New Leadership, Renewed Mission: Bob Vargas Brings Energy and Heart to Boyertown Area Multi-Service

by Jane Stahl

As the new Executive Director of Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Bob Vargas is already making his presence felt — not from behind a desk, but throughout the building itself.

Whether helping distribute groceries through Preston’s Pantry, visiting seniors during lunch, delivering Meals on Wheels, or working alongside volunteers in the kitchen, Vargas believes leadership begins with understanding every corner of the organization’s mission.

“I wanted to work in each department,” Vargas explained during a recent interview. “I wanted to get a feel for it.”

That hands-on philosophy has defined much of Vargas’ life and career.

From Printing Presses to Community Leadership

Originally from Edison, New Jersey, Vargas moved to Pennsylvania with his wife Debbie in the early 1990s, settling in the Hatfield-Harleysville area. Together, the couple built a successful health club business from the ground up in Lansdale, growing it from a modest 6,000-square-foot operation into a thriving 25,000-square-foot facility.

But even during his years in private business, Vargas said community service remained central to his approach.

“Our health club was always trying to help the community,” he said. “We had events for the community. We gave back.”

After nearly two decades in business, changing market conditions and increased competition eventually led Vargas to transition into nonprofit leadership. That path took him to the North Penn YMCA, where he quickly rose from consultant to Executive Director, overseeing a complex operation with hundreds of employees.

After nearly a decade there, Vargas realized he wanted to scale back from the nonstop pace and refocus on direct community impact.

Then he discovered Boyertown Area Multi-Service.

“I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “I love the place. I love the mission.”

Feeding Families Through Preston’s Pantry

One of Vargas’ biggest priorities is supporting Preston’s Pantry, the organization’s food assistance program that continues to serve a growing number of local families facing financial hardship.

The annual Preston’s Pantry community event serves as both a celebration and a major food collection drive. Vargas hopes the event will continue expanding while raising awareness about ongoing needs throughout the community.

“We desperately need food and items right now,” he said.

Requested donations include pasta, spaghetti sauce, rice, cereal, canned goods, peanut butter, pancake mix, toiletries, pet food, and cat litter. Donations are accepted year-round at the Multi-Service building.

Vargas spoke emotionally about his experience helping families in the pantry.

“A mom came in with her two kids, and her husband had lost his job,” he recalled. “Just giving those bags of groceries to her — you feel like saying, ‘Take more, take more.’”

He noted that increased food prices and reductions in assistance programs have heightened demand in recent years, even as community support remains strong. During one recent holiday season alone, the organization collected more than 53,000 pounds of donations.

Supporting Seniors Beyond a Meal

Vargas is equally enthusiastic about the organization’s Senior Center and Meals on Wheels programs, which he describes as vital lifelines for many older residents.

At the Senior Center, seniors gather daily not only for freshly prepared meals but also for friendship, recreation, and activities ranging from balloon volleyball to billiards and shuffleboard.

“They love the food,” Vargas said with a laugh, praising the center’s kitchen staff for preparing fresh meals daily.

He also hopes to revive and expand the center’s computer room, helping residents build basic technology skills such as email, internet use, and résumé preparation. Vargas said the organization is currently seeking volunteers and donated computers to help support the effort.

Meanwhile, the Meals on Wheels program continues delivering more than food.

“Our drivers do a well-being check,” Vargas explained. “They spend five or ten minutes with that person. Some people are just lonely, and it’s nice when they get that visitor.”

Helping Residents Through Difficult Times

Beyond food assistance and senior services, Boyertown Area Multi-Service also provides case management services for residents facing emergencies and financial hardship.

The organization assists community members struggling with rent, utility bills, transportation repairs, and access to social services.

“We help people who have fallen on hard times,” Vargas said. “I know what that’s like.”

That empathy, combined with his practical business experience, is something podcast host Jane Stahl believes will serve the organization well.

“You have entered a huge job here,” Stahl told him during the interview. “But I can see that the place is just going to fly under your leadership.”

Looking Ahead

Now several months into the role, Vargas says he remains energized by the people he serves and the volunteers who help make the organization’s work possible every day.

“It’s amazing the way the volunteers and community come together,” he said.

For Vargas, the mission is ultimately simple: helping neighbors through difficult moments while strengthening the broader community.

“We’re going to do good things for the future,” he said.

The B-Inspired podcast shares moments of transformation and inspiration all around us. Access the complete B Inspired Podcast interview with Bob Vargas here or find it online where you regularly access your favorite podcasts. 

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