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Staff Spotlight on Chaplain George Parks

A Life Committed to Serving Others

Before joining the Crossroads team in Cleveland as a Chaplain two years ago, George Parks was the pastor of vibrant church congregations for more than 40 years. Coming from a family with a strong connection to their faith, George said he lives “to serve others.”

George studied theology at the American Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his master’s degree and Doctor of Ministry at South University in Savannah, Georgia. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1992 with his family when he became the pastor of a new congregation. 

As a Crossroads Chaplain George no longer leads from a pulpit but he is overflowing with compassion and wisdom about life which he shares in more intimate settings with patients and their families. Now George visits patients daily, always carefully listening to their needs and offering “a ministry of presence.”

George Answers the Call

The responsibilities of a pastor and a chaplain are quite different, according to George. “As a Chaplain, you must be an active listener, hearing patients concerns and meeting their needs regardless of their theological beliefs or background.”

While serving people during a vulnerable time listening is key. “People have needs and when they call out those needs, they hope someone will hear and answer that call,” George said.

George is the father of two sons, who just happen to serve as church pastors. His oldest son currently preaches at the historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington D.C., with over 20 years of pastoral experience and his younger son just got married and serves as a congregational pastor in Kentucky.

“My parents were strong Christians who raised our family to go to church and commit to our faith but they never mandated us to enter the business,” George said. The same goes for his children. “When they chose to pursue careers as pastors that decision was entirely theirs.”

An Inspiration Early in Life

When his father passed away from cancer at 55, George was only 10 years old. “At that time, there was nothing I could do to help,” he said. “All through my life, I wanted to help somebody, anybody.” This is what keeps him passionate and inspired by his work as a Crossroads Chaplain each day.

“I love being part of a team of people who realize and understand the importance of end-of-life care," said George about his short time at Crossroads. “I have love for people, and I want to be able to meet their needs. I pray that I am a safe space for everyone to confide in.”

While George notes that at 65 years old his only hobby remains serving others, he also loves spending time with his wife of 55 years.

November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

Spin the Crossroads Wheel of Self-Care!

Self-care is “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease and cope with illness – with or without the support of a healthcare worker.” That’s the World Health Organization’s definition of self-care.

For professionals working in end-of-life care where roles can be physically and emotionally demanding, self-care is extremely important. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 46 percent of healthcare workers reported feeling burned out in 2022, which was up 32 percent from 2018. 

In recognition of National Hospice & Palliative Care Month this November, there’s no better time to take a spin on the Crossroads Wheel of Self-Care and think about what it truly takes to bring your best self to work each day. 

Remember, self-care is for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to perform it and it’s never too late to start caring for yourself.

Spin the Wheel: 16 Small Ways to Care for Yourself

This November, celebrate National Hospice & Palliative Month by caring for yourself. This is a way to honor yourself and the care you give to others. Take some time to spin the Crossroads Wheel of Self Care, pick your moment and give yourself a little of that same compassion you so generously share with others.

Watch out for Trick or Treaters!

Make Halloween Driving Safety a Priority

Like every day, including on Halloween, our Crossroads team members are out on the roadways logging miles when visiting clients where they reside to deliver end-of-life care. 

With Halloween, which is October 31, falling on a Saturday this year, many communities will be trick or treating tonight instead of tomorrow night.

Drivers should expect more pedestrians out this weekend, especially with the nice weather predicted. We urge them to be diligent about safe driving.

Halloween Safety Tips

Below are safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for driving during this weekend’s Halloween observances.

Safety Tips for Drivers

1. Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
2. Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
3. Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
4. If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

1. Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
2. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
3. If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

On Halloween and all the time, keep pedestrians safe by being vigilant about driving safely!