Steady leadership for the road ahead: Welcoming Ameriga Alonzo

August 8, 2025

The 541 Eatery & Exchange Board of Directors is pleased to share that Ameriga Alonzo has been appointed Interim Executive Director. Ameriga steps into this role following the upcoming departure of Justin Eisinga, who will finish his tenure as Executive Director at the end of August 2025. Justin is following his call to chaplaincy and will be leading spiritual care at Stedman Community Hospice & St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre in Brantford.

Ameriga joined 541 in 2024 to lead the organization’s fundraising and development strategy. Over the past year, she has played a vital role in strengthening donor relationships, advancing strategic initiatives, and helping develop 541’s risk management strategy. Ameriga brings a background in community development, risk management, restaurant management, and nonprofit leadership. She has brought a valuable mix of insight, structure, and relational warmth to the organization. Most importantly, Ameriga has shown a deep alignment with 541’s Christian values and a deep commitment to 541’s mission of creating a welcoming space of dignity, hope, and belonging through connection, community, and good food.

This transition comes at a pivotal time for the organization. Like many, 541 faced significant challenges throughout the pandemic, including short-term closures and shifting community needs. Since reopening in late 2023, we’ve restructured and rebuilt our team, strengthened vital community partnerships, and are prepared for a new chapter of growth and sustainability.

Under Justin’s leadership, 541 launched the organization’s first strategic plan, reestablished cafe operations, and deepened our programming and partnerships to better care for our most vulnerable neighbours. His time as Executive Director has laid a foundation for a more resilient, mission-aligned future.

“It has been an incredible honour to serve and care for this community over the past two and a half years. 541 is a place that has and continues to change lives, including my own. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team over the last few years, and I have incredible confidence in Ameriga’s skills and abilities to carry the work forward with hope, courage, and passion.” Justin Eisinga, Transitioning Executive Director

The Board is confident that Ameriga will bring strong, values-driven leadership during this interim period. Over the next several months, board members will spend time discerning next steps for permanent leadership of the organization.

Through this transition, our mission remains the same: to cultivate a welcoming space for connection, community, and good food. We strive to be a place where all are nourished in body and spirit. Under Ameriga’s leadership, we will continue to strengthen the cafe as a space of welcome and dignity for all.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Ameriga into her new role, and in continuing to support the work of 541 Eatery & Exchange.

To send a note of welcome or encouragement to Ameriga, contact: director@fivefortyone.ca

To send a farewell message to Justin, contact jeisinga@fivefortyone.ca

To learn more about our work or make a donation at: www.fivefortyone.ca/donate

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A Note from Ameriga

Dear friends,

There’s something quietly powerful about 541.

It’s not just a cafe or a social space. It’s a reflection. Of who we are when we choose to show up for one another. I was drawn to 541 not because I was looking for a job, but because I saw something rare and deeply moving: a community rooted in dignity, shared humanity, and radical hospitality.

Today, it’s an honour to step into the role of Interim Executive Director.

Over the past year, I’ve worked alongside our incredible staff, volunteers, and partners. I’ve witnessed the everyday courage it takes to offer welcome in a world that often turns people away. I’ve seen how generosity - whether in the form of a Button, a conversation, or a shared meal - can transform a moment, and sometimes a life.

We are in a season of transition, and I want to name that clearly. Times like these can bring questions. But they also offer an opportunity: for renewed purpose, deeper relationships, and bold clarity about where we're going. I’m stepping into this role with both eyes open and both feet planted. My commitment is to lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep listening posture, always grounded in 541’s core values: belonging, hospitality, advocacy, and community.

I also want to extend deep gratitude to Justin for his leadership through a challenging chapter in 541’s story. His heart and courage laid a foundation we can now build upon.

To our donors, volunteers, neighbours, and regular guests - thank you!  You are not just supporters of this work, you are co-creators of it. In the coming weeks, I look forward to listening, learning, and dreaming with you as we imagine 541’s next chapter, together.

Because 541 is more than a tiny cafe on Barton Street. It’s a big promise: that everyone deserves to be seen, to be nourished, and to have a seat at the table.

It’s the kind of hope many of us carry: in our hearts, in our faith, or simply in our longing for a more just and loving world.

With care and resolve,

Ameriga Alonzo

Interim Executive Director