TRAVERSE CITY — The Father Fred Foundation will be looking for a full-time chaplain.
The person chosen to succeed the Rev. Iakovos Olechnowicz, who left the nonprofit charity this month, will be the first full-time spiritual director in Father Fred's 21-year history.
Increasing the position from 20 to 40 hours each week is in response to an increasing client base and work load, said Martie Manty, the foundation's executive director.
"We had not had the surge in clients in earlier years," Manty said. "The board has determined that it's that critical a position."
As of June, Father Fred served 1,443 new families from the five-county region this year, and reported increases in the number of clients asking for food.
The chaplain interviews visitors seeking financial assistance, offers spiritual guidance to employees and volunteers and in effect serves as the "face of the foundation."
It often required more than a part-time commitment, said the Rev. Edwin Thome, who assumed the role for nine years in 2000 after the death of its namesake — the Rev. Edwin Frederick, or "Father Fred."
Initially, Thome's job included duties since taken over by full-time staff, such as fundraising.
But, he said, evening meetings or appearances went outside the scope of his regular hours at the Hastings Street office.
"Often I would spend an hour over my designated time just calling for (heating) oil in the wintertime," Thome said. "Part-time almost went into full-time by volunteering to stay there."
Olechnowicz succeeded Thome in 2009. The former left after close to two years to expand his local Greek Orthodox congregation.
A job description is being finalized and could be posted next week, Manty said. It likely will circulate on ministerial websites, with a focus on attracting in-state candidates.
She said she hopes the job is filled within three months.
A starting salary has not been decided. The position will be paid out of the foundation's budget.
A part-time client assistant has increased hours to meet with people needing financial aid while the new chaplain is being recruited.
The hire will bring the number of full-time employees to six, one of whom is grant-funded, Manty said.
Region
Father Fred Foundation seeks chaplain
Rev. Olechnowicz left the nonprofit charity this month
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