Personified

Bost boasts wine benefit

James Maginot Assistant Executive Director Bost Inc.
James Maginot Assistant Executive Director Bost Inc.

Tell us about your organization: Since 1959, Bost has been providing choices and opportunities in Arkansas for individuals with developmental and related disabilities so that they may live, work and play in the community.

• Mission: People empowering people with disabilities, and their families, to achieve greater independence by providing lifelong choices, support, and learning opportunities.

Grape Escapes, A Vine Affair

Who: Bost Inc.

What: Wine tasting, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, wine pull, live and silent auctions

When: 6-9 p.m. March 2

Where: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Fort Smith

Tickets: $100

Attire: Cocktail

Information: (479) 652-4553 or grapeescapes.org

• Services provided: Medicaid waiver services, personal care, mental health services, adult development and supportive employment services, representative payee services, children's services and residential services

• Service area: The entire state of Arkansas

• Average number of people served annually: 1,000 individuals

How is your organization's mission unique? Our mission is person centered. We focus on each and every individual that we serve.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? I tell people all the time that I was raised in this field. I have a brother with a disability, which has given me a unique and lifelong perspective into what it takes to provide quality services to individuals and families.

What part of your job fills the most of your time? Communication, both internally and externally, to and from the countless stakeholders that help shape our mission-driven organization.

What have you learned on the job that you didn't expect? Every day is different. No two days are the same. And regardless of the day, I am sure to meet some interesting people along the way!

What challenges face your organization? The continuing changes to the system affect our ability to plan for the future. Legislative and funding changes constantly keep us on our toes!

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they? Yes, whether it be helping with our awesome community events, helping in one of our offices or programs, or just supporting us in the communities we serve, there are always chances to be a part of Bost.

What upcoming fundraisers and/or other events does your organization have planned? In the Fort Smith area, our premiere fundraiser, Grape Escapes, will be held on March 2 at 6 p.m. It is a cocktail-style event, featuring over 350 different wines and small bites and appetizers from local restaurants and caterers. We will also have live and silent auctions, a wine pull, photo booth and live music. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased at Sodie's Wine & Spirits, grapeescapes.org, at the door, or by calling (479) 652-4553.

NAN Profiles on 02/18/2018

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