Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Mareske.
Hi Dave, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hollis started with an idea of creating a time and place apart to encounter God in our lives. The original property, donated by the Hollis Family in 1972, was near the junction of K7 and K10 in Olathe. With development encroaching, the land was sold in 1986 and the current property, a former Camp Fire Camp, was purchased in 1988. Today, Hollis is a busy, vibrant, hosting ministry that welcomes all to spend time in nature to refresh and renew lives spent in our busy culture. Hollis has over 150 acres, five miles of hiking trails, several day retreat spaces for individuals and small groups, and overnight accommodations for individuals and families. Volunteering is critical to Hollis’ success. Hollis hosts a weekly Thursday morning volunteer group and works with scouting programs, church groups and individuals to complete a wide variety of projects. Finally, Hollis does not require fees to use our space. We invite those that use our land and buildings to share in the caretaking, both with cleaning, maintaining and contributing financially to tomorrow’s welcome. We share in the responsibility of setting the table for the guest.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In 2001 the Hollis Board moved from a part-time director to full-time. This was a big financial leap for the organization, but one that we eventually grew into and now are contemplating adding additional staff. COVID had its own struggles as our Lodge sat vacant for many months, but it turned out hiking a trail was the perfect social distancing activity.
Finances are always a struggle for a small non-profit,
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). I have a masters in theology. None of which helps prepare me to run a small business. However, it does allow me to have those theological conversations with our guests about their journey of faith. I have been set in a place of great diversity as our guests at Hollis come from all different walks of faith, or no faith at all. I have been able to create a place where all feel welcome.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I read a lot of books. Most of the books I read are trying to understand the world in which we live and the policies that make up our life together. Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, is a current book I am reading. I also read or listen to historian Heather Cox Richardson.
At work, I do a lot of listening to our guests and what struggles and concerns they might have. I then try to follow up on those related topics if I can. I do a fair amount of continuing education through Non-Profit Connect, the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, local community college or theological education.
Pricing:
- Hollis is a donation for use center.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holliscenter.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollisRenewalCenter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemareske
