After a full career working for both Paris Regional Medical Center and Paris Junior College, Derald Bulls is a familiar face around town. His extensive community involvement and jovial personality has led to him serving Paris in many different capacities over the past 40 years. This includes his current involvement with Rotary club of Greater Paris, Lamar County Literacy council, and Lamar Avenue Church of Christ where he serves as an elder. With that same motivation to help others and help Paris, he has accepted CitySquare Paris’ Executive Director Position.
CitySquare Paris was established in 2017 with a mission to fight poverty through service, advocacy, and friendship. They offer case management and a day shelter for impoverished and homeless individuals with free showers and laundry facilities, water, coffee, snacks, a free clothes and toy closet, and staff that can offer connections to other community resources. CitySquare runs a mentoring program and a Teen Center, reaching over 200 local students. They also serve as a community activity center where other organizations can host their programming, including The City of Paris’ Summer Youth Camps, Paris ISD’s mobile library and summer feeding program, PJC’s Adult Education, Young Life, Girl Scouts, and several others.
CitySquare Paris is located at 2515 Bonham Street in the former Oak Park Methodist Church buildings. After the closing of Oak Park Methodist early this summer, their campus was transferred to First Methodist, who in turn voted to give CitySquare Paris access to the entire campus. While the Teen Center and youth programming utilize mainly the gym and kitchen area, the day shelter activities are held next door in the former church building.
Derald joins Laura Woodroof, CitySquare Paris’ Program Director, and two part-time staff members, Gary Savage and Aliza Tucker. “I’m honored to join the CitySquare staff in fighting poverty in Paris. They have established a presence in the community offering services not currently found anywhere else in Paris including free showers and the ability to wash and dry clothes among other services. I applaud the organization, Advisory Council and staff for the inroads they have made in the last four years and look forward to serving alongside this exceptional group of community servants and volunteers“, says Bulls.
“We have been searching for the right fit for our organization and could not be more excited to add Derald to our team,” Maggie Kerby, CitySquare’s Advisory Council Chair said. “Our board has full confidence in his proven leadership and the resounding respect he has from our community. Derald’s addition to our organization comes at a critical time as we see needs in our community growing more than ever.”
For more information about CitySquare Paris or to see about donating, volunteering or service opportunities, you may contact dbulls@citysquare.org or (903) 706 – 2990.
