Ministry of Concern starts year with new director
Provided photo: Nyla Gaylord, who served as director of Development for the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern in 2016, is now the agency’s executive director.
Press Release, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern
ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Inc. is starting the new year with a change in leadership.
Nyla Gaylord, director of Development for the past year, has been selected to lead the organization. To ensure a smooth transition, Laverne Bates, executive director since 2015, will be staying on to help oversee key office functions and development of resources and connections in Genesee County.
“I look forward to easing into retirement while helping ensure the continuation of the work we have done,” Bates said. “I’m excited about the future of the Ministry of Concern under Nyla’s leadership.”
“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” said Sister Dolores O’Dowd, chairwoman of the Board of Directors. “Nyla will bring leadership, experience in grant writing and development, extensive knowledge of the not-for-profit sector to the Ministry of Concern. She has a deep sense of commitment to the communities we serve and has been a lifelong resident of the area.”
Gaylord’s resume includes over 25 years of program development and administration in programs that have addressed the needs of the unemployed, working poor and people with disabilities. Locally, she has worked as a free-lance grant writer, Development Director for the Ministry of Concern, and Director of Development for Hospice of Orleans, Inc.
“I look forward to serving in this new capacity,” Gaylord said. “It is exciting to know how generous and supportive the community has been this past year in helping us replace our delivery truck. This support has enabled us to continue to solicit donations of furniture to deploy to families in need of basic home furnishings. I feel very positive about continuing the work of the Ministry of Concern and developing new resources to help our neighbors that are struggling to handle personal and financial setbacks.”
Gaylord has a BA from Houghton College, an MA from SUNY Brockport and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Syracuse University.
The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in existence since 1968. The Ministry of Concern grew out of a grass roots effort of local churches who organized to respond to the needs of farmworkers and the poor. Today, nearly 50 years later, the agency services are still needed, Gaylord said.
Donations of used furniture are delivered to families in need. The Just Friends, E-3 Team Youth Mentoring program provides youth mentors (coaches) to youth players in need of positive adult connections. Emergency and supportive services are provided to help when other resources are not available.
