Ministry of Concern adds development director to attract funding, volunteers

Provided photo – Nyla Gaylord is the new director of development for the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern.

ALBION – The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, known by many in the community as “The Agency of Last Resort,” has appointed Nyla Gaylord as director of development.

In this newly created position for GOMOC, Gaylord will focus on securing new sources of funding, recruiting volunteers, and program development.

“The Ministry of Concern, like so many small not-for-profits, is struggling to manage the impact of reductions in funding,” said Laverne Bates, executive director. “(The new position) will enable us to focus on securing funding for current operations and expand services.”

Gaylord, a resident of Clarendon, most recently worked as the director of development and community relations for Hospice of Orleans, Inc. She has worked as a grant writer and with other not-for-profit agencies.

“It is such a pleasure to work locally and see all of the great things being done in Orleans and Genesee County – yet there is so much more that can be done,” Gaylord said. “I believe that the Ministry of Concern has an important role to play in improving the lives of the poor and working poor in our communities.”

The Ministry of Concern grew out of a grass roots effort of local churches which organized in 1968 to respond to the needs of farmworkers and the poor.

Today, nearly a half century later, the agency serves residents who face crises, from shut-off notices for utilities to not having basic furniture.

GOMOC runs a program where donations of used furniture are delivered to families in need. The Just Friends, E-3 Team Youth Mentoring program provides mentors (coaches) to youths in need of positive adult connections. Emergency services are provided to help when other resources are not available. To donate or volunteer, call 589-9210 and speak with the new director of development.

GOMOC’s office is in downtown Albion at 121 North Main St. – the third floor of the Albion Visitors’ Center. Assisting people with utilities is the biggest category of need for GOMOC in Orleans County. GOMOC served 1,281 clients with utility bills in 2014.

The breakdown of other cases in Orleans includes 664 with furniture and appliances; 247 for holiday assistance; 223 for personal care items, food and baby supplies; 92 for prescriptions; 79 for school supplies; 50 for gas and transportation; 25 for emergency shelter and housing; and 136 for other.

For more on the Ministry of Concern, click here.