Penn Yan Community Café founder and CEO Connie Glover will step away from the nonprofit's day-to-day leadership Sept. 30 because of health concerns, with longtime Yates County human-services professional Lynda Rossi named executive director.
Glover plans to remain involved in a limited capacity through email, telephone and virtual meetings, along with occasional volunteer work as her health allows, the organization announced.
Glover built the café from years of community work focused on providing meals, meeting immediate needs and helping individuals and families access services. The organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024 and now provides community meals, Dundee senior meals, emergency food assistance, holiday meals, advocacy and case management.
The organization also operates Keuka Advocacy Services, which offers referrals, case management, help navigating community resources and support during crises.
Rossi will oversee the café's programs, staff, volunteers, partnerships and ongoing services. She earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Keuka College in 1996 and has lived in Penn Yan since 1995.
Rossi established Yates County's first domestic violence program in 1997 through the organization now known as Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes. She joined the Yates County Probation Department in 2003 and retired as a probation supervisor in 2023 after 20 years with the department.
Glover said Rossi's knowledge of the community and its needs gave her confidence in the transition. Rossi said she plans to preserve the organization's focus on dignity and compassion while working with staff, volunteers, board members and community partners to continue its growth.
Glover said the transition is not a complete departure and that she hopes to continue mentoring, consulting and occasionally visiting or volunteering. The nonprofit's meal, food-assistance and advocacy programs will continue under Rossi's leadership.
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