Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Parks.
Hi Blake, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It was my privilege to be asked to serve as the Executive Director of Gallatin CARES in 2017. The task was to reestablish the lay ministry work that CARES was chartered to perform back in the 1980s. The community wasn’t being served in a manner that was expected. We launched with a completely new strategic plan, including financial boundaries. There were 3 distinctly focused programs that needed to exist for us to accomplish our purpose. We have a Thrift Store, Food Pantry, and Shelter Protection Benevolence Program, that are now fully functional.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing ever seems to be smooth sailing in this line of work. We start with a fact that there is no public funding to support this mission work. We have to devise a budgeted plan and fund it so we can ensure that each area is exceeding expectations. One of the most notable issues in non-profit work is the fact that it is very easy to find the passion and/or compassion needed to be successful. However, it is much harder to add the business acumen that must accompany the emotion. Additionally, you must have an engaged Board of Directors and an army of volunteers on the same page.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After three decades as a bank executive, my experience offers a unique approach to oversee a program such as this. The capability to come from a background of managing, supervising, planning, and delivering results adds a facet of this line of work that is very helpful. I also understand the importance of accountability in delivering results to all shareholders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gallatincares.org
- Facebook: Gallatin CARES
