Parents who serve on nonprofit boards can bring firsthand insights into the organization’s needs, especially if it affects their children.
Boards with members from all walks of life can produce stronger leaders and better advocates for causes they care about.
As a board member since 2013 and director of the Gabriel Homes Infrastructure Committee...
... Gary Le Francois puts hundreds of hours into house projects each year. He knows the six homes inside and out and can creatively fix any problem with his 50 years of trades experience. But he brings his skills to Gabriel Homes for a reason: His son Sam is one of our residents!
Hands-On and Cooperative
Gary was able to take on more house projects after he retired from Transwestern in 2018. He handled smaller projects like faucet repairs and door installations and hired contractors with Gabriel Homes for large-scale renovations.
“Gary’s extensive industry knowledge and eye for detail has ensured that our projects run smoothly, on time, and on budget,” says Lynn Davis, executive director of Gabriel Homes. “If he sees something that impacts the final project early on, he can call it out quickly.”
Using his trade skills when thinking as a father, Gary aims to keep using his knowledge and background to make the homes safe and accessible.
“I like seeing my dad when he stops at my house. He does a lot of work around the house, and everything he does looks great!”
Gary is committed to helping his son and other residents live happy, independent lives.
By keeping the homes in tip-top shape, he proves a bit of labor can make a generational impact on the community.
“There are so many things to be grateful for if you volunteer,” Gary says. “I get paid in feeling good and giving back to my son, so I make sure these homes are strong for decades.”