Q: What is something your relationship with Benilde Hall founder, Godfrey Kobets, taught you? In what ways does his legacy and your memory of him impact your role as Benilde Hall's Board Chair?

A: I met Mr. Kobets in my early 30s as a volunteer at DeLaSalle Education Center. He had resurrected and transitioned it from the former Christian Brothers-run high school following its closure in the late 1960s, into a school designed to meet the needs of students who were then described as "at-risk youth". It still operates today.

Beyond my respect for Mr. Koberts as an area leader and teacher, I recall that he introduced me to an essential idea-- through example-- that can build support for any civic or not-for-profit endeavor. His formula was simple: raise awareness as it leads to raising friends, which in turn makes it easier to raise resources. And we all know that resources are the lifeblood in shaping a community and its surrounding environment, to include how a community cares for those in need or less fortunate than others. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to grasp and utilize this approach from Godfrey as one of his volunteers.

In 1993, Mr. Kobets went on to found Benilde Hall through the help of numerous friends he made along his path and, through his vision, this year we are celebrating completion of our 30th Anniversary in serving the Kansas City community. I am excited that Benilde Hall has a new executive director in her first year-- Erin Fraser. Erin is a talented, energetic and spirited leader and welcomes those interested in supporting the consequential work of Benilde Hall through [any means] of time, talent, or treasure.

Q: What is something most people misunderstand about Veterans who struggle with substance use or mental health disorders? How have your personal experiences and identity as a Veteran given you your unique perspective?

A: I believe Veterans suffering from substance use disorder or mental illness can often be misunderstood, invisible, or labeled as "bad". Why? Because people have difficulty separating the mental picture we generally carry of the healthy, incredibly fit and disciplined service member from the ill, homeless and unemployed Veteran we encounter in the media or see on the street. My overwhelming experience is that these men and women are good people who are dealing with bad illnesses and trauma that are indeed treatable. Benilde Hall and other Veteran-centered housing and recovery care providers step up to meet the mission of caring for and treating their underlying issues.

Q: What is one thing about you that always surprises new people you meet?

A: I decided and told my parents that I wanted to become a Marine at age five. I remained steadfast in that path through school and was commissioned in the Marine Corps following college.

Q: Can you share a story that had a significant impact on who you are and what you believe in today?

A: Early in my professional career, I encountered a situation where another challenged the facts of a situation that he and I had been involved in together. His age and position was such that I was at a clear disadvantage. In thought  about the situation then decided to ask for advice from another, a leader very wise in his years. To cut to the chase, this mentor heard me out, looked me in the eye and said, "this is a difficult situation for you but remember; they can't eat you!".  Those were the words he used but I knew what he meant-- that the leverage being used against me could be overcome but it would not be easy, so stand up for what I believed to be true. I've tried to share such wisdom and encourage others along the way, but more than anything, I learned that very day that, "it's okay to ask for help", in both small and big things. And in relation to Benilde Hall, I have great respect for the men who enter recovery for their grit in having asked for and accepted help.

Mark Mullinix is a Marine Corps Veteran and currently serves as the Chair of Benilde Hall's Board of Directors.