Nonprofit Professional in the Spotlight: Jerry Flegal

Jerry Flegal has been working at ProAction of Steuben and Yates for over ten years.  He is currently the Senior Nutrition Program Director, where he works to deliver meals to seniors who are homebound or incapable to provide for themselves.  They also operate 8 congregate meal sites in Steuben County. All of the meals that they offer are dietician approved to meet the clients’ individual needs.   Jerry served approximately 112,000 meals last year with 25 paid staff and approximately 95-100 volunteers.  Jerry states that this program is vital for keeping seniors in their homes and provides a great service for them.

Before Jerry came to ProAction he worked in the restaurant business for over 20 years.  While there, he worked long hours and at least 6 days a week.  He decided he needed a change so that he could spend more time with his family and he wanted to make a difference to others.   Since he started working at ProAction, he has learned that they are always looking at new and different ways to operate.  They try to stay as efficient as possible so that they can keep the program available to their clients.  Jerry states that his favorite part of the job is the rewarding feeling he gets knowing that every day they have made a difference in someone’s life.   He also said that the biggest challenge for him is maintaining a consistent service level, in all areas that are remote, so clients can receive a quality product.

Currently his organization is working on finalizing the implementation of a complete new intake system, partnering with the OFA, United Way, and Corning Meals on Wheels.  This will help them become more modern and help with efficiencies.   Jerry is most proud of ProActon for their ability to adapt to every obstacle in operating.

Originally from Olean, NY but currently residing in Painted Post when Jerry is not working he enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, reading and anything else outdoors. 

This Nonprofit Professional in the Spotlight was written by Nicole Jordan of the Institute for Human Services, a non-profit management support organization founded in 1984. The Institute provides management support, information and referral, organizational development, research and technology services to planners, funders and providers serving the Southern Tier of New York State. For more information visit www.ihsnet.org.