Board of Directors

I have been a member of the Good Samaritan Resource Center Board of Directors for ten years, and have had the privilege of serving as the board president for the past three years. I have seen, first hand, the thumb print of domestic violence on the lives of the abused and on the children of the abused. Though the effect is different in each individual life, the thumb print is nevertheless there, a degenerative force that robs the dignity, confidence and sense of self worth from its victims. The ultimate effects are lives lived far below their God given potential, a life trapped for its entirety in the repeated cycle of violence, followed by a period of restitution and promise, only to once again be subjected to acts of violence and personal humiliation, or a person that himself or herself, as an adult become an abuser of others.

There is an alternative, a better way. A way for the abused to receive assistance; shelter from their abuser, physical healing, legal advocacy, understanding and the emotional support and spiritual guidance to right their ship. That’s what we at Genesis are all about, about providing the means for the victims of domestic violence and abuse to truly experience a “New Beginning”.

When asked by God “Where is Able, thy brother?” Cane answered “__ Am I my Brothers Keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). We indeed are our Brothers Keeper!

Currently serving as our board of directors’ Vice President is Cindy Walters. Cindy is originally from Lebanon, Missouri. She and her husband of 26 years, Randy, moved to the Waynesville/St. Robert area in 1987. They have been blessed with a daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Matt, and daughter, Whitney. The Walters' are members of Waynesville United Methodist Church.

Cindy has served on the board of directors for Good Samaritan/Genesis since 1992. She also serves on the board of the Pulaski County Ambulance District. Cindy and Randy own and operate Memorial Chapels of Waynesville/St. Robert and Richland, and Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. They have been active

members and supporters of the Pulaski County community for nearly 20 years. Cindy feels a great passion for the ministry of Good Samaritan/Genesis. She is extremely grateful to the staff and volunteers who do God's work for these families in need, and victims of domestic violence, every day. She is also very excited about the new building project, and encourages the community's prayers and involvement in making this much needed shelter a reality.

Memorial Chaples of Waynesville/St Robert & Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery

Serving on our Board of Directors since its inception and as Board Treasurer for the past four years is Don Tritten. Don has been a part of the Good Samaritan Resource Center and The Pulaski County Crisis Center (now known as Genesis: A Place of New Beginnings) since they began. In 1978 the Tritten family donated the use of Good Samaritan building until the organization was able to purchase it.

Mr. Tritten has been in the banking business for over 50 years. He has held such titles as President of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association, Chairman of The Board of Midwest Independent Bank and President of the Missouri Bankers Bank. Currently, Don is the Chairman of the Board for Bank of Iberia. This family run bank has consistently been tremendous supporters of Good Samaritan Resource Center and Genesis’ building project.

Don and his wife Alma have been married for almost 53 years. They have lived in Pulaski County since 1974. Although Don is retired, he and his wife Alma have always been active, working members of this community. Don and Alma attend Westside Baptist Church. Alma has worked in conjunction with Westside Baptist and Good Samaritan for the past three years on the Angel Program and has been instrumental in making sure our Angels are adopted. Don and Alma have three children, eight grandchildren, and five great grand children.

Don’s remarkable commitment and compassion for the organization is always apparent. He believes, “No one should ever be belittled or hurt and as Christians we should do all we can to help.

Serving on our Board of Directors since 1995 and as Secretary since 2003 is Glenda Blanchard.

Ms. Blanchard has worked the past 27 years for the Pulaski County Family Support Division. Ms. Blanchard is a proud graduate of Louisiana State University. Glenda is active in several organizations such as Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Pulaski County Literacy Council and Pulaski County Community Network.

Glenda works on a daily basis with adults and children who are in need. Glenda has seen the Pulaski County community grow and along with that growth has seen the increased need for goods and services for families and individuals.

The community’s support for the new building for battered women and children – Genesis, A Place of New Beginnings, has been impressive. The community has shown their compassion and caring nature by strongly supporting Good Samaritan. Good Samaritan is there for all citizens.

Glenda’s motto is “kindness comes from the heart with nothing expected in return."

Pastor Chuck Baker has been married for 28 years to Mary Baker. Mary teaches school at Lebanon High School. Chuck also has 2 daughters, Charity and Kristen. He is originally from Dixon and has lived most of this life in Pulaski County. A graduate of Southwest Baptist University, Chuck taught at Richland High School and Evangel Christian School and was also a basketball and baseball coach. Chuck is currently the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Richland and has been for 18 years. He enjoys participating in mission trips and has been to India, Haiti, Mexico, Florida and Wyoming. He also enjoys golf and is a St. Louis Cardinal and Missouri Tiger fan.

A Helping Hand in Pulaski County and Beyond