Board of Directors
Rev. Ed Geleske
President
Ed is a retired pastor and served on the North Indiana Council of the United Methodist Church Camping Ministry from 1981-1990 and the leadership team of Mission and Outreach for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church from 1992 – 2006. He has served on the FCDC Board of Directors since 1997. Ed has a variety of hobbies including photography, exploring the world of tech, fishing, and astronomy.
Darcey Mitschelen
Vice President
As a life-long resident, I have witnessed from its inception the growth of The Center’s impact and its continuous efforts to meet the needs of the community while serving with the intention to help individuals and families not only rise above their current situation, but to help them move forward into a place of self-sustainability and self-efficacy. It is this mission of The Center that speaks to both my heart and spirit.
I spent 26 years in sales and marketing in the RV/Marine manufacturing industries that continues to provide the ability to develop partnerships to assist in my workforce development responsibilities. I hold a BS in Elementary Education and a MS in Counseling & Humans Service from Indiana University, South Bend and a dual major MA in Adult & Continuing Education and Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University. Additionally, I have an PhD from Purdue University in Curriculum & Instruction in Career & Technical Education where my research centered on employer engagement in apprenticeship programs. I currently serve as the CEO for WorkOne Northern Indiana.
My husband, Chuck, and I have 3 married sons and 11 grandchildren, all of whom reside within the Nappanee/Wakarusa area and are active volunteers in a wide range of avenues.
Gene Zercher
I am grateful to have been a part of the Wa-Nee Community for many years. During my 41-year tenure as a Science teacher at NorthWood High School, I had the privilege of teaching a range of subjects including Human Anatomy and Physiology. In addition to my teaching career, I have also enjoyed the challenge of coaching, with 42 years of experience on the football field and 26 years coaching boys basketball. Currently, I am entering my 19th year coaching girls basketball. My wife, Paula, dedicated her career to guiding and nurturing students at Nappanee Elementary School as a guidance counselor. Our children, Charlie (and his wife Trish), Amy, and Ben, benefited from the community's excellent education and nurturing environment, as do our grandchildren, Jack, Ava, and Will.
As a follower of Christ, I strive to embody His love in my daily life, though I often fall short. Nevertheless, I believe that living out His love is the greatest witness I can offer, and I saw joining The Center's board as an opportunity to further this mission and serve in the community.
Dr. Lisa Orn
Dr. Lisa Orn is a board certified family medicine physician at Goshen Physicians Family Medicine Nappanee. Dr. Orn treats patients from newborns to those needing end-of-life care. Her experience includes pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health and osteopathic medicine.
Dr. Orn has previously served on the Board of Directors for The Center and was the driving force behind the creation of the Baby Immunization Program in 2000.
Natalie Shields
Natalie serves within the ministry of The Nfluence Network as Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator for Pastor Lucas Miles. She loves the Wanee community because it offers a wonderful uniqueness to the northern Indiana area and for its ability to come together for good. Natalie chose to serve on the FCDC Board of Directors because she loves the mission of the organization and is honored to be a part of it.
Holly Landis
Holly is the Town Manager for the Town of Wakarusa, IN. She is thankful to live in this community because it is one that is always willing to step up and take action, be neighborly, and supportive of one another. She loves serving on the FCDC Board of Directors because it is rewarding to give back to the community she loves so much.
Virgil Yoder
Virgil is the Executive Vice President of Kountry Wood Products in Nappanee, Indiana. He oversees the daily production operations, new product development, and leads all company expansion efforts.
Virgil and his wife Amy have 5 children, enjoys spending time with family, camping, hunting & traveling. He is very appreciative to live and raise a family in the Wanee community and feels privileged to serve on the FCDC board.
A Letter from the Board President
Dear Stakeholders:
At many of our board of directors’ meetings, we open our sessions talking about why we are a part of The Center, or why anyone choses to affiliate with The Center. We hear many responses. Here are some of them: We are trying to live out “Compassion in Action.” We live in a community that is richly blessed – we feel grateful; it is out of a sense of thanksgiving that we act. We want to be partners in ministry with other community and county agencies. I remember when I was going through a hard time in my life – now I want to give back for all that was given to me. When we work together as a community, we can do so much more than any one of us working individually. Jesus said to love God and neighbor – I want to be a caring neighbor.
As each one of us bring our gifts and abilities, and lay those at the feet of our Lord, amazing things can happen. People are fed. Family health is improved. A baby is immunized. The cold are given a warm coat. An emergency crisis is averted. Prescription drugs are made available. A hurting heart is comforted. When we respond to the Spirit’s leading, the ministry of The Center takes shape.
In recent months, we have strived to address the COVID-19 crisis. We have adjusted operations so that the needs of the community could be addressed, while also taking precautions to ensure the safety of volunteers and staff. With so many lay-offs, food distribution became a high priority. During the community shutdown, food was made available by curbside pickup at the Center, and student lunches were offered at multiple Wa-Nee area distribution points. The Center staff worked diligently to address one-on-one hardships. Baby immunizations, emergency rent and utility assistance were given. As needs became apparent, The Center strived to respond with compassion.
Over the last year, the excitement has continued to build around the move to the old Central School building. Remodeling is now well underway. Every week, someone asks, “When will The Center move?” There will be many advantages to the new facilities. The Center’s program offerings will be on one level. All areas will be much more accessible. There will be more room for food and clothing distribution, the well-baby check area will be streamlined, and coordination with the senior housing residents and Elder Haus will be easily available. We look forward to the move sometime this fall.
These are exciting and challenging days for The Center. We look forward to your partnership in our continuing mission!
Ed Geleske – Board President