Will Lightbourne, director of the Human Services commission, says he expects Gaines' business know-how will prove valuable. We were excited when we heard he was coming. In addition to his business experience, Gaines brings to the commission a background in community service. In addition, he sits on the boards of several organizations including the Jewish Community Relations Council and Christmas in April, a community-based organization that renovates homes and public facilities. In joining the commission, Gaines replaces Sululagi Palega, a leader in the Pacific Islander community whom Brown appointed to the new Housing Authority Commission.
Gaines sees the commission's work in the welfare reform arena as a major challenge.
It's one he looks forward to tackling. People don't just want to throw people off of welfare. They want to do things in such a way that people are being cared for and yet moving on. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.