Board of Directors

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Board of Directors

Board President

Tom Mora

Board Vice President

Jeremy Jones

Directors

Gary Gratz

Dwight Smith

Shannon Newth

Ken Waag

Peggy Murphy

Secretary

Benjamin Vandeventer

Treasurer

Paul Gallardo

TOM MORA, Board President


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2025
Profession: Financial Services
Where I work: Retired Military, Current Edward Jones
Why I serve at GFRM? 

Why I serve on the Great Falls Rescue Mission board is to do God’s work, God’s way, for God’s glory in our community. As a board, we are part of the spiritual community called to serve those in our community, by stewardship of our part of the kingdom of God right here in Great Falls, MT. We believe his kingdom is to be experienced here on earth through care, compassion and generosity. Scripture encourages us that whatever we do for our brothers and sisters in need, we do for our Lord. Caring for others is God’s heart and his call to us.

 

While we feed and house those in need, our mission is far more than meeting immediate needs; we seek to partner on a journey to assist in the transformation of lives for eternity.

 

I believe the Great Falls Rescue Mission is divinely positioned and called to be a safe haven and a partner in the transformation of our highly valued community members.

JEREMY JONES, Board Vice President


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2024
Profession: Deputy City Manager
Where I work:  City of Great Falls
Why I serve at GFRM? 

Serving on the board for the Great Falls Rescue Mission is a deeply personal commitment for me. The mission plays a crucial role in providing shelter, support, and hope to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Being a part of this organization allows me to contribute to something larger than myself—a cause that aligns with my values of service and compassion.

 

Homelessness and poverty are not just issues that happen elsewhere; they affect our neighbors, our families, and our friends. The Rescue Mission offers not only a safe haven but also life-changing programs that help individuals rebuild their lives. As a board member, I have the opportunity to shape the strategies and initiatives that empower people to overcome their struggles, regain dignity, and find stability.

 

I believe that real change happens when people come together, and serving on the board allows me to collaborate with others who share the same passion for improving lives. It also gives me the chance to give back to the community that has supported me in so many ways.

 

By serving on the board, I can help ensure that the Rescue Mission continues to be a beacon of hope for those in need, offering not just temporary relief but lasting transformation. This work is both humbling and rewarding, and it is an honor to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

BEN VANDEVENTER, Board Secretary


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2025
Profession: Sales Rep
Where I work: National Laundry
Why I serve at GFRM? 

In 2017, I went through the Men’s Recovery Program at the Great Falls Rescue Mission, and it truly changed my life. Serving on the board is my way of giving back to the place that helped me grow and find Christ. I want to support the Mission however I can, serve God’s kingdom, and help others come to know Jesus. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of the work being done here and hope to help more people experience the same faith I found.

PAUL GALLARDO, Board Treasurer


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2024
Profession:  Attorney
Where I work: Flaherty Gallardo Law Office
WHY I SERVE AT GFRM?

I serve on the Great Falls Rescue Mission Board of Directors because I see a real and urgent need in our community for compassion, support, and restoration. Many individuals in our area are facing hardship—whether through homelessness, addiction, or other life challenges—and I believe no one should face those struggles alone.

 

Joining the Rescue Mission’s board has given me an opportunity to use my time, experience, and gifts to help meet those needs in a meaningful way. Whether through planning, support, or simply being present, I’m honored to contribute to a mission that brings hope and practical help to those who need it most.

gary bio

GARY GRATZ


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2019
Profession: Journeyman Carpenter/Contractor
Where I work: Self-Employed
Why I serve at GFRM? 

I serve at the Great Falls Rescue Mission because I truly believe that anyone of us can easily end up in the same position that many of the residents are in (i.e. a mistake in our choices, a loss of employment or falling into some type of addiction). I feel that when we finally surrender ourselves to what the Lord tells us who we are and what he wants for us in this life and the next, that we are better equipped to cope with the things that come our way. I want to be a part of that ministry that the Rescue Mission is, to help in some way those who are seeking change in their life.

dwight

DWIGHT SMITH


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2017
Profession: Retired
Where I worked: United States Air Force
Why I serve at GFRM? 

Great Falls Rescue Mission is an oasis in the desert for so many who have gone through brokenness in their lives. I am filled with compassion for our folks that have had chapters in their lives of heartbreak. I want to be there to help them.

SHANNON NEWTH


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2023
Profession: Tourism Content Director
Where I work:  Great Falls Montana Tourism & Co-Owner of Clear Source Communications
Why I serve at GFRM? 

I serve on the Great Falls Rescue Mission board of directors because Christ calls us to be His ambassadors.  We all fall short of the glory of God, and I want people to know and feel God’s saving grace and redeeming love.  The Great Falls Rescue Mission provides tangible, material support for those experiencing homelessness, and even more so, the mission provides spiritual guidance and encouragement.  It’s a great honor and responsibility to serve this organization and the people of Great Falls.

KEN WAAG


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2025
Profession: Retired Pastor
Where I worked: Faith Lutheran Church
Why I serve at GFRM? 

I serve on the GFRM board of directors because Jesus has not only called me to follow, love, and trust Him but to serve others in His name using the gifts, talents, and abilities with which Jesus has blessed me. I believe the GFRM board of directors is a place where I can share my gifts, demonstrate the love of Jesus in word and deed, and serve those around me in a God-honoring way all to the glory of God and to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

PEGGY MURPHY


Served on GFRM Board: Since 2025
Profession:  Minister/Retired
Where I work: Living Grace Church/Social Security Administration Director
Why I serve at GFRM? 
I have served at the Great Falls Rescue Mission in some capacity for the last 15 years since returning to Great Falls.  Serving on the Board of Directors is my latest privilege and responsibility. Whether it’s preaching at chapel, serving dinner, or being a board member, it comes from the same motivation, being the hands and feet of Jesus. I’m amazed that the God of the universe sees value in me and gives me opportunity to represent him. Every time I’ve stepped into the mission to be a blessing, I’m the one being blessed! God is so good!

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