Outgoing-Ford City Borough Councilman Gene Banks was recently appointed to the Community Action Board of Directors by County Commissioner Richard Fink.
by Jonathan Weaver
Community Action Agency’s programs have made Gene Banks a better person and now he looks forward to helping others in-need become better as well.
The outgoing-Ford City Borough councilman, along with Sheriff Bill Rupert and Francine Recupero, were recently appointed to the Community Action Board of Directors.
Banks first became associated with Community Action 18 years ago.
“Community Action of Armstrong County has been helpful to me through the years in issues such as their Father’s Workshop. This gave me insight in how to handle my sons (Eugene IV, Jeremy - of the Pittsburgh area - and Rotimi - of Texas) – they really got me back in-tune with how to be a father,” Banks said.
Banks, 64, also found his job at OEM Shades in Ford City – where he retired from after 18 years of service – through Community Action’s assistance.
Banks is looking forward to the challenge of keeping programs stable during budget constraints, particularly the emergency food and shelter, employment training and housing programs. He said his former status as an administrator at the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas and as the former director at the Sunrise House – a former halfway house for recovering drug and alcohol users that started in Ford City before moving to Kittanning - might help.
County Commissioner Richard Fink – who Banks has known and worked with during his career – recommended Banks to be a board member.
“When he called and asked if I would represent him on the board, it blew my mind,” Banks said.
But, he knew the call came at the right time.
““When they asked me to be part of this board, I didn’t hesitate. I feel that I want to give back,” Banks said. “As I looked around at that table at that first meeting, there were some very influential folks on this board, and they seem like they want to do business. They’re very knowledgeable in different areas and, with me rubbing shoulders with these people, I feel I can also learn something.”
The outreach opportunity not only coincides with his final term with Ford City Borough Council, but also the Reverend Kent Commodore’s message at Banks’ church - Second Baptist Church of Ford City.
Fink was confident Banks will make an impact with Community Action’s programming as his representative.
“I haven’t heard anything bad about him,” Fink said. “I think he’ll be a good advocate for the people in need.”
The nearly two-dozen Community Action Board of Directors meet monthly.