At The Oliver-Benoit Foundation Co., we pride ourselves on our community-centered culture. Our team, made up of compassionate and dedicated individuals, shares a collective mission: to serve and uplift the homeless populations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. We believe in the power of empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness. Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that every kit we send out not only meets basic hygiene needs but also conveys a message of hope and respect.

Our actions are guided by the principle that everyone deserves to live with dignity. This ethos is embedded in everything we do, from carefully selecting the items for our kits to engaging with our community partners. It’s more than just a job for us; it’s a calling. In fostering a culture of care and support, we hope to inspire others to join us in making a difference—one person, one kit at a time.

Mary Oliver-Benoit 
Founder

Mary Oliver-Benoit is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Executive Director of the Oliver-Benoit Foundation Co. Mary originates from Hartford, CT. She started her career back in 1979 in the banking industry, where she earned her way up into supervisory positions. In the 1990s, she moved on to the State of CT and worked in a number of technical and supervisory roles until she retired in 2015. While still working full-time for the state, she started her own commercial cleaning company in 2008. Sixteen years later, that business is thriving and has served over 500 properties and employed approximately 300 individuals. At this time, Mary wants to give back to the greater Hartford and greater Springfield communities by helping those most in need; the homeless, and others who may be in similarly desperate situations. She feels strongly about helping people who may be having a rough time getting on their feet and believes that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

Evelynn Katie Benoit
Board Secretary

Evelynn is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and has been serving Underserved communities for over ten years. Evelynn is the founder and CEO of the spiritual hustle initiative Based in Chicago, Illinois. This program is dedicated to helping Anyone in search of emotional, social, spiritual, and career Coaching or development. Evelynn has a drive and passion to help individuals reach their goals, dreams, and passions. Through Advocacy, grassroots campaigns, and community collaborations Evelynn has proven to be an impactful and effective community Leader who inspires meaningful change. Evelynn continues to Empower, educate, and support community members by developing Resources and positive community impact strategies.

Kimberly D. Oliver, MBA
Treasurer

An executive with more than 25 years of professional experience in business, government, education, workforce, and community organizations, Kim Oliver collaborates with system and local leaders, leads the start-up of cross-sector collaboratives, and informs and sets policies for education and workforce development. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University and a master’s degree in business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is currently a Vice President of TNTP, a national education non-profit, and previously served as the Director of the Department of Families, Children, Youth, and Recreation for the City of Hartford (Connecticut). More recently, Kim concluded her seven-year service as a school board member for Hartford Public Schools where she was Second Vice Chair, Finance and Audit Committee Chair, and Co-Chair of the Capital Region Education Council. She is a current legislative-appointed member of Connecticut’s Early Childhood Cabinet and a former current legislative-appointed member of Connecticut’s Commission for Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity.

For more information, see Kim’s full bio on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimoliver-ct/.

Malungoh Hakalima
Vice Chairman

Born in Zambia Africa, Malungoh Hakalima came to the United States on a full scholarship to attend college at the University of Hartford in the state of Connecticut. She graduated from the Barney School of Business with a B. S. in Business Administration in 1987. In 1987, she joined civil service and worked for the State of Connecticut, Department of Revenue for 33 ½ years, more than 27 of which were in management. While working full time, she became a certified Aerobics instructor and taught at several venues, including the YMCA. In 2013, she started Malima Designs, a jewelry and clothing design business which is still in operation. In association with this business, she worked as a Jewelry instructor at JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby crafts stores. Malungoh is also a long-term member of Crossroads Community Cathedral church in East Hartford, Connecticut. Most recently, in 2023, she founded a non-profit organization called Malungoh-Aid for Zambia
Limited (MAFZA). Through MAFZA, a pre-school in a village called Loonde that had been closed due to lack of financing was reopened. MAFZA has committed to paying two teachers’ salaries so that the children are guaranteed an education. A larger school to accommodate all pre-school children in the community is currently under construction thanks to MAFZA.