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FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — After 28 years at the helm, Jim Baker is preparing to step down as president of Navajo Ministries Inc.
The Daily Times reports (http://bit.ly/1A5WELC ) that current Vice President Eric Fisher will take over after May 1.
Navajo Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit that includes the Four Corners Home for Children, the Navajo Ministries School, KNMI Vertical Radio and Navajo Nation Outreach.
Baker and his wife, Kay, moved from Pennsylvania to Farmington 40 years ago to work as house parents at the Home for Children, the nonprofit's largest program. Both Bakers will stay on as part-time co-directors after May.
"Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years," Baker said, with a laugh during an interview Friday at Navajo Ministries. "I wouldn't say we wandered, but we definitely saw the wonders."
Fisher will be the nonprofit's third president since its start in 1953. He said he hopes to expand the children's home to add more beds. Currently the home can take in 28 children. A fourth home would allow them to take in 10 more. Fischer also hopes to add a Navajo heritage museum to the property to raise awareness for the organization's work, as well as for the Navajo culture.
Children are placed at the home either by family members or by Navajo or state social services. Their stay can be anywhere from days to years. Many are leaving neglect or trauma.
"When the children come to us, they have nothing," Fisher said.
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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com
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