Gallatin CARES: A Lifeline for the Gallatin Community
For more than 40 years, Gallatin CARES has been a beacon of hope for the underserved residents of Gallatin. Founded in 1984, the nonprofit organization has remained steadfast in its mission to support those in need. However, in 2016, the future of Gallatin CARES hung in the balance as financial struggles threatened its survival. The board of directors faced a difficult decision: continue fighting or close the doors. They chose to implement a strategic plan and give the organization one more year before making a final decision.
As that year came to an end, one thing became clear—the services provided by Gallatin CARES were too essential to disappear. Recognizing the profound need within the community, the board moved forward with a renewed sense of purpose, and in 2017, Blake Parks was hired as Executive Director. Under his leadership, Gallatin CARES refined its focus and solidified its mission around three key pillars: the thrift store, the food bank, and shelter protection benevolence.
Pillar 1: The Thrift Store
The Gallatin CARES thrift store serves a dual purpose: it provides affordable goods to individuals and families facing hardships while also generating crucial funding for the organization’s programs. In times of crisis, such as house fires or domestic violence situations, the thrift store steps in to provide necessary items free of charge. Every purchase made at the store directly supports the second pillar—feeding those in need.
Pillar 2: The Food Bank
Every Wednesday, Gallatin CARES operates a food bank that serves an average of 300 families and 1,000 individuals. With no qualifications or barriers to entry, the food bank ensures that anyone in need of food receives it—no questions asked. The food, sourced from Second Harvest Food Bank, includes fresh produce, frozen meat, and other essentials. On average, Gallatin CARES spends $10,000 per month to provide 3-4 tons of food to the community.
Pillar 3: Shelter Protection Benevolence
Gallatin CARES provides assistance to individuals and families facing housing insecurity. Whether it’s helping someone catch up on rent, secure emergency shelter, or find permanent housing, the organization works to ensure that those in need have a safe place to call home. Assistance is provided to those who qualify, offering a lifeline to people in crisis.
Powered by the Community
Gallatin CARES operates with a small but dedicated team—just two full-time and four part-time employees. Volunteers are the heart of the organization, playing an essential role in keeping services running smoothly. The nonprofit does not receive public funding, relying instead on generous contributions from community members, churches, local foundations, fundraisers, and thrift store sales.
Gallatin CARES maintains strong ties to local churches, with all board members required to be sponsored by a church pastor. This connection ensures that faith-based organizations remain actively involved in the nonprofit’s mission.
How You Can Help
The organization’s greatest needs are volunteers—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the food pantry and Monday through Friday at the thrift store. Community members can also support Gallatin CARES by donating goods or shopping at the thrift store.
A Story of Impact
Blake Parks recalls one story that perfectly embodies the mission of Gallatin CARES. On the Monday after the Fourth of July, he arrived at work to find a woman waiting for him. She stood in his office, struggling to gather her words. With her 10-year-old son and 11-month-old baby beside her, she explained her situation. She was a survivor of domestic violence, and her world had been shattered when her 20-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident. Her abusive ex had tracked her down after seeing the news coverage of her daughter’s death. She had nowhere to go, no food, no diapers for her baby, and her son lacked the necessities to start school in August.
Gallatin CARES stepped in without hesitation. They helped her secure and pay for an apartment, stocked her fridge with food, provided diapers and baby essentials, furnished her new home, and ensured her son had everything he needed for school.
This is why Gallatin CARES exists—to be a lifeline for those in crisis and a pillar of support for the Gallatin community.
For more information on how you can help or receive assistance, visit Gallatin CARES or stop by their thrift store. Together, the community can continue to make a difference.
