Many moons ago, Mark first learned about Care Net through friends who were deeply committed to the Care Net mission. What piqued his interest next was our very popular baby bottle campaign, a campaign that led him to determine he had to learn more about Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County.  

Mark has been a part of Care Net’s board for almost 15 years. In the years Mark has spent serving Care Net he has helped with Marketing and Governance committees, been the Treasurer and most recently, has taken on the role of board Chair. “My role as Chair (and the role of the board as a greater whole) is to support and challenge the CEO, Sara Patterson, to make sure strategic plans are in place and being executed, and to make sure the ministry is compliant in all aspects of operations.”  

In all the spaces and places, he could serve, Mark shares what inspires him most about Care Net, “I love that Care Net is NOT political…the staff, volunteers, board and supporters just want to help people who have found themselves in a challenging situation. I love that the services offered to clients are free of charge. I love that the care provided includes but goes beyond the baby and is inclusive of the entire family unit. I love that a true continuum of care is provided, from pregnancy test to ultrasounds to residential support, parenting classes, job assistance to low-income housing opportunities.”  

Mark, like many supporters of Care Net, recognizes that Care Net isn’t just any nonprofit serving the community. He recognizes that the Lord has truly set Care Net apart from other social service agencies in Dane County and the surrounding region. “Care Net is literally saving lives. That includes temporal, physical lives as well as eternal spiritual lives. This is truly important work, and it is done with excellence, care and genuine love, giving thanks, glory, and praise to the Lord.”  

Mark further emphasizes his point referencing a metric typically used to determine a customer’s loyalty and experience with an organization. “Roughly 98% of former clients would recommend Care Net to a friend. This is an incredible metric, and I want our community to know how truly excellent the Care Net staff and volunteers are at what they do and the work of this ministry.”