as they arrived. They also recognized staff member Dalia Jimenez for her 25 years of service with the company. “She pointed out that in May it will be 26 years,” shared their current Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Linscheid, who has been with the company since June of 2009.

Dalia Jimenez with her 25th anniversary award.

“We also recognized Marsha Okada who passed away last October,” continue Linscheid. “Marsha worked as an underwriter for over 20 years.” Marsha’s brother and sister in law were also in attendance.

After their meal, their board chair, Jim Brandt, gave a quick history of MAP, which included a slide show. “He mentioned the past managers and how grateful we are for the decisions made by the board and staff to have gotten us to this point.” Past board members and staff in attendance were also recognized.

Board members L-R, Jim Brandt (chair Reedley), Larry Miller (secretary Clovis), John Hochstetler (Salem OR), Janine Bergdahl (Madera), Dennis Langhofer (Spokane WA), LeAnne Quenzer (Visalia), Alan Whaley (Phoenix AZ), and Ron Wiens (San Jose CA). Not pictured Jim Enns (treasurer Reedley), Ike Kauffman (Lebanon OR), Mike Livingston (Moorpark CA), Mike Schellenberg (Reedley), Ellis Stutzman (Lebanon OR).

If are interested in knowing more about the history of the Mennonite Aid Plan, they will be sharing articles throughout the rest of 2022 in their newsletter, which can also be found on their website. You can also learn more on their website about all of the services that they offer.

The Mennonite Aid Plan will also be at the West Coast Mennonite Relief Sale at Fresno Pacific University on April 9. You can learn more about the sale on their website.

The Mennonite Aid Plan offices are located at:
1110 J St., Reedley, Ca 93654
559.638.2327
mennonite@mennoniteinsurance[dot]com

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!