Overseeing statewide recruiting efforts for foster and adoptive families in Montana.

Ray oversees the western region of Montana as the voice and face of the organization in the areas of family recruitment, church engagement, and community partnerships. Ray has managed a local field team that delivers the mission of Child Bridge, to find and equip families for children who've experienced abuse and neglect. Ray's role is centered in recruiting new foster families through public presentations primarily in local churches, and individualized coaching of prospective families, Ray has seen more than 120 new families begin their foster care journey in 4 years.Organizational Achievements Include:- RECRUITER: Directly recruited over 120 new foster families in 4 years.- PRESENTER: Delivered 80 public presentations to local churches and community partners in 4 years.- COACHING: Specializes in coaching individuals and couples in pursuit of foster care.- TRAINER: As a TBRI Practitioner, provides trauma-informed training one-on-one and in group settings including leading multiple 'Journey Groups' providing tangible skills for new foster parents.- PARTNER DEVELOPMENT: Develops partnering relationships with local churches including more than 50 local churches who are strong champions of the org. mission, and on-going relationships with local community partners and licensing agencies.- INNOVATION: Works with state-wide team to create and develop new initiatives related to foster family recruitment including the implementation of state-wide virtual information meetings, child-specific recruitment efforts, and training content for new families.

I had the privilege of working alongside volunteer leaders and local churches from different denominations to provide free mobile health clinics to our neighbors in need. I serve as a facilitator of unity and compassion by championing local lay leaders as they host each event. I work with a small team of dedicated health professionals who are truly ambassadors of compassion in their community. I coach local churches who seek to unite together with other churches to see the mission of unity and compassion take shape. And I equip lay leaders by empowering them to use their passion and talents to truly make a positive difference in their own backyard.Organizational Achievements Include:- LEADER:  Responsible for the performance of more than 4,000 multi-faceted volunteers and 5-8 staff.- REVENUE GROWTH:  Created fundraising goals and assisted in major donor and foundation development that has produced $115K in new major donor annual income.- MANAGEMENT:  Oversees a database of more than 4,000 volunteers, 150 churches, and dozens of major health care and community partners.- PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT  Specializes in developing lay leaders from diverse backgrounds.- CULTURE:  Updated the model ‘toolkit’ consisting of training manuals, videos, and other key development material.- BRANDING & MARKETING:  Successfully guided a major refresh of the Compassion Clinic messaging and communications strategy.- OPERATIONS: Renovated the medical and dental equipment and supply inventory including the acquisition of more than $120k in annual in-kind donations.- COLLABORATION:  Guided and coached 20 distinct community leadership teams including the launch of 8 news areas.- CREATIVITY:  Implemented many sustainability focused initiatives; such as the ‘Anchor Church Agreement”, a multi-faceted medical supply inventory process, the mini-clinic program which empowers low-income neighborhoods, and a comprehensive volunteer management system.

Start-up responsibilities included creating a thriving community of prospective ‘foster and adoptive families’ that has grown to a network of 400 homes. Day to day responsibilities included recruiting, training, ongoing development, and coaching new and returning families. Other responsibilities included oversight of marketing, event planning, strategic direction, and tactical growth as well as the forming of a staff team to ensure a strengthening network of caregivers was part of working to achieve organizational goals. Fundraising and donor development was a constant role, engaging champions in the mission through the means of monthly and annual financial gifts as well as gifts in kind. Coordination with local government, state agencies, local businesses, and other non-profit organizations brought about new trusted relationships between Churches/faith-based organizations and those in the secular realm. This pioneering work has truly changed the landscape in the area of foster care and adoption in the region for the better.Organizational Achievements include:• Established the first foster care recruitment/support organization in Southern Nevada.• Significantly impacted the lives of 2000+ children through recruiting 400+ prospective foster and adoptive families.• Collected, received, and distributed 20,000+ toys, school supplies, and other items for foster children with the approximate value of $350K.• Successfully organized 20 recruitment events benefiting families and children in need.• Created the largest annual foster care event in Nevada with 3,000 attendees.• Received “Acts of Kindness” award from a local TV Network Station for ongoing commitment to assisting vulnerable families within the community.• Awarded a community ‘Certificate of Excellence Award‘ by the Clark County Department of Family Services for efforts in developing a condensed foster care training and licensing program.

Day to day responsibilities included leading and managing new and ongoing programs with a drive to meet specific strategic goals. Developed and implemented strategies to increase donor contributions and improved donor relations. Provided staff development and training with an emphasis on demonstrating and implementing core company values. Assessed staffing and recruitment needs including the responsibility of hiring and firing candidates. Provided a safe and productive working environment through managing property logistics and maintenance.Major Achievements include:• Served as interim-director during transitional leadership period.• Assisted in acquiring a $450K grant for the purchase of a $1.1M 10,000 sq. ft. property benefiting low-income families.• Increased annual fiscal giving over 5 years by 200% including $400K in total annual revenue.• Co-developed a locally recognized inner-city neighborhood transformational program with 2,000+ low-income families served annually.• 300 national and international students trained and launched in community development programs in 20 nations.