BOARD VOLUNTEERS AN ASSET TO NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
GALVESTON, TX - The Gulf Coast Center, mental health authority for Galveston and Brazoria Counties, will honor outgoing board members James T. Floyd, Gerald Mitchell and David Walker for their outstanding dedication and service, on Wednesday, August 22, 5 pm, at the Mainland Community Service Center, Texas City.
Volunteerism is a tremendous asset to non profit organizations, providing guidance, valuable resources and man hours to critical services that operate with ongoing budget restraints. Cumulatively, Floyd, Mitchell and Walker have dedicated sixty four years of community service to the Gulf Coast Center, serving as models for those who have conquered obstacles and improved the lives of others through hard work and selfless action.
James Floyd, experienced in maintenance and construction in the private sector, served the Gulf Coast Center board of directors for 28 years. He was instrumental in the remodeling of Mainland Industries and securing work contracts for its consumers. Since the early 1980’s, Floyd committed to the repair and construction of the existing mental health facilities and is instrumental in the Center currently having some of the best facilities for its consumers in the state. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board for several years, he was elected President of Community Solutions, a statewide community center interactive organization.
David Walker, serving the board for 24 years, became interested in mental health services as a young attorney with the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. As Assistant Criminal District Attorney, he became acutely aware of the frustrating situations that individuals with disabilities encountered with the judicial system. He worked to ensure that there were advocates to speak for the Center’s clients and for others in need of mental health services in Galveston County. Walker was serving on the Galveston Mental Health Association and transitioned to the board of the Gulf Coast Center when the organizations merged.
Gerald Mitchell shared his experience as an aerospace financial business expert with NASA while serving the Gulf Coast Center as a board member for twelve years. His leadership provided expertise in upgrading the Center’s computer systems and ensured the organization maintained good financial standing in the community. In addition to serving as Gulf Coast Center board chairman, he has served as President, local chapter, and Vice President, State level, of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The integrity, dedication, skills and countless hours of individuals who chose to donate their time to the Gulf Coast Center, has led to the organization’s recognition as a leader among mental health authorities in the State of Texas.
The Gulf Coast Center has been enabling and empowering individuals and families to live quality lives since 1969. One of 39 community mental health centers in the State of Texas, Gulf Coast Center provides services, programs and employment assistance for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, adult, child and adolescent mental health services, adolescent recovery and substance abuse recovery, and consumer services. In addition, Gulf Coast Center administers Connect Transportation, services for Veterans and a 24 hour crisis hotline (800) 643-0967.
For more information go to www.gulfcoastcenter.org.
Pictured, top to bottom: Gerald Mitchell, David Walker, James Floyd