Better OptionsTN
Executive Director
| Executive Director | Mr. Luis Sura |
|---|---|
| lsura@betteroptionstn.org | |
| Term Start | January 2015 |
| Luis's Experience: Luis has been in the United States since 1981 and became a US Citizen in 1991. Graduated from Baptist University of the Americas with a Bachelor's degree in Theology with Honors. Recognized as an ethical minister at Hardin Simmons. He was the first Hispanic to pray at the Martin Luther King event in Franklin, TN in 2019. Started 4 churches in Tennessee and 3 in Texas. In 2019, Better Options was the first to bring the opera to Latinos in Wiliamson County at the Williamson Performing Art Center. Worked with Graceworks Ministries for 3 years, and helped develop the Backpack Giveaway program and work with immigrants in the community. Luis was in charge of the Manger program at Graceworks for 12 years as a volunteer. Holds position with Leadership Franklin and involved with several non-profit boards including Mercy Clinc, United Williamson, David House, Neighborhood Health and served as a founding board member for the Homeless Alliance. He started Better Options TN to fill the gap where there was none to help immigrants and Hispanics in the community know where they can turn to for help. Better Options serves over 100 + clients a year with needs ranging from interpretation to Legal Services and Housing. Better Options TN is known as having the first Noche GALA in Middle TN. This GALA serves as a fundraiser and a means to connect Hispanic professionals with other professionals in their community. Works with a new program called Amigos which encourages professional Hispanics to get involved in their community. Helped develop an ELL program with CWJC now known as Begin Anew. Worked there for several years as program director for the men's site. Is a community leader with the Homeless Alliance, Franklin Community Development and holds a degree in Theology and Leadership. He also serves as the director for Jeremiah 29:7 which is a Homeless No More Program. He and his wife live in Franklin, TN and he is a minister at Franklin Community Church |
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Staff
| Full Time Staff | 1 |
|---|---|
| Part Time Staff | 1 |
| Volunteers | 5 |
| Contractors | 0 |
| Retention Rate | 80% |
Plans & Policies
| Does your organization have a Fundraising Plan? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Does your organization have a Strategic Plan? | Yes |
| Years Strategic Plan Considers | 2 |
| When was the Strategic Plan adopted? | January 2023 |
| Does your organization have a Management Succession Plan? | No |
| Does your organization have a Policy and Procedure Plan? | Under Development |
| Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy? | Yes |
| Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy? | No |
| Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy? | Yes |
Evaluation
| Is there a formal evaluation for... | Frequency (if applicable) | |
|---|---|---|
| CEO/Executive Director | Yes | Annually |
| Senior Management | Yes | Annually |
| Non-Management | Yes | Annually |
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| It was my goal to bring knowledge and a means for Hispanics in our community to turn to for help. Many of our clients will live in isolation as they don't feel comfortable reaching out for help. Better Options TN fills that gap and points our clients in the right direction to serve them and connect them with the community they live in. |
