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!

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.