Tina Grubbs an agent for agencies
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Tina Grubbs is executive director of Bartow Collaborative.
SKIP BUTLER/The Daily Tribune News
In the world of Tina Grubbs, helping facilitate various agencies to come together to serve the community of Bartow County is all part of a day’s work. A native of Bartow County, the Rydal resident serves as executive director of the Bartow Collaborative.
“The collaborative facilitates conversation among churches, the school systems, nonprofits, state and local agencies, the business sector and the public,” Grubbs said. “Although we don’t provide a direct service to children and families, we provide a support system and a place to share ideas, programs and resource for those agencies and individuals that do. The collaborative is to the nonprofits what the chamber of commerce is to the business sector.”
Title: Executive director of the Bartow Collaborative.
Residence: I have lived in Rydal for the past two years.
Family: I’m married to Geoff Grubbs, pastor at Pine Log United Methodist Church and a mother of three girls; Bri, a junior at Gordon College; Victoria, a junior at Adairsville High School; and Amelia, who will be a forth-grader at Cartersville Elementary. Geoff and I have served in the North Georgia Conference since 1998 and have been married for almost 20 years. Cooper (the dog) and Ziggy (the cat) keep watch.
Education: I attended Georgia Southern University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Q: How long have you been with the collaborative and what drew you to this line of work?
I have worked with Bartow Collaborative, the local Family Connection, for seven months; actively been involved as a volunteer with the Georgia Family Connection Partnership for 14 years in three previous communities.
When I was in fifth grade, I joined 4-H and soon became involved in community service projects. My parents, extension agents and home economics teachers encouraged me to pursue a degree in family development and as my career began to take shape, I realized the nonprofit field was a perfect fit.
Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked with quite a few nonprofits and each position has been grant funded. Risky as it may sound, I’ve never regretted a day. I believe God has blessed me with the ability to facilitate, lead and motivate to further enhance communities. I still have a lot of work to do.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working with the collaborative?
I love connecting the dots, putting pieces of the puzzle together, and opening doors for people and programs. I really get energized when someone’s idea begins to formulate and take shape. Momentum builds and before long, excitement gives way to people donating time and resources to a great cause. One of my favorite projects was rebuilding a home for a family of eight in Winder, all with volunteers, donations and love. It took 20 months from beginning to end and it was a first for everyone in the community.
Q: What is your greatest achievement?
Personally, giving birth to my children. Professionally, leading the development of a nonprofit in the community where I grew up in as a child.
Q: What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I don’t like to swim in the ocean, but I love to cruise the ocean — it’s God’s gift!
Q: Where is your favorite place to be in Bartow?
The top of any mountain. I most love the view when walking along East Valley in the fall or during a snow.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant or favorite food?
My favorite food is Italian, however I love Larry’s Giant Subs. It reminds me of Daddy’s Deli, a hometown sub shop I grew up with in Winder.
Q: What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Goal oriented, ethical and a passionate communicator.
Q: How do you like to spend your spare time?
On a cruise ship — that’s where I’m most relaxed. Since that’s not possible every day, I enjoy sitting outside with a cup of coffee. There’s something peaceful about mornings in Pine Log. My favorite time of the year though is fall. I love the outdoor chimney — a very special gift from my husband.
Q: Do you have a personal philosophy?
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” — Winston Churchill.