Mark Gomolski, a volunteer and former board member of Eastern Oregon Mission, has been hired as executive director of the organization.
Along with volunteering in the food box program and as a board member, Gomolski has helped with fundraisers and other functions increasing the community’s awareness of Agape House and Martha’s House, the two outreach programs of Eastern Oregon Mission.
“This is an organization that puts the community at the center of everything it does and always has an open door for anyone who needs a hand,” Gomolski said. “That need is growing and will likely continue to grow in 2021, but I have full confidence that this organization will step up to meet those challenges.”
Gomolski replaces Cathy Putnam, who served as interim director since October 2019 following the retirement of Dave Hughes. Gomolski’s first day was Dec. 1.
Gomolski retired to Hermiston in 2012 after a career in county government in Cook County, Illinois. Since coming to Hermiston he has gotten involved with a number of clubs and organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Rotary, and as an elected member of the Hermiston School Board.
Through November, Agape House handed out 9,286 food boxes and more than 11,000 weekend food backpacks for students, a program that was extended to year-round in light of COVID-19.
In October 2020 the board hired Julia Galan as an on-site house manager at Martha’s House, the drug-free transitional housing program with a facility at 305 S.E. Fourth St. In 2020 the program has assisted 18 families with housing, education, workforce training, mentorship, and encouragement to assist their transition to a sustainable lifestyle.
“The more I got to know the residents at Martha’s House, the more I saw how much of an impact this program can have,” Galan said. “For a lot of people, a supportive place to stay is the crucial first step to getting their lives on track.”
Galan works full-time as a recruiter at Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm that contracts with employers. Working remotely in 2020 has allowed her the time to take on additional responsibilities at Martha’s House. She grew up in Hermiston and earned a degree in business administration from Linfield University.
“We’re seeing a growing need for the services Agape House and Martha’s House provide as the effects of COVID-19 spread in our communities. That’s why it’s so exciting to see a leadership team come together to make sure those services continue to grow,” said Aloras Winters, president of the Eastern Oregon Mission Board. “We’re so grateful to our volunteers and the community that have always been there to support our mission, and we know we can count on that to continue in 2021.”
The community can donate directly to Eastern Oregon Mission at agapehousehermiston.org or at Agape House, 500 W. Harper Ave. in Hermiston. Other fundraising opportunities including can and bottle donations at Agape House between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and signing up for Amazon Smile and selecting Eastern Oregon Mission as the charitable organization.
